Low self esteem and the Christian: Accepting the greatness in others and yourself

One of the common scriptures that is heard within Christendom is found in Psalms 139:14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

It’s a simple scripture really. A scripture that exalts the excellency of person-hood. That there is a duality to the craftsmanship that is you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

“I was naked and I hid myself.”

Often however we do not feel that way. It is easy in our American culture to compare ourselves with one another, and as such determine, we are not good enough.

“Who told thee that thou was naked?”

Low self esteem comes ultimately from someone telling us that we are lacking in some way. (Yes I know you can tell yourself. But you have to receive a message that something’s wrong with you external from you. You have to compare yourself against something.)

I’d argue that low self esteem is the result of fear that we are insufficient, inadequate–that we are simply lacking in some manner. When we experience this fear we hide who we truly are. We cover ourselves with the trappings of the others, and create false masks, to beautify what we now perceive as inadequacies.

I remember growing up feeling that I was too small. Being a grown man and thinking that I was not smart enough. Often times I saw myself and others putting others down, to make myself look good. But in the course of time when you spend time with God, you read scriptures like this.

“…round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” Rev 4:4

Reading scriptures like this makes me realize that God is not intimidated by other’s royalty. Why should he be, He is the author of royalty.  He is the King of Kings. I have found myself saying that realizing, I don’t have to be the smartest guy in the room. I am in the room because I AM smart. I’ve learned over the years that it’s OK to be one king among many. That your sufficiency in one area does not have to abase my own. There are billions of stars in the sky, and each is brilliant in its own way. Each makes its impact on its environment.

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Rev 4:10

Discussions about “who is the greatest” simply misses the point. You are a King, You can feel comfortable bowing before the one true King and placing your crown before him. I’ve learned that no one can beat me at being me. Nor is it necessary for me to lift myself up to make others look bad. To just walk in my own royalty. Learn what makes me unique. I figure when God made you, he recognized the world needed that extra something that was you.

Jesus the greatest king with all his power, and authority thought it nothing to take up a towel and wipe the grime off his followers feet.

Can you accept the greatness in others, and marvel at how fearfully and wonderfully made each person is? Or are you a star jealous that you are not like other stars?  I’ll just be content to let my own little light shine.

Something to think about.