Hope Road

The Cure for Low Self-Esteem

Here’s a comforting excerpt from John Piper’s sermon “Discern What Pleases God: Himself” at the New Attitude conference:

“Don’t waste your life trying to look good. Spend your life making God look good! That’s why you were made! And you know, the weakest among you, the most homely, have perhaps the greatest chance to do that. The rest of you are too good-looking. You distract people.”

I love this. I know this was said in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way, but isn’t it true that God uses the low and despised things more quickly for His own glory? (This topic is discussed at further length in the sermon.)

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Cor. 1:26-29)

If you’re struggling with what the world calls “low self-esteem,” whether it’s about appearance or something else, remember: God can use a lack of what is culturally considered beautiful, or smart, or strong, to bring even more glory to Himself. And that’s far better than anything else we could ask for.

3 Comments to The Cure for Low Self-Esteem

hannah michelle
June 26, 2007

What a truthful reminder…”Don’t waste your life trying to look good. Spend your life making God look good!” Wow, how much of the time I waste on myself, instead of putting God first.

Keep up the good work! Thanks for the comments on my blog! I appreciate you stopping by.

Delightful Way » Blog Archive » On My Mind 6/26
June 26, 2007

[...] View: Anna identifies the cure for when you feel bad about [...]

Ndidi
November 6, 2007

Thanks for this exhortation!

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