In the forward to the book, D. James Kennedy writes, “Pastor Don Matzat has the right response for those who find themselves wallowing in the ever-rising flood of books on humanistic psychology. Their question, generally, is ‘Who Are We and Why Are We Unhappy?’ Mankind does not have a problem, mankind is the problem. Only Jesus Christ can be the solution. By making a sharp distinction between Christianity and good psychotherapy, CHRIST-ESTEEM helps to clear up the confusion which exists in the minds of many today. The truly positive self-image, Matzat argues correctly, comes from knowing our sinful nature so that we will turn from ourselves to Jesus.”
As believers, we must understand who we are in light of Christ’s work on the Cross. It is true that we “put off the old man” and “put on the new man”, we die to self and live to Christ. That is different from having a positive self-image or boosting our self-esteem. Christ-Esteem is Matzat’s attempt to present an alternative to the destructive self-esteem movement which is so prevalent, even among professing believers. Martin Luther once wrote concerning self-indulgence and human pride: “Against this secret villain we must pray for God daily to suppress our self-esteem”(Luther’s Works, vol. 12, pp 188-89).
This book is a challenge to implement into ones daily life. Matzat is clear in his teaching and biblical in his applications to get rid of the “Ol' Adam” and embrace the New Adam. As Christian’s we have more reason than any other people to rejoice and have a positive image of who we are. But this has nothing to do with self-esteem or self-image. It has everything to do with who Christ is and what He accomplished on our behalf at Calvary. This is where the search for self-esteem ends! For more on this subject, consider Jesus Christ: Self Denial or Self Esteem. Read ‘em & Reap!
