Self-esteem: How Important is It?

Self-esteem is how we perceive ourselves in relation to those around us and our how we fit into our world. Many people disregard the importance of self-esteem; just as I did for many years. It does, however, play a large role in how we feel about ourselves and the value we place on our purpose. I recall when I had very low self-esteem, and how it so negatively impacted my life.

I walked around with my eyes down-cast most of the time. I feared to look directly into the eyes of another for fear they would see my worthlessness. I kept my opinions to myself, certain they were fool hearted, and I would be ridiculed for them. A bleak existence to say the least.

Having reached a point in my life where I found myself alone and lonely, and believed myself to not be worthy of anyone's help or attention, I looked to my faith for help. I cast my cares and impressions of my self-worth to my creator; looking for a reason for my unworthiness. This is what I learned about myself through that process.

I wasn't worthless by any stretch of the imagination. If God cares and provides for the smallest of creatures, surely he cares for me; just as He does you. My opinions may not always be right or even prolific, but they are part of my make up; and I am entitled to them just as you are to yours. And, my timid body language was the result of my own misconceptions of my worth rather than God's acknowledgment of the truly valuable creation I am.

Self-esteem is important in that it is our way of ranking ourselves amongst our family and peers. When we have low-self esteem we run the risk of falling prey to all sorts of lies Satan would have us believe about ourselves, and we face the possibility of missing out on all that God has in store for our lives.

We aren't good enough; therefore we don't deserve to be treated with respect. We are useless; therefore we are better off alone and lonely. We are stupid and no one wants to listen to us; therefore we shouldn't reach out for help. I cringe when I think of the years I wasted because I bought into these fallacies. Satan is also wise enough to plant falsehoods in the minds of those with high self-esteem.

We are so much better than others; therefore we don't need to waste our time on them. They'll never be as wise or capable as we are; therefore we shouldn't even associate with them. Though I've never suffered from high self-esteem, I have known someone on a personal level who did.

High and low self-esteem is fertile soil in which Satan sows his seeds of misinformation. I am grateful to God that He has shown me the way to a healthy level of self-esteem.

I can now recognize my strengths and weaknesses and find the value in each. I can engage in functional relationships. I can now accept rejection as something that doesn't possess the ability to define my existence.

We all possess self-esteem. The goal is to find a healthy level in which to view yourself; and God is the best guide for getting there.