Women and Self-Esteem (Post #3)

The World's solution

Do you remember the ad campaign? I can't remember what it was advertising, but I definitely remember the slogan:

The most important person in the world ... YOU!

Our world tell us that we really are the centre of the universe, that the sun does revolve around me.

And when it comes to the concept of self, the world tells us that we are worthy and valuable and must look within ourselves to find strength. The world commonly tells us that we can determine our identity and destiny - if only we make good and right choices. Even the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is premised on the idea that inwardly we are all beautiful and strong and a healthy self-esteem will come from looking within ourselves in a positive way.

And in the view of the world, our concept of self is inevitably tied to what we do. Once we know someone's name, is it not the next logical step to ask 'and what to you do?'. How many times have you heard someone say 'I'm just a stay at home Mum' Parents boast of their sucessful child who is excelling at school or sport or music.

So how does the world's solution work? For most of us, not really that well at all. For when we look within, we can't help but see imperfection for the reality is that we are not perfect. Rarely is success achieved simply by setting our minds to the task ahead - disappointments and frustrations abound. Furthermore, the world's solution encourages competition, as we measure ourselves in relation to another. As Jane Tooher has said: 'the world's view is unrealistic and unhelpful'

So if the world's solution disappoints, what is the Bible's solution? Stay tuned for Post #4