In what ways do humility and low self-esteem differ?

Proverbs 29:25Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

Galatians 1:10Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Pride and low self-esteem come from the same root: placing too much importance on our prestige. When we define our success and satisfaction by the approval of others, we will either become blinded by pride in our success or sink into despair for our shortcomings. Either way this causes us to lose sight of God’s love for us and his good desires for our lives. True humility recognizes that in the end, God’s opinion is the only opinion that matters. We can take comfort that God places great value on each of his beloved children.

Exodus 3:10-12“Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.”

Judges 6:14-16Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”

Humility and low self-esteem differ greatly. Low self-esteem makes everything about us and our fears, questioning God’s ability to work through us. Humility recognizes our shortcomings but also recognizes God’s greatness and ability to work through them. Despite their initial struggles with self-esteem, both Moses and Gideon learned to trust God humbly. God made Moses a great leader and communicator and he made Gideon a great warrior. Ultimately, it wasn’t about their natural talents—it was about their trust in God’s power.