Abundant Life Devotional
By Eric Jinkwen

How You See Yourself Matters

Judges 6:15: “So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”

Low self-esteem is a mental disease that is affecting many people today. Many people have a low, negative and distorted opinion about themselves. They look down on themselves. Low self-esteem is different from humility which is the attitude of bringing down yourself though you know you are great.

Low self-esteem is rather a feeling and an attitude that says, “I am not good enough; I do not deserve the best. I cannot make it; who am I?” It usually produces shame, fear, shyness doubt, and lack of confidence. People with this problem are usually negative and self criticizing.

Read Also: Discern and get rid of bad friendships

They have relationship problems and always feel that people are judging them, speaking about them or minimizing them. Have you been in that dilemma?
Low self-esteem is caused by:

(1) A poor and weak family background.

In our text, Gideon is complaining; “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh… ” have you seen that? He said my clan is the weakest in Manasseh. Don’t let you family background keep your back on the ground.

(2) Low Self-image.

Gideon also said, “…and I am the least in my father’s house.” Jeremiah in his days said, “I am still a child.”

(3) Ignorance of true self.

Gideon did not know his true worth. In verse 12, the angel said, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” His worth was not because of himself, but because of the one who was with him, The Lord. Beloved, When God is with you, it makes all the difference, no matter your background or physical appearance.

God was with Gideon and he had a covenant with God. I wish I could have space and time to exhort somebody more. Tomorrow, we shall see more causes of low self-esteem.

Beloved, your worth is not in your experiences or background, but in who you are in Christ. You are the salt of the earth, a very valuable and needed substance. You are here to add value to the world. You are a plus and not a minus. You are the light of the world; A city on a hill that cannot be hidden. If you care to know more, you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own special people, called out of darkness into His marvelous light that you may proclaim His praises. You are not a disgrace, but a product of grace. Please celebrate who you are in Christ. Hallelujah!!!

Read Also: Fight to preserve valuable relationships

Prayer: Thank you Lord, that you have made me salt of the earth and light of the world. I am a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Hallelujah.