What’s God View of Self-Confidence?

 Dr. Mark Baker in his superb book The Greatest Psychologist Who Ever Lived writes:

True self-esteem inspires the same in others. False self-esteem leaves others feeling less adequate. True self-esteem empowers, while false self-esteem attempts to control. It is impossible to have too much true self-esteem. Those who appear to "love themselves too much," or be overly confident, are actually suffering from false self-esteem. False self-esteem is arrogance that draws attention to oneself. True self-esteem is confident self-assurance that frees one to give attention to others. Because Jesus was confident about who he was, he could be open to others; he did not have to impress them…He wasn’t interested in controlling people with his power ... Jesus made other people feel good because he felt good about himself. This is the power of true self-esteem ... Jesus did not need others to feel worse about themselves so that he could feel better about himself. He left people feeling grateful they had met him.  

The Savior of mankind took responsibility for his beliefs and spoke without fear of someone’s upset or rejection. He didn’t wig out when someone disapproved of Him. He didn’t change his beliefs when they were criticized. He wasn’t compelled to make sure everyone was happy. Jesus consistently expressed his thoughts, feelings, opinions, and beliefs regardless if the audience was an applauding pauper, condemning religious leader, or a self-centered Governor. Jesus spoke not to gain acceptance but to inspire others with the truth of His identity. His motives were not to control the opinions of others to gain approval, but to empower others to examine their opinions and seek God’s approval.   

Jesus taught that self-love was the opposite of self-centeredness. He said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." To be able to love, support, inspire, and encourage others, self-love needs to exist. Degrading ourselves and debasing ourselves deprives not only us, but everyone around us - our neighbor. 

Still, many theologians criticize the idea of self-love, self-confidence or self-esteem. Some see self-love as a sinful plague in the world. But just as many Christian Counselors and Biblical Historians see self-esteem as a Scripture teaching and the greatest need facing the human race today. Theologian Anthony A. Hoekema wrote a book ("The Christian Looks at Himself") designed to show that the Bible teaches us to have a positive image of ourselves because we are new creatures in Christ.