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What Others See
In so many societies, a person’s worth is determined by their talents, gifts, appearance, and so forth. We do look at outward appearance (1 Sam. 16:7); after all, that’s all we can see. Thus, our concept of self often is shaped by the reaction others display, based on their outward observation of us. If everyone tells you that you are pretty, you will be more likely to view yourself as pretty.
But there always is much more to each of us than meets the eye. Individuals experiencing poor self-esteem need to think in terms of personal traits or attributes that are of true value and not necessarily what the world values, because so often what the world values is of no value to God.
What are the things that your society and culture place so much value on? How important do you think those things are to God?
There may be exceptions, but most societies tend to place excessive value in outward, observable features. However, other traits, such as honesty, kindness, temperance, or firm commitment to principles and ideals, tend to occupy secondary places.
How does gender/class/nationality prejudice affect people's self-esteem? What should be the Christian's aim in terms of prejudice and discrimination? Gal. 3:28.
The effects of prejudice are devastating on self-esteem and performance. As Christians, we should be making a concentrated effort to uplift and encourage others, regardless of their background.
In 2 Samuel 9, there is the story of Mephibosheth, who could have been the target of retaliation by David. No wonder he showed fear, fell on his face to the ground, and called himself “a dead dog.” He was also crippled. There is no doubt that the restoration of the family property, the reassignment of servants, and the honors granted brought to Mephibosheth an extra measure of self-worth. The influence that people have on others’ self-esteem is extremely powerful. More than we realize, we have the ability to shape others’ self-concept through words, actions, and even how we look at them.
How careful, or careless, are you with how you impact the self-esteem of others? Think about your closest relationships. How can you help build up these people as opposed to tearing them down?
| TUESDAY | February 22 |
In so many societies, a person’s worth is determined by their talents, gifts, appearance, and so forth. We do look at outward appearance (1 Sam. 16:7); after all, that’s all we can see. Thus, our concept of self often is shaped by the reaction others display, based on their outward observation of us. If everyone tells you that you are pretty, you will be more likely to view yourself as pretty.
But there always is much more to each of us than meets the eye. Individuals experiencing poor self-esteem need to think in terms of personal traits or attributes that are of true value and not necessarily what the world values, because so often what the world values is of no value to God.
What are the things that your society and culture place so much value on? How important do you think those things are to God?
There may be exceptions, but most societies tend to place excessive value in outward, observable features. However, other traits, such as honesty, kindness, temperance, or firm commitment to principles and ideals, tend to occupy secondary places.
How does gender/class/nationality prejudice affect people's self-esteem? What should be the Christian's aim in terms of prejudice and discrimination? Gal. 3:28.
The effects of prejudice are devastating on self-esteem and performance. As Christians, we should be making a concentrated effort to uplift and encourage others, regardless of their background.
In 2 Samuel 9, there is the story of Mephibosheth, who could have been the target of retaliation by David. No wonder he showed fear, fell on his face to the ground, and called himself “a dead dog.” He was also crippled. There is no doubt that the restoration of the family property, the reassignment of servants, and the honors granted brought to Mephibosheth an extra measure of self-worth. The influence that people have on others’ self-esteem is extremely powerful. More than we realize, we have the ability to shape others’ self-concept through words, actions, and even how we look at them.
How careful, or careless, are you with how you impact the self-esteem of others? Think about your closest relationships. How can you help build up these people as opposed to tearing them down?
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