Self-esteem

Michael E. Wood

December 26, 2012

  

I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, Psalm 31:6-7

He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:6-11

Do we crave significance and strive for self-esteem,

Pursuing thoughts of vanity and build upon a dream

Which shall be counted worthless when our life on earth is done

And stand before the Judge of all, the Holy Righteous One?

For idols of the heart exceed much more than meets the eye

And shall be in their fullness seen displayed by Him on high,

As He will surely render unto all in truth their due,

Revealing on that Day all that He knew you did pursue.

Oh, if we see now remnants of these things within our heart

Then hope we have through Christ alone for grace in every part

Which received the death blow, giving courage for the fight

To pursue His honor by the power of His might.

But if we are yet self-consumed and do not obey truth

God’s wrath and fury will show forth His knowledge by the proof

Of tribulation and distress for every human soul

Which refused His kindness made through Christ to be made whole.

Oh, do not be deceived to think this Day you will escape

And no excuse you have will keep His judgment from your pate.

For if we do not judge ourselves in truth with godly fear,

“Depart from Me”, then from His mouth, is that of which you’ll hear.

So take a moment and rethink the truth of your own heart

And see the kindness meant to lead you from your sin to part

And look to Christ who for the glory of the Father bore

Our sins to give eternal life to all He doth restore.