Philippians 2:3 “let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” [KJV]
The word Esteem means to set a value on. When the word self-esteem is used, a person is viewing their self-worth.
There are basically two kinds of self-esteem:
- High / good self-esteem
- Low / bad self esteem
When a person has a positive value of themselves, they feel worthwhile, secure in who they are, and feel confident in their abilities.
When a person has a negative value of themselves, they feel insecure and may have a lack of confidence in their talents or abilities.
The way a person thinks about themselves will have a lot to do with the type of self-esteem they have.
A person’s thoughts will lead their thinking to an idea or opinion about themselves or what is around them.
Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.” [NKJV]
What happens around someone can have an effect on how a person may think. What happens on the outside can conform a person’s thoughts to being like what is going on around them. This outward expression does not always reflect what is happening on the inside. This can lead to someone having low self-esteem about themselves.
When a person’s thoughts are focused on being transformed, a change happens that comes from the inside and can be seen on the outside. This transformation will happen when a person allows the Holy Spirit to change their thinking or thoughts.
Romans 12:1,2 and 3 “I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Vs 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Vs 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
Having good self-esteem about yourself is healthy thinking, but a person has to be cautious to not allow it to lead to a “I’m better than ego.”
1 Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”
Father in heaven, may your people be mindful of who they are and whose they are in Jesus name…Amen!
Continuing in His service…Rev
