Last night I was asked the question, "Do you think Jesus loved Himself?" Of course He did. Yet there is controversy about self-love in the Church. Why? Because humanistic psychology has so infiltrated the Church that self-love has been associated with putting self on the throne.

So although this matter may not keep you awake nights, it is worth straightening out. E. Stanley Jones, a great missionary, said, "Frankly and honestly you must love yourself - not as a master, but as a servant; for the self is a glorious servant, but a gruesome master."

Jesus knew this. He was at peace with Himself knowing that as a servant, He was perfectly expressing His divine nature. Self-glorification eventually turns on itself, ending in death, but humility rejoices and radiates life!

Humility. Servanthood. These are the qualities of your new nature which you can respect and love! It is the kind of self-love which produces rich fruit for others. As Paul said, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant...He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death" (Philippians 2:5-8, NKJV).

Don't let Satan entice you with the wrong kind of self-love. Don't give in to pride or try to be your own master. Instead, try God's way of loving yourself with new confidence and self-respect.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for trying the wrong means to gain self-respect and self-love. Help me to be a servant: no longer wanting to "lord it over" others or build myself up through the flesh. I love the humility and new appreciation of myself that I have found in You! In Jesus' Name, Amen.