Self Esteem = Pride?

I wonder if Clive Staples is right when he says that,
"Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind."

I don't think I was the only one to be taught pride growing up.  It seems like it was all over the schools.  We should take pride in our selves, our work, our appearance, our elf-like shoes.  Whatever it is, take pride in that.  Pride was on the rise - and it was good.

It was taught as the solution to poor self esteem.

Side note - I rarely use or see the word "esteem" without the word "self" in front of it.  Also, I rarely see sharks - but that's mostly because I live in Ohio.

I think you could define self-esteem as having a healthy respect for yourself.  That's a good thing.


As a Christian I believe that you (whoever you are) are a child of God.  I believe you are His favorite.

The issue for me is how I tend to take self-esteem and promote it up to the pride level (fifth floor, corner office with a view of the ocean...which not coincedentally is full of sharks).

Pride can manifest itself in me by trying to prove to others just how great/smart/influential/talented I am.
Don't you know who I am?

You want me to do that?

It's the opposite attitude of being a servant.

Here's the rub.  I follow Jesus who came "Not to be served, but to be a servant"

So the question for me is am I following Him and His example - or doing my own thing?