Self Esteem Movement

I commented on another post and I thought I would just add it here to make another point.

In short, Josh believes that self-deprecating mentality leads to arrogance.

I responded by asking if he has any evidence of that bare assertion at all.

He did bring up an excellent subject that I would like to drive home though. I will go on tangents but I will get to point soon.

There is a movement that is called the "self esteem movement" (just Google it) and it is riddled throughout our school systems and secular teachings.

Like teachers writing on the chalk board in school “Nil Carborundum Bastardii” (Don’t let the bastards grind you down), it is very detrimental to one self but not the way that you think.

As an example, I don't know if you have ever watched American Idol. You see these kids "writing off" and cussing at Simon who honestly told them they are horrible, which was the truth. They get all huffy and go back to their moms who say "it's OK baby, you are the best" and they storm off cussing profanity to the camera and Simon.

It was Scott Peterson's mom Jackie who raised him in a way to let him think that he could do no wrong and you obviously see how destructive that was. She was very open about it also. Jackie Peterson held Scott up as her 'golden boy' that could do no wrong. She didn't show love towards the boy. If he did something wrong she covered it up for him instead of reprimanding him. She raised him to have "high self esteem"

Matthew 22:39, Leviticus 19:17-18 tells us how to treat people. It takes far more love to confront then to ignore the situation, perfect love is a constant confronter. Coddling someone, like Jackie did, is not love at all. I believe God holds us accountable to our actions as it states in Ezekiel 3:20.

Most people don't realize this but bullies, most often, have very high self esteem. They are viewed as "cool kids" and destroy many lives in their growth.

"In contrast to a fairly common assumption among psychologists and psychiatrists, we have found no indicators that the aggressive bullies are anxious and insecure under a tough surface" (source)

"From early on, the bully can do whatever he wants without clear consequences and discipline." (source)

Today parents are raising pure monsters and our society is paying the price for it.

Kids need discipline and guidance in truth. Not some inflated self esteem that goes unchecked.

I am sure you have heard the term inflated ego. Swollen heads are what makes people fall hard after they have been popped by life's challenges. To be humble is a very good thing and it will keep you grounded in life, so know thyself (Proverbs 27:1, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6), and stay on the ground.

bit.ly/SelfEsteem