While this issue may be very real for many, I think there's a different way to consider dealing with esteem.
If you're a Christian you can have ...God esteem!
Just think about it. The one true living God created you and loves you.
When I wrap my mind around that and realize that it's all about His grace and mercy and I've done nothing to deserve it ...I'm absolutely amazed!
Self-esteem? No way. I don't need to puff myself up and tell myself how good I am. I certainly didn't deserve to be saved and loved by God. But He sent His Son to this earth to pay for my sins. And all I did was ...receive this free gift of salvation.
He loves me (and you) that much. Isn't that special?
And because of that I have ...true freedom.
Not freedom as the world suggests. But peace with God. I don't have to try to gain His approval.
Because of all He's done for me, I have such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love. I want to give myself fully to Him in response.
Listen to this love letter I read this morning entitled "My Princess ..Walk in My Confidence". It's from Sheri Rose Shepherd's book His Princess: Love Letters from your King:
I don't know about you but I had to read that letter several times. It just blesses me so much."I know the world whispers in your ear that what you possess defines who you are, and what you look like determines your worth. This is a lie, My love. The generations to come will never remember you for the things you accumulate or the efforts you placed in your appearance. In fact, the harder you strive to collect more things and to perfect your image, the more insecure you will be about who you are and why you are here. I am in you and you are in Me. I will give you all that you need. Now go and walk through your world in the confidence that I've uniquely equipped you with all you need to impact the lives of those around you forever!
Love,
Your King and your Confidence

(photo credit: Prevention)
Yes, we're all shaped differently. And we need to take proper care of our bodies as we are temples of the Holy Spirit. But it's about establishing a healthy lifestyle. We are free in Christ but we shouldn't use food or laziness as an excuse to indulge our flesh over and over again.
Just think about this.
Almighty God loves you and knows everything about you and ...He still loves you.
You've heard the expression "God makes no junk."
Well, you're special because of ...who you belong to.
You can have God esteem. Isn't that better than self-esteem?
Which would you rather have?
BTW, don't forget to hop over to Sandy's God Speaks Today for more Fitness Friday. She always has great stuff to share in her typical Sandy humor that I love. And Sarah of All Pain No Gain is joining us too so go check out her blog post too.
I would much rather have God esteem.
ReplyDeleteGod esteem! definitely way too better than self esteem.
ReplyDeleteGod's self esteem is indeed better than man self esteem. Doylene
ReplyDeleteDebbie, this post was great. I wish I had the time to go into all that is on my heart here, but I am in such a hurry. But God esteem is what is all about. I too LOVE that letter!! In fact, I may copy it and put it somewhere on my blog so I can read it everyday. Thanks so much for sharing it. Have a wonderful day. Blessings, Deb
ReplyDeleteI totally love that letter....wow. SO powerful. Thanks for posting it!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about you and praying for you, friend :)
I just love your faith and passion for Christ.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs,
Kate
A great reminder, Debbie, that it's high Christ esteem we long for and not works we can do to achieve anything. I like that letter, too, because it reminds me I have everything I need from the Lord to affect my surroundings. What a savior; what a Lord! He equipts us and gives us the opportunies! Can't get better than that.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mary
Thanks Debbie for the wonderful reminder of Who my esteem is truly to rest upon - HIM! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love the love letter!! Needed it today!
Sweet Blessings!
Jackie
This is my kind of post. :) You are speaking my language about our true worth. Preach it loud. Because I've been caught in the worldly trap and found it so dead, I appreciate GOD's esteem so much. It is true freedom. Thank you for posting this important message. Love the Princess Letter.
ReplyDeleteHugs from Colorado!
You've got this totally right, Debbie! Love that letter! Our esteem does center around God's view of us, not the world's, not even our family members, but Him alone. My little granddaughter has just received this truth into her heart, and its making a world of difference in how she handles friends at school, and even family members in her own home...she now says this often If God is for me, who can be against me"...that's great God esteem in action!
ReplyDeleteI also am with you on taking care of ourselves as a testimony of our Christian walk. Do you know about Dani's Christmas Crunch Challenge? If you're interested, email me for the details.
God bless,
Mary
God-esteem roots from a place of perfection unlike our self-esteem which roots from a place of "not quite good-enough."
ReplyDeleteGreat teaching, Debbie, both for the physical heart and most importantly for our spiritual well-being.
Happy Sabbath rest to you this weekend.
peace~elaine
"God-esteem" all the way!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sharing dear sister.
That letter was perfect. I will be copying & holding onto that. Beautiful post... as usual!
ReplyDeleteI once taught a Bible study on this very topic and that's what I told the ladies...you don't need self-esteem because you have God-esteem. I need to remind myself of that now as I'm struggling through a little valley of doubt about myself and God's plan for me.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Debbie. Every time I start to feel too confident in my own abilities, God finds a loving way to humble me and remind me that it's all by Him through Him and for Him that I exist. Takes a lot of pressure off this "recovering perfectionist."
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Sandy
Haven't dropped by in awhile, but I'm glad I caught this one. Really enjoyed the love letter from the King. Good post, thank-you.
ReplyDeleteThis is the second time I've read that Love letter in a week. Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteGod esteem, I like that way of thinking.
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