RETHINKING SELF-WORTH (8 OF 9)
by Eddie Snipes
Scripture: Jude 1:20-21
This content is part of a series.
Rethinking Self-Worth (8 of 9)
Series: Help! I Think I’ve Committed the Unpardonable Sin Why the Cross Makes This Impossible
Eddie Snipes
Jude 1:20-21
The problem with self-help books is that they try to persuade us to believe something about us that we doubt is true. At the heart of self-help ideology is the same problem that we find in legalism and other forms of religion. It is focused on self.
Since self-help is self-focused, it depends on the ability of self-deception. People who see their own flaws go to motivational tapes and self-help books in an attempt to convince themselves to believe the mirage of so-called confidence boosters. They are trying to learn how to distance themselves from what they already believe is true - namely, that they are lacking in value.
When I was younger, a very attractive woman criticized her appearance. She said, ''Look at my nose. It makes me look ugly.'' She saw a flaw that no one else could see. This is even more true when it comes to our character flaws. You and I can see weaknesses in ourselves that others cannot see.
I'll let you in on a little secret. If you try to find self-worth or a positive self-identity by looking at yourself, you will fall short. It's no coincidence that most mental health issues have a self-identity crisis at the heart. The people with the lowest self-confidence are the ones who become the most angry when they feel insulted or slighted. They may project a façade of confidence, but they are standing on very fragile egos. Anyone who bases their worth on their ego - or self-identity, is on a fragile foundation.
Almost as fragile is the person whose self-identity is based on the acceptance of another person of flesh. Every person has been created with an inner need of belonging. Friendship, love, and other relationships build our sense of belonging. But what if someone is not loved by the person they want to be connected to? Whether it's a close friend, or a romantic relationship ...
Series: Help! I Think I’ve Committed the Unpardonable Sin Why the Cross Makes This Impossible
Eddie Snipes
Jude 1:20-21
The problem with self-help books is that they try to persuade us to believe something about us that we doubt is true. At the heart of self-help ideology is the same problem that we find in legalism and other forms of religion. It is focused on self.
Since self-help is self-focused, it depends on the ability of self-deception. People who see their own flaws go to motivational tapes and self-help books in an attempt to convince themselves to believe the mirage of so-called confidence boosters. They are trying to learn how to distance themselves from what they already believe is true - namely, that they are lacking in value.
When I was younger, a very attractive woman criticized her appearance. She said, ''Look at my nose. It makes me look ugly.'' She saw a flaw that no one else could see. This is even more true when it comes to our character flaws. You and I can see weaknesses in ourselves that others cannot see.
I'll let you in on a little secret. If you try to find self-worth or a positive self-identity by looking at yourself, you will fall short. It's no coincidence that most mental health issues have a self-identity crisis at the heart. The people with the lowest self-confidence are the ones who become the most angry when they feel insulted or slighted. They may project a façade of confidence, but they are standing on very fragile egos. Anyone who bases their worth on their ego - or self-identity, is on a fragile foundation.
Almost as fragile is the person whose self-identity is based on the acceptance of another person of flesh. Every person has been created with an inner need of belonging. Friendship, love, and other relationships build our sense of belonging. But what if someone is not loved by the person they want to be connected to? Whether it's a close friend, or a romantic relationship ...
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