Continuing our series on confronting modern idols, today I’m going to talk about the idol of self-esteem. Seemingly subtle, it towers above all else. The focus on “me, myself, and I,” it’s a mantra instilled in us even in the very curriculum of elementary school. It’s as pervasive as it is pernicious, yet we perilously overlook it as second nature.

We’re constantly bombarded with the mantra that happiness and contentment spring from within, that we must love ourselves first and foremost. This pervasive ideology, rooted in self-idolatry, and popularized by Freudian pop psychology, has infiltrated every corner of our lives—even our churches. It’s a doctrine that preaches self-love and self-worth as the ultimate paths to fulfillment, yet it is utterly devoid of the gospel truth that humanity so desperately needs.

On social media, I constantly see people post the sermons of their favorite “pastor,” more life coach than a shepherd. They will speak at length about the importance of self-esteem or self-image or whatever. The words of such charlatans echo the vacuous affirmations of a self-help seminar, telling us to “believe in ourselves” and “claim our destiny.” It’s as if the pulpit has become a platform for motivational speaking, leaving the uncomfortable truths of Scripture conspicuously absent.

Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes—these false teachers are perfect examples of this trend. Their messages, or pep talks, rather, have nothing to do with the convicting proclamation of the Word. The prosperity gospel they peddle promises health, wealth, and happiness—all contingent on one’s ability to muster up enough faith within oneself, to believe in themselves and their own worth.

Even modern worship music has been hijacked by this self-esteem gospel. Songs that should exalt God instead turn the spotlight inward, celebrating the individual’s worth and potential. Lyrics are crafted to evoke an emotional high, a sense of personal affirmation that leaves one feeling good but spiritually malnourished. It’s a far cry from the hymns of old that directed our gaze heavenward, reminding us of our utter dependence on God’s grace.

But what does the Bible say about our nature? Contrary to the feel-good sermons and cloying worship anthems, Scripture paints a drastically different picture. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Romans 3:23 declares, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are not basically good—we are inherently sinful, each one of us a rebel against God. Our hearts are corrupt, our deeds tainted by selfishness and pride. We are maggots (Job 25:6), by nature, children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), deserving of the eternal punishment of Hell.

This is the reality that modern pop psychology refuses to acknowledge. Instead of confronting our own sinfulness, it offers platitudes of self-worth. Instead of pointing us to the Savior, it encourages us to look within. But introspection only reveals more darkness. The biblical truth is that we cannot save ourselves. Uur self-esteem is a flimsy foundation. We need a righteousness that we cannot attain on our own—a righteousness found only in Jesus Christ.

The gospel is profoundly countercultural. It begins with the acknowledgment of our sin and our relentless, self-seeking depravity. It recognizes that we have betrayed God and stand condemned. Yet, it doesn’t leave us in despair. The same Bible that tells us of our sin also tells us of a Savior who bore our sins on the cross. Jesus Christ, the righteous one, took upon Himself the punishment we deserve, offering us forgiveness and eternal life.

In a world obsessed with self-affirmation, we must boldly and unequivocally proclaim the biblical message of sin and redemption, no matter how much it costs. We must reject the seductive lies of self-help theology and prosperity gospel preachers or even the seductive lies of secular pop psychology. Only then can we find true happiness and contentment—not in ourselves, but in Christ alone.