Self-esteem, what is it? How are we to acquire it? We have a built-in worth as humans, and that self-esteem is how we feel about our self-concept. Self-esteem means that we are to have respect and regard for ourselves, and to recognize our potential. But, what are some factors that will help us attain a good self-image?

First, we must have a sense of Security. This security comes from a proper understanding of God and His Word. Our understanding of God enables us to understand who we are and why we are here an this earth. Paul, the apostle wrote of his security: "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).

Second, we must have a sense of Belonging. The sense of belonging is essential to our well-being as people. Our belonging to a family, friend(s) or school club gives us the self-confidence that we belong and are accepted in our environment. Paul, the apostle, had a sense of belonging to God through Jesus Christ, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it Is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh Iive by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me" (Gal.2:20).

Third, we must have a sense of Competence. By that, we all must feel significant! Our competence grows as we think better of ourselves, which in turn changes our outlook on life. Solomon wrote: "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (Proverbs 23:7).

Finally, we must have a sense of Worth. By this we mean a good self-worth. This is also acquired through the art of being creative. The creative person does not care what other people think. However a person with low self-esteem is bound and has imprisoned himself in a steel cage with the idea that he/she cannot escape. In other words, learn from the past; not live in it! Again, listen to the Bible: " ... I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God In Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13,14).

Remember: How we think and feel about ourselves will determine how we get along with ourselves and others in this world.