Self Love? #281

Self-love is a popular teaching within the church.It is said, we need to learn to love ourselves before we can love God. Self esteem taught in our schools bolsters this notion.

But look at what the Bible says, "Let each esteem other[s] better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). That's just the opposite. The Bible continually warns against thinking too highly of ourselves. Rather, we are to esteem others more highly than ourselves. This does not mean we are to be doormats under the feet of others. Far from it. Instead, we are to put others first. We are to allow others the better place at the table and the better seats at the ball game. We are not to have a ‘me first’ attitude.

If you think too highly of yourself, if you are selfish, then you might neglect your responsibilities. You may think the work you have been assigned is beneath your dignity, so the assigned tasks go undone. What's the result? You get bad grades. You are reprimanded by your parents. You don't get the raise you were wanting. You feel bad.

But if you see the needs of others as more important than your own, you are more likely to work hard in order to accomplish assigned tasks. Then, when you complete your work, you'll feel good. Try it; you'll like it.

If you're interested, there is more information about:
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Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow. Voice message and free tapes: 1-800-777-0389 [USA] Or order your free tapes online. Visit Dr. Prutow's site.