Self-Esteem & Character

So much importance is put on self-esteem, especially in our children. Even so, I hear many adults lament that they too have low self-esteem. What is self-esteem? Simply put, self-esteem is what we think of ourselves. In that vein, much effort is put on what our children think of themselves. But what is it based on? It’s gotten to the point that some teams don’t keep score so that no one loses. After all, losing can hurt their self-esteem. Further, we are told to praise our children even when they do wrong, call them winners when they lose, tell them they are right when they are wrong, and make them feel as if they succeeded even when they fail. In addition, we are told to never “judge” them, make them feel wrong or guilty, or let them face reality when it is especially burdensome. - - - - - And then we wonder why we have kids who become adults who are maladapted, high maintenance, and always needing their emotions massaged. Life becomes very depressing and confusing for them when the reality of life in all its failures, disappointments, and wrongs finally sets in. A true key to life is not avoiding disappointments, for they will come. The true key is found in persevering and overcoming despite disappointments.
In contrast to our usual considerations of self-esteem, Righteous self-esteem is gained as a measure of one’s character. I’ll say that again only slower. Righteous self-esteem is gained as a measure of one’s character. If we have strong character, we will have strong self-esteem. If our character is based on a bunch of rah-rah talk and false impressions of reality, we will eventually have low self-esteem. No matter how much one tells himself that he is a winner, happy, and important…the soul knows whether it’s a lie or not. The soul is what ultimately judges self-esteem in us…and it bases it upon righteous character. Rather than focus on self-esteem, we should focus on character. Then self-esteem will take care of itself.