Christ Esteem
This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls Christ Esteem: Where the Search for Self-esteem Ends by Don Matzat from the shelf.
The concept of self-esteem apparently has its origins in the 18th century, first expressed in the writings of David Hume, the Scottish Enlightenment thinker. He indicated that it is important to value and think well of yourself because it serves as a motivational function that enables people to explore their full potential.
Then in the mid-1960s, came the emergence of the modern self-esteem movement with the myriad of philosophers and psychologists joining the cause. So, the concept of man’s need for self-esteem has been with us for over 244 years and formally a part of our culture since the 60’s. Yet, according to some of the latest statistics from 2017, 85% of people suffer from low self-esteem.
The underlying idea of the movement was that low self-esteem is the root of problems for individuals, making it the root of all societal problems and dysfunctions. Popular thinking tells us the answers to our problems lie inside ourselves; Jesus tells us something totally different.
People today are desperately looking inward, trying to find the answers to life’s difficult questions. Many of us have looked and still come up short. Instead of providing answers, the question seems to only add to our confusion. So, come be a part as pastor and author, Don Matzat, responds to the search for self-knowledge with a startling, yet solid, biblical truth: What we need is Christ-esteem, not self-esteem!