Thursday, April 17, 2008

The Real Problem

We evangelicals are great at complaining about the state of the public school system. To be sure, there is much junk in there. Their proselytizing about evolution, sex education, and homosexuality are of course problems. However, after my counseling class tonight I can't help but think that there is a much bigger problem. Our kids are being fed the lies about self-esteem.

Scripture makes it clear that we must have a realistic view of self. We should not think ourselves too good (Romans 12:3). However, we can't function in society if we are always moping around about how we are not naturally good. Apart from the gospel there really isn't much else to do but to try our best to hang in there.

However, as Christians we have the gospel. We know that man is naturally sinful and desperately needs Christ. We know that any worth we have comes from our union with Christ. The problem I see is that we are fighting against schools telling kids how great they are. In a world where some math books refuse to present right and wrong answers for fear of hurting kids' self-esteem, this is definitely a problem.

Later, when people get out into the world there are psychologists to help them suppress any feelings of low self-esteem they may have. I just hope that they run into Christians who can share the gospel about how they do not need more self, but they do need Jesus.

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