Self-Esteem
There is neither Jew nor Greek. there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus»(Galatians 3:28).
Two university students are sitting in a waiting room. One is a member of the investigation team, an “accomplice” of the study. The other is a volunteer who is participating in the experiment. They have just taken some psychological test and they still have some more to take (actually they all self-esteem test). The first student pretends to be there for the same purpose, but in fact, his goal is to manipulate the participant’s self-esteem. During the waiting period, the accomplice makes disdainful comments about the volunteers opinions, ideas, and clothes, among other things. When the participant finishes his second self-esteem test, it is obvious his level has decreased. The same procedure is repeated with another participant, but this time the comment s are positive ones. The result of the test sows a considerable boots in the second participants self-esteem compared to the results of the first test. This is repeated with other subjects. The conclusion is that self-esteem is susceptible to manipulation. It is very easy to alter it with the words we use and the way we use them, especially when they are the opposite of what is true. Consequently, we must be very careful with our words and must always try to be positive and affirm the qualities of others. When we need to express our disagreement, we should do so tactfully and lovingly.
Another factor that shapes one’s self-concept is belonging to a group such as a sports team, being the citizen of a country, or being in a of Re professional group, etc. Today’s text confirms our equality before Jesus, regardless social group we belong to. Being of a certain nationality or ethnic origin, being a woman, or not having a certain educational level, can cause many to suffer from low self-esteem. However, when the apostle Paul says that there is no «Jew nor Greek, there is no slave nor free, there is neither male nor female,» not only does he make a declaration far ahead of his time; he also encourages fellow believers not to feel inferior (nor superior) because of their social group. No one should be able to lower your self-esteem because of your gender, social class, group membership, or race. Before Christ, we are all equal and you should feel privileged because Jesus chose you and you are saved by His Grace. So love your neighbors, no matter what level or group they belong to; after all, that’s precisely what Jesus asks of us, «Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another» (John 13:34
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Junior 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Sergio Alcantara & Emmanuel Tapia
