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Posted on Feb 22, 2019 by Mike LeDuke

But what about self-esteem?

If the essence of humility is being broken and recognizing that we are weak, then where does self-esteem fit into our lives? 

Perhaps the blatant Biblical answer is that it doesn’t. 

Instead, God wants humility. He wants people who recognize their weakness, and in that recognition, turn to Him and look to Him for strength.

Just consider the way in which the Lord Jesus describes it:

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

What would happen to a branch, regardless of how much self-esteem and self-confidence it had, if it were removed from its vine?

So it is with us: apart from me you can do nothing. 

But, God isn’t looking for a bunch of people who just think they are weaklings. Remember what we saw with Moses. It was God who made man’s mouth––God could take Moses and He could do glorious things with him! Think about how the apostle Paul saw himself:

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” 1 Timothy 1:15

Paul recognized his weakness and his failings. But he didn’t stop there:

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

This isn’t self-confidence. This is God-confidence. And that’s what God is looking for. He wants sons and daughters who acknowledge where they came from––who see their own weakness and what they would be without the Lord Jesus Christ.

But at the same time, He wants sons and daughters who believe in His power. Because that power is real. That’s not to say that He will always perform miracles on behalf––He isn’t bound to fulfill our prayers (Daniel 3:17-18). 

But if He has commanded us to do a task––like to spread the gospel throughout the world––He will ensure that this task is fulfilled, despite our weakness. In that we can be confident. Nothing, not even that which seems impossible and insurmountable, can stand in His way.

“Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” Psalm 60:11-12

Jason Hensley