Counsel #7 — Respect, Not Superiority

Picture: Counsel #7 — Respect, Not SuperiorityCI 32.1

Some self-help books, podcasts, and psychology resources define self-respect as esteeming oneself superior to others. In contrast, God’s way of showing self-respect is to value oneself as treasured by God, without the harmful mindset of superiority. The world promotes a “me first” mentality. In contrast, Christians aim to serve, respect, and cooperate with others, while preserving appropriate boundaries.CI 32.2

God created you. He loves you and wants to work through you to advance His kingdom. Respect His creation — which includes yourself!^{[29]https://adventist.news/news/be-kind-to-yourself} You are precious and honored in God’s eyes (Isaiah 43:4) and so is everyone else.CI 32.3

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3, 4CI 32.4

“In self love, self exaltation, and pride, there is great weakness; but in humility there is great strength. Pride and self importance, when compared with humility and lowlines, are indeed weakness… In our separation from God, in our pride and darkness, we are constantly seeking to elevate ourselves, forgetting that lowliness of mind is power.” Ellen White in Signs of the Times, October 21, 1897, par. 8CI 32.5

Reflect: Have you confused self-respect with superiority?CI 32.6