Not Even One! (Lent 8-2013)

Just in case I start to think that I’m better than the average bear, Scripture pushes its way through my crowd of self-serving thoughts—gathered around me like adoring fans—and God’s Word reminds me that I have no real cause for self-indulgent self-esteem.

There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10)

Hmmm.  Could we make an exception in my case?  Nope.

Like many other people—particularly women I know—I suffer from low self-esteem and frankly, passages like today’s don’t do anything to relieve this affliction.  In fact, it says, throw another log on the fire!

The conversation would appear to go like this:

Barbara:  God, have you no pity upon my low view of myself?

God:  Not really.  There is no one righteous. Not even one. Get over yourself already.  It’s not about you.

Self-esteem.  Hmmm.  A sober self-assessment says we’re all in the same boat.  We’re sinners.  Some of us may do better window dressing of the sinner, but the naked truth remains we’re all prone to rebellion and are living like we shouldn’t.  Add us all together and we still don’t compensate for one another.

So, I ask myself, “Is it really low self-esteem or simply an accurate assessment?”

And if it’s an accurate assessment, shouldn’t I be even more thankful that God doesn’t hold me to a humanly impossible standard as my only recourse?

That is part of why the Gospel is such good news.

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Give it up for Lent:  Preoccupation with Self-Esteem

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For further study:  Read all of Romans 3:9-18

Notice how our passage speaks specifically of sins of knowledge, devotion, actions, speech, ways, and worship.

1. Among the thoughts, words, and actions, how do these apply to you?
2. What changes might you need to make to find the way of peace?
3. In Job 28:12-30, there is a discourse on wisdom.  In verse 28 it says “And he said to man, ‘The fear of the Lord– that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'”  What is our passage saying when we read, “There is no fear of God before their eyes”?