What truly fixes the problem of unworthiness, guilt, and inner unrest?
Near the end of the 20th century, the “self-esteem movement” claimed that low self-worth was the root cause of crime, violence, and social breakdown—and that the solution was simply learning to think better about ourselves. In this sermon, we examine that claim through the lens of Scripture and discover that while the diagnosis gets part of the problem right, the proposed solution misses the heart entirely.
Jesus teaches that sin does not begin with actions, but in the heart (Matthew 15:19). Our feelings of lacking, failure, and unworthiness are not illusions—they reflect our true condition before a holy God. But the answer is not boosting self-esteem or learning to accept sin. The true solution is not found within us at all.
Drawing from Isaiah 61 and Zechariah’s vision of the High Priest Joshua, this sermon proclaims the heart of the Gospel: God removes our filthy garments of sin and clothes us with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Salvation is not a goal we strive toward, but a gift given from outside of us—won by Jesus and delivered through God’s Word and Sacraments.
As we enter a new year filled with resolutions, ambitions, and uncertainties, this message offers something far better than self-improvement: real peace. Peace that rests not on our effort, but on God’s saving work. Peace found in Christ alone.
