Note 12 at 1Co 1:28: According to today's standards, these verses prove that Paul was grossly ignorant of the importance of self-worth or self-image. He was plainly stating that until people become nobodies in their own eyes, they cannot become somebodies in the eyes of God.

It is true that many have been destroyed by feelings of complete worthlessness. However, the answer to this problem is not to escape responsibility by placing the blame on others or by comparing ourselves with others (2Co 10:12) in an attempt to console ourselves. The proper course of action is first to confront the fact that in ourselves we are nothing, and then find our new identities in Christ.

Sometimes, religious teaching that harps on our worthlessness in the flesh (see note 3 at Ro 7:18) does more damage than good. There is a truth in this teaching, but without the positive good news of our newfound value in Christ, this teaching becomes a club that beats the life out of us.

Many mental patients are very religious people who have heard only the negative side of these truths. Therefore, one of the first things psychologists try to do with mental patients is to discredit religion, which they recognize is giving these people their low self-esteem. This is the wrong approach.

The Bible is designed to show us our need for God, and in doing this, a realization of our frailties and comparative worthlessness is a part of the process. This is positive if we don't stop there. Our need has to be made obvious before we will be motivated to turn to the Lord.

In an attempt to raise self-esteem and remove guilt, a whole generation has been raised under the deception that there is no right and wrong. It has produced people who are hardened to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This is evident in the blatant perversion of lifestyles and values visible everywhere in today's society. Psychology's denial of man's unworthiness has given a license to immorality and has only intensified the turmoil inside mankind.

The answer to low self-esteem isn't in psychology's denial of truth, but in Christ. Paul went on to state that Jesus has become our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1Co 1:30).

It is true that we, in ourselves, are nothing (Ro 7:18), but once we are born again, we have brand-new identities in Christ (see note 17 at Joh 8:44). Our total worth should be found in Christ and not in ourselves. Christianity is not an improved self, but a denial of self and an enthronement of Christ. All Christians have, in their spirits, a new self that is as holy, pure, and righteous as Jesus (see note 3 at Mt 26:41 and note 1 at Ro 8:18).

Once people learn these truths and find their new lives in Christ, seeing the failures and flaws of their old selves will not bring guilt or depression. Instead, these flaws will make them run back into the security of their new selves in Christ and praise Him for this great provision.