Self-Concepts
in the Light of God's Word

We hear much about healthy self-image today. Here are some thoughts from God's Word about how we should view ourselves.

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).

"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself" (Galatians 6:3).

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3).

"And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh...? And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent.... And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses" (Exodus 3:11; 4:10,14).

"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:23,24).

From these verses we may conclude:

1. My natural tendency is to think more about myself than is wise, to have inflated views about my abilities, to think my ideas are best, to judge experiences as to how they affect me personally.

2. The consuming passion of my life should be to bring glory to God. That focus is the best thing I can do to have healthy self-concepts.

3. Self-depreciation that keeps us from responding to the Lord's will or from responsibility He gives us is self-centered just as surely as self-exaltation.

4. Self-centeredness in all its forms is displeasing to the Lord.

5. It is healthy for me to appreciate the abilities of others and to focus on their needs, rather than to be absorbed in myself.

6. My significance with God is not based on wealthy or status among people, but only on how well I know Him and whether I live for His glory.

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