How to Find Selfless Joy in a Me-First World

by Leslie Vernick

Do You Need Greater Self-Esteem–Or Something Else Entirely?

Western culture increasingly emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-esteem. Many of us believe we must “find” ourselves–and feel good about what we see–before we can experience significant spiritual growth. Focusing so much on ourselves, however, distracts us from pursuing the only source of true fulfillment. Do we, as God’s people, really need to love ourselves more? Or is there a wiser, biblical path that can lead us to joy that is not self-centered and fleeting, but God-focused and lasting?

Challenging the current fascination with self esteem, Leslie Vernick answers these questions and others that trip up Christians today. Offering surprising insights and practical helps that can make a real difference in your life, she shows how you can experience greater personal, relational, and spiritual growth while humbly adoring and glorifying your God.

Genres: Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2003

Reviews

[Judy Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Vernick is an incredible author, always making me think hard, but so very biblical in her treatment of issues. I've never been disappointed by any of her books, definitely not this one. She has whetted my thirst to pursue humility more wholeheartedly after reading this selection.

[Lynn Lohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness of God

This was a very timely book for me. Humility is such a gift from God and lived out daily through the life of Christ as our example and through the Holy Spirit living in us we can live a life of humility. I am so thankful for this books road map to that life.

[Jb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books have rocked my heart like this one. This will be a re-read for sure! So full of practical truth to shift your focus from a “me centered” world to a Christ centers heart.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this book, because it challenges the whole notion of needing 'Self-Esteem' .

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a number of years ago, but it really affected me in positive, long-lived ways. I was pretty naive before reading this book, thinking that "do gooders" were simply selfless, but this book helped me to see the other motives and needs that may be not so clearly evident on the surface. It also has helped me to be more aware of my own deeper motives. It has been so long since I have read this book, that I really should read it again...I remember it being SO FULL of good stuff nearly every page....one certainly could never soak it all in during one quick read through. I especially appreciate that this book is written from a Christian perspective from a professional counselor. I do not recall any specific views or statements that conflicts with my personal beliefs, but likely there must be something somewhere, right! lol! Regardless, it is a valuable read for the Christian life.