True Self-Esteem

July 21, 2010 Length: 1:01

St. Niketas Stithatos on overcoming the passion of self-esteem.

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When I was in high school there was a popular song about loving yourself being the greatest love of all. Unfortunately, our self-love can ultimately push out our love for others, including God.

This is why St. Niketas Stithatos says,

The passion of self-esteem is a three-pronged barb heated and forged by the demons out of vanity, presumption and arrogance. Yet those who dwell under the protection of the God of heaven detect it easily and shatter its prongs, for through their humility they rise above such vices and find repose in the tree of life.

True self-esteem means seeing ourselves as God sees us: loved, and always dependent upon Him.

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