Over the past few weeks, I have heard these terms used a lot: Self-Care, Self-Image, Self-Esteem, Authentic-Self, etc. These terms have drifted into christianity as well through many of the TBN preachers and the so-called girlfriend theology of individuals like Rachel Hollis. How are Christians to think about these things? If we are speaking of self-care in the sense that we are evaluating our problems and rooting out sin in our lives, then we would agree whole-heartedly. If we are talking about setting biblical goals regarding serving others or growing our relationship with God, then this is wonderful. However, if we are speaking (as Hollis and the TBN preacher are) of seeking to care for ourselves by demanding that the world conform to our happiness and setting self-centered hedonistic goals, then the consequences are eternally dire. For this fails to align with what God says about me. Romans 3 informs us that there is no one good, not even one! That includes me. I am not actually special. Except through Christ. When I find my identity in Christ, that is when I discover my immeasurable worth. Christ declares me valuable. Not because of my intrinsic worth, but because of the value He places on me. The result is that I should seek to pass that value on to others through sacrificial service (Ephesians 2:10). The best self-care, the way to come to a right self-image, or to build the best self-esteem, begins by denying myself and taking up my cross to follow Jesus. But when we do this, we discover the source of true lasting peace and joy. 
As a past script, I would recommend to all our ladies a helpful podcast for ladies produced by The Master’s University called Women’s Hope. You can find it by clicking here or on any podcast directory. 

 

~ Pastor Dave