1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

the path of progress.Having pointed out some of the advantages of reasonableself-confidence we should point out some of the disadvantagesof over-confidence--too great self-esteem. Itsarrogance, its pride, its snobbishness, are disgusting andcontinually interfere with the progress of the unfortunatepossessor. He never learns except by bitter experiences,because he always thinks he knows, and exposeshis ignorance.Some of the best people, the saintly, have small self-esteem,depreciate their own talents and exaggeratetheir own blemishes. Their humbleness of mind is ablessing when it leads them to God--to the Throne ofHeavenly grace for forgiveness and for grace to help inevery time of need. As between too much and too littleself-esteem, therefore, our choice should be the latter."LET A MAN THINK SOBERLY"Whether born with too much or with too little self-esteem,those who come into God's family are put intothe School of Christ to be taught, corrected--made right,in harmony with Divine standards. Those naturally self-conceitedmust learn meekness--by instructions if theywill--otherwise by experiences. And they should learn torejoice even in humiliating experiences. They are evidencesthat God's providence is supervising their affairsand preparing them for the Kingdom; for without meeknessand humility none will be fit for it.As the self-conceited must learn humbly to trust Godand not rely on themselves and thus secure balance, sothe naturally self-depreciative must learn a lesson of confidence.Not self-confidence, not self-reliance is the mostdesirable, but rather confidence in God and reliance uponHis promised "grace to help in every time of need."This maintains the desirable humility and meekness, yetgives the courage and force suggested by the Apostle'swords: "I can do all things through Christ, whichstrengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13.) As St. Paul again declares,"Our sufficiency is of God!"Thus inspired by faith in God and in His promisesthose "taught of God" become marvelously "strong in theLord, and in the power of His might." (Eph. 6:10.) Therighteous is strong as a lion, saying, "I will not fear whatman may do unto me." (Psa. 118:6.) I will not heedwhat man may say of me or do to me. So long as I havethe Almighty Creator for my Father and the Redeemerfor my elder Brother I shall be content, relying on their"exceeding great and precious promises."Thus, whether by nature self-conceited or humble,God's Word and providences in Christ tend to bring allfollowers of Christ to oneness of heart and mind. Theone is humbled, the other exalted. Both learn not to trustR5114 : page 319