When my kids were younger they attended a camp that taught them the “I’m Third” mentality. I believe they try to practice that now that they are older and I am so glad! God first, others second and self last. A servant’s mentality is a sure way to help you find fulfillment and happiness. It is important to consider other’s needs before your own.
Looking out for the needs of others, however, does not mean that it is not also important to have a measured and realistic view of your own worth. C.S.Lewis, in speaking about the dangers of pride, felt that to think “I’m no more special than anyone else” was not the best way to approach humility. A better approach was to think “everyone is as special as me.” Lift everyone up. Don’t put down. Each one of us is unique. One of a kind. Each of us is created in the image of a God who is beyond our wildest, but limited imagination. We are SO SPECIAL! Recognizing how special we are is healthy.
Mental health is not promoted by false humility, self put downs, or reminding one’s self of one’s shortcomings. It is improved by admiring your own progress and accomplishments. When you work hard and produce a good product, or promote a good cause, there is nothing wrong with congratulating yourself. Do your very best, and then admire what you have done. Nothing wrong with that! Admiring the glory of a sunset is healthy. But the sunset tonight does not diminish yesterday’s sunset. And your worth does not diminish your neighbors. I really believe that we do not value ourselves or each other enough. We certainly do not need to value ourselves less. We need to value others more.
While we are admiring ourselves, in order to have the greatest mental health and stability, we also must remember that we cannot take credit for ourselves by ourselves. No one is self-made. We are created. We reflect the glory of our creator. We are not the sun but reflect the light. So let us lay aside our impurities, work hard to better reflect the glory of our God and let the potential within shine!
