Key Truths for Families - Esteem

Good morning, Five Minute Families. I was struck by a discussion we had in our Sunday School class the other day about self-esteem, and it made me think about key concepts we must pass onto our families that are crucial for their well-being and growth in Christ. I was drawn to Ephesians chapter 6 and from there we will build our next series: “Key Truths for Families.”  Let’s start with a discussion about self-esteem. Self-esteem is defined as “confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect.” Society tells us: “You can do it!” “Pull yourself up by your boot straps.” “Bring home the bacon AND fry it up in the pan!” Basically, society says that Americans live in the land of opportunity and you can do anything you put your mind and energies towards.  Our culture tries to instill self-esteem into our children while also undermining it from numerous angles (though, that’s a discussion for another time.) For now, however, we as parents need to build our children up and motivate them. Buuut, do you want to be the voice your family and friends hear - in your own strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and trials? OR, would you want that voice to be Jesus? We propose that five-minute families bring their emphasis to Christ-esteem instead of self-esteem. Christ-esteem is respect and admiration for the work Christ completed on the cross AND that He has said that He came to give us life and life abundant. Having Christ-esteem is trusting in the work He is doing in the heart and lives of His people so that we may glorify Him while He works out all things for our ultimate good. One big question we all face in life is: who am I? Our identity shapes and defines us, and our identity directly impacts our self-esteem. Our beliefs are the very core of our being - our identity - and we use those beliefs to guide us through life. Mostly, those beliefs are subconscious and are often molded by subtle influences that build up over time. Take a professional athlete as an example. They push and strive for making themsel