Whether you have high self-esteem (love yourself) or low self-esteem (hate yourself) you’re still a lover of self. Whether it be in a positive way or a negative way, you’re still wrapped up in yourself.
Jesus did not advocate self love (self righteousness). In fact, He taught AGAINST the love of self, and instead taught the DENYING of self. (Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23, Mark 8:34) Paul counted all things that were a gain for him, a loss for Christ, and considered all of his achievements dung. (Philippians 3:7-8, Romans 7:18) 2 Timothy 3:2 tells us that in the end days, men will be lovers of themselves, which reaffirms that the love of self is a negative thing.
So why does the Bible teach so much against the love of self? For the same reason that Christ died on the cross. Like Paul said, in our flesh dwelleth no good thing. Without Christ, we are merely sinners in need of a Savior. But BECAUSE of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are now the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) A righteousness that is not of ourselves, but of Christ.
SO WHO DO WE ESTEEM IF NOT OURSELVES? The answer is simple: Christ. When we esteem Christ and dis-esteem ourselves, Christ is magnified and glorified. There are MANY scriptures that talk about glorifying God (1 Cor. 6:20, Matthew 5:16, Psalms 86:9 & 12, Romans 15:6, 1 Peter 4:16, and too many more to count.) We were created to praise Him, otherwise the rocks would. (Luke 19:40) We were never meant to be the objects of worship; that belongs to the Most High.
So, friends, let us praise our Father in Heaven continually. Let us magnify His name as only He deserves. And let us never forget the price that was paid that WE may be considered the righteousness of Christ, because of His great love for us.
-Stephanie
“While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” (Psalms 146:2 KJV)
“I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.” (Psalms 7:17 KJV)
“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.” (Psalms 69:30 KJV)
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” (Psalms 98:4 KJV)
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 KJV)
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