βHolding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince [refute] the gainsayersβ (Titus 1:9).
Satan never rests in his insatiable desire to corrupt the Word of God. A case in point is the present-day teaching of self-love, self-esteem and self-worth. The influence of this unsound doctrine has nearly permeated every strata of Christendom. Like the beat of a drum, this theme is heard almost constantly from the pulpits of America and frequently appears on the pages of Christian literature. Beware when you hear or read: βIt is important to feel good about yourself,β βLearn to love yourself,β βProbe your innermost self to understand why you think and feel as you do,β βGod sent His son to die for you because you are of great value.β
On the surface these phrases may seem commendable, but in reality they are diametrically opposed to the Scriptures. The above has been weighed in the balance and found to be wanting. For example: βThe heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?β (Jer. 17:9). Paul concurred when he said, βFor I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thingβ (Rom. 7:18).
The old man (self) is at enmity against God. He hates God and the things of God and left to himself he will not seek God. We are to put off the old nature and put on the new, which is created in holiness and righteousness (Eph. 4:22-24). It is futile to improve oneβs self-image. Rather, we are to conform ourselves to the image of His dear Son:
βLet nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let us esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesusβ (Phil. 2:3-5).
Self takes great pleasure in acclaim, indulgence, approval and praise. It glories in all these things. But are we not robbing God when self is esteemed more highly than His glory? Shall we permit the βlove of oneβs selfβ doctrine to overshadow the love of God in Christ Jesus? God forbid! May God help us to stand against this insidious teaching that essentially robs God of the glory that is rightfully due Him. source
