Self-esteem is a realistic respect for or a favourable opinion of one self; confidence in one’s own worth or abilities. As the word denotes, this should come from within one’s self hence the word self esteem. Often times we seek to be esteemed by others and we do everything to please and win everyone’s favour. There is no better esteem than that coming from within one’s self. That is why the Bible is asking us to love others as we love ourselves. I remember my youngest daughter when she was around 2 or 3years old and when people would come up to her and say, “you are really beautiful” she would innocently reply, “I know”. She was confident that she was beautiful and didn’t need anyone to confirm that.
But often times we prefer to love other people, for who they are or what they portray. Instead of highly esteeming ourselves, we self pity ourselves feeling that we would be better off if only we were different or if we had what others have, whether it’s their physical traits, social ranking or even professional status. For a teenager or young woman, this can be a stumbling block especially with all changes she undergoes emotionally as she goes through different stages of life. These changes which are physical and emotional leave little room for self-esteem.
While for mature women the struggles may not be beauty, it may be career challenges or feeling they are not capable enough. You should however, look yourself in the mirror and see what God your Heavenly Father sees, and draw your esteem from Him. He sees how precious you are in His eyes and He lovingly wants to help you in whatever aspect of your life. So you can lean on Him for support. Don’t forget, your self esteem should not only come from within you but most importantly from God your heavenly father.
We have such a great value in His eyes not because of what we have done with our lives but because of what He has done in our lives. God has put His value in our lives and that is why we have become valuable. Like the donkey Jesus rode in His triumphal entry to Jerusalem in Mat 21:7-10. It had led a quiet, uninterested life up until the moment Jesus mounted it. And then all of a sudden as it entered Jerusalem people were singing praises, laying palm branches for it to tread on and it was pure celebration. The donkey was amazed how suddenly it had become famous but little did it know it was not because of itself, but because of Him that sat on it; Jesus of Nazareth.
Your self esteem should not be because of the designer outfit you are wearing, the car you are drive or even your social status but because God sees you are priceless in His eyes.