Pilot Knob Lutheran New or Improved 1/3/2024
Happy New Year.
I was wondering what to write about to begin a New Year and I thought of, “What’s New for the new year?” But that’s all the further it went. As time went on my thoughts turned to a topic most people wrestle with and in turn influences what is new for the new year. I would like us to consider thinking about a new or improved self-image, or self-esteem. Self-esteem has to do with an inner sense of worthiness which when healthy provides resilience and resistance when attacked or criticized. Attacks don’t always originate from someone else. Some of the worst attacks can come from our own self-talk. What we tell ourselves about who and what we are speaks loud and clear what we think of ourselves. Having a healthy self-esteem is not the same as being proud or having an inflated view of our own importance. It means telling ourselves the truth and stop telling ourselves lies and believing them.
While a healthy self-image gives us resilience what does a poor self-image provide. In short, nothing good. Here are some results:
1. Self-hate
2. Believing we are unworthy or incompetent.
3. Keeping relationships at a ‘safe’ distance because we are not worthy of their love and time.
4. Reluctant to trust another person.
5. Reject what God has created us to be.
6. Depression.
7. Thoughts of self-harm.
8. Making decisions based on our fears and not reality or truth.
An unhealthy self-image comes from being told and or telling ourselves lies about our true value and worth. Where do they come from? They come from the father of lies, Satan. He did not create us, God did, in His own image and He loves us enough to die in our place to remove our guilt. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.More on this next week.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:Today: 3:45 Confirmation class. Sunday 7, 9:00 AM Morning worship service and Holy Communion. Sermon: Children of God. 10:15 Sunday school.
January 7, 2-3:30 GriefShare. Please tell others. For more information go to: https://www.griefshare.org/findagroup or contact Pr. Bob or Sue Reese.~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
