A litmus test for determining if someone is suffering from low self-esteem and self-worth is how quickly they become angry and retaliate when they feel they have been treated unfairly. It is believed that those suffering from low self-esteem or self-worth are quick to defend and retaliate. What is the remedy for low self-esteem? How can we be assured of self-worth?
We are continuing our examination of the Life of Christ and others from the perspective of Living in a Crucible.
Symbolically, a crucible is the fiery trials we experience as we grow and develop.
Crucibles are painful, they are uncomfortable, and they hurt, but they are beneficial in developing our character.
From the Sabbath School Adult Bible Study Guide 2022 Quarter 3: Sabbath.School
See also Hope Sabbath School and 3ABN Sabbath School
Inviting the Holy Spirit’s Presence
Heavenly Father, the sure way to understanding what is written in your Book, the Bible, is that you grant it. Thus, we invite your presence through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name Amen.
You have heard it, especially in the workplace, he or she is proud, pushy, arrogant, overbearing, mean, self-righteous. Often those who appear to be the most proud, the most arrogant, the most pushy are those suffering from low self-esteem.
In their heart of hearts, they don’t really like who they are or what they represent. Their pride is their mask. Their arrogance and pride, their lack of meekness or humility is a cover up.
No, Not like the covid mask, this mask most likely exists unconsciously for something lacking deep inside of them. They use this “mask” of pride to hide their true self. Unconsciously they are hoping no one will see who they really are and recognize that they are missing something inside.
What is the remedy? The remedy for low self-esteem and low self-worth is the remedy we all need.
We all need to feel safe, feel that we have worth, and feel accepted. And in times of stress, when we are in a crucible, we need these things even more.
On Maslow’s hierarchy of needs these are considered basic needs. When these needs are not meet there can be no fulfillment.
These needs cannot be obtained externally through wealth and possession, nor can they be obtained through external relationships. These needs can only be met through a connection with Jesus.
A person with a humble heart, or heart with no pride, is not the one who is weak. It is quite the opposite. We have been fooled. We have been made to believe that pride is an indication of our strength.
But the most powerful proof that someone is strong is their connection to Jesus. Their connection is manifested in meekness and humility.
When we are connected to Jesus, the Solid Rock, we are strong. We are solid as a rock. We can stand on this Rock and we are not to be afraid. Jesus our Rock fulfill our needs for safety, worth and acceptance.
In short, meekness and humility are far from being attributes of weakness. Meekness and humility are the most powerful manifestation of a person who is strong and firmly grounded on the Solid Rock Jesus.
King David had a heart of meekness and humility. Hear what he says in Psalm 62:1–8 about where he gets his feeling of safety, worth and acceptance.
1 Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, But they curse inwardly. Selah (Split)
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalms 62:1-8)
It sounds like David was solid as a rock. He stood on the Solid Rock. (Split)
Yes, it is true people “Without just cause people will become our enemies. Our motives as the people of God will be misinterpreted, not only by the world, but by those in our own ranks. Those who are servants of God will be put in hard places, crucibles. A mountain will be made a molehill to justify pursuing a selfish, unrighteous course toward them.
By misrepresentation, these innocent individuals will be made to look dishonest because of circumstances beyond their control which made their work look puzzling. They will be pointed to as men that cannot be trusted. And this will be done by individuals professing to be people of God. Therefore, God’s true servants must arm themselves with the mind of Christ. They must not expect to escape insult and misjudgment. They will be called enthusiasts and fanatics. But let them not become discouraged. God’s hands are on the wheel of His providence, guiding His work to the glory of His name.”—Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 177. Adapted
Our enemies may triumph. They may speak lying words, and their slandering tongue frame slander, deceit, guile; yet will we not be moved. We know in whom we believe. We have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Jesus knows us. . . . A reckoning day is coming and all will be judged according to the deeds that are done in the body. . . .
It is true the world is dark. Opposition may wax strong. The trifler and scorner may grow bolder and harder in their iniquity. Yet, for all this, we will not be moved. We have not run as uncertain. No, no. our hearts are fixed, trusting in God. We have a whole Saviour. We can rejoice in His rich fullness. Do you not long to be more devoted to God, more consecrated to Him. Is this world too dark for you. Jesus said He would go away and prepare mansions for us, that where He is we may be also. Praise God for this. Let your heart rejoice at the cheering prospect of His return. —Reflecting Christ, p. 351. Adapted.
In the meantime, stand on the Solid Rock. Your Safety, Your Acceptance, Your Worth You
