[__ Prayer __] Christ-esteem

[Christ_empowered]

My self-esteem was annihilated before I became a Christian. Psychiatrists are good at that, lol.

Anyway, so I was reading...and I stumbled upon this little gem. The idea is that Christians don't need/want "self-esteem," we need "Christ-esteem." We are to die daily and focus not on our flesh, but on Christ who lives in us. I thought that was very insightful.

And...I'm happy to report...it works. I mean, the more I remind myself that "It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me," the better off I am. I used to wake up, haunted by voices, mostly about my past. Still happens to an extent, but there are fewer voices, they're not as overpowering, the whole experience is less overwhelming. I'm actually able to study and do things, and not worry not so much about what's going on around me.

Meanwhile...this concept, Christ-esteem, has changed my perspective on things. I'm getting better about actually doing things, whether I feel like it or not, because I'm called to do my work "as unto The Lord." Not that I was the laziest person ever before, just...years of social isolation and the resulting idleness did a number of any work ethic I may have had pre-crazy. I'm actually improving, now, and...

...I'm doing it by thinking more of Christ, less of me. I'm also thinking more of other people now, which is good, too. I'm increasingly realizing that, in the flesh, I can't do a whole lot. Some people are well-adjusted and such before they become Christians. I wasn't, lol. I think people who were particularly wretched before Christ saved them/us are especially appreciative of His goodness and understand (more easily) that "all good thing come from The Lord."

So...yeah...I like this concept, I think its Biblical and insightful, and I thought I'd share it with everyone. I guess this is a Praise report...

 

[Eugene]

CE, I believe we who knew we were the dregs of society had more to gain from the gospel than the self reliant. Somehow God seemed to reach my heart that He was the only way of peace to my soul, and He instilled in me a need so severe that I could cry out for His help. Whosoever calls upon the Lord shall be saved; I surely had come to the end of me.

You say you heard voices, whereas I condemned myself. Law? If I thought I had kept the law, I was fooling me, and if you think I keep the law now I’m fooling you. What was it that turned my life to wanting to please Him who loved me most? It is His love that will not let me go. Brother CE, it is God’s love that establishes, keeps, and secures our eternity. In Psa 139:8 David said it like this: If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

CE, you are growing not only in your testimony, but in the word also. It is then you will have the answers to the afflictions you have suffered, no longer refer to them, and praise God for what He is doing in your life now and forever.

 

[Angel]

Its one thing to talk, and another thing to do. I'm proud of you.

 

[AirDancer]

This thread/your post identifies clearly why the consideration to do a counseling ministry has been presented to you, Christ_empowered ! Christians and non-Christians alike could definitely be helped with the the very true reality of Christ-esteem.

Thanks for sharing with us, my friend!