Pride or self-esteem... where is the balance ?

by caliber 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  caliber

  Pride could be a feeling of self-respect but in the Christan setting mostly it takes on a negative meaning .

  Even the definitions of pride seems somewhat confusing...

  1. a sense of one's proper dignity or value ; self-respect

  2. pleasure or satisfaction taken in achievement

  3. an excessive high opinion of oneself

  4. arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment

  Some scriptures that speak of pride ...

  "When pride comes, then comes dishonor....." .Pro. 11:2

  " A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will bring honor " Pro. 29:23

  Is it possible to have any measure of self-esteem without some form pride ?

  So pride could be a feeling of self-respect or the negative version one of "the 7 deadly sins "

  Your thoughts, feeling and attitude about this please .

  Caliber
• 

  Robdar

  Having pride in yourself is one thing. Feeling you are better than someone else is another. True self esteem does not have to compare itself to or feel superior to others.
• 

  caliber

  thank you.......that would seem to be the key word comparing ,evaluating self as to others

  Self-esteem is the disposition to experience oneself as being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and of being worthy of happiness. It is confidence in the efficacy of our mind, in our ability to think. By extension, it is confidence in our ability to learn, make appropriate choices and decisions, and respond effectively to change. It is also the experience that success, achievement, fulfillment—happiness—are right and natural for us. The survival-value of such confidence is obvious; so is the danger when it is missing.

  This definition relates to inner confidence which may be seen or felt by others but not as put down or judgment of

  them !

  Caliber
• 

  Robdar

  Self-esteem is the disposition to experience oneself as being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and of being worthy of happiness. It is confidence in the efficacy of our mind, in our ability to think. By extension, it is confidence in our ability to learn, make appropriate choices and decisions, and respond effectively to change. It is also the experience that success, achievement, fulfillment—happiness—are right and natural for us. The survival-value of such confidence is obvious; so is the danger when it is missing.

  This definition relates to inner confidence which may be seen or felt by others but not as put down or judgment of

  them !

  Well stated. Much more eloquent than what I said.
• 

  caliber

  I think the loss of self-esteem among JW's is tied in very closely with lack of respect for" personal boundaries"

  Setting personal boundaries means preserving your integrity, taking responsibility for who you are and having control of your life.

  Identify the actions and behaviors that you find unacceptable. Let others know when they’ve crossed the line, acted inappropriately or disrespected you in any way. Likewise, don't be afraid to tell others when you need emotional and physical space in order to be who you really are without any pressure to be anything else. Know for yourself what actions you need to take if your wishes aren't respected.

  Signs of Unhealthy Boundaries http://www.essentiallifeskills.net/personalboundaries.html

  • Going against personal values or rights in order to please others.
  • Giving as much as you can for the sake of giving.
  • Taking as much as you can for the sake of taking.
  • Letting others define you.
  • Expecting others to fill your needs automatically.
  • Feeling bad or guilty when you say no.
  • Not speaking up when you are treated poorly.
  • Falling apart so someone can take care of you.
  • Falling "in love" with someone you barely know or who reaches out to you.
  • Accepting advances, touching and sex that you don’t want.
  • Touching a person without asking.

  I once talked to a corrections officier who told me.. yes don't step in the two foot area around an inmate

  that's all they have left, that is their space ....respect it !

  Caliber