Self-Image
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:3)
Elementary school is the basics. Teachers strive everyday to show you how to count, write and read the alphabet. During that time period, it is also imperative for them to show you basic empathy and sympathy. Let you know that you are loved by people such as your grandparents, your parents and siblings. However, what they, and most every teacher will forget to teach you is the importance of love and your self-image.
To begin, defining what “self-image” is can be difficult in nature. The dictionary explains it as being “the idea one has of one's abilities, appearance, and personality”. What one sees in themselves can be completely different than what the world sees in them. You may see someone who is weak, while I see the strongest person I’ve ever known. That difference in perception is there because we are taught differently, and will live experiences that will shape our perception of the world and the people around us.
The way you see yourself, your abilities, appearance and personality is imperative in understanding yourself. It’ll give you the basis as to where to improve as a person, how and where to grow or change. However, in all things, there must be truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and balance (Proverbs 11:1).
Someone with a negative perception of themselves can have a lack of confidence, feeling badly about oneself. People with low self-esteem often feel unlovable, uncomfortable, awkward, incompetent and unimportant. However, that isn’t how Yahweh wants you to be; he says in the book of Joshua chapter 1, verse 9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Why does he do that? He explains it in Isaiah 43:4 when he says “Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, people in exchange for your life.”
On the contrary, the Bible is explicit in its perception of those who are too positive on themselves, saying:
12 Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence. 13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
Therefore, be tempered in your language and your perception of yourself. Do not be too low on yourself but don’t be too high either. Be just in your judgement and self-assessment. Wisdom in this aspect of your life is wise and important for your well being.