The Best of You Self-Esteem Culture, Therapy Culture, and the Case for Wholeness in Christ
Oct 30, 2025
Sharon Hodde Miller, an author and co-pastor at Bright City Church, joins the conversation to challenge the notion of self-focus as a path to freedom. They discuss how self-preoccupation can actually worsen confidence and joy. Sharon shares insights on shifting the focus away from oneself, emphasizing the importance of connection with God. She highlights the pitfalls of self-esteem culture and advocates for a more holistic approach to spiritual worth, suggesting that truly beholding God can heal insecurities and restore our purpose.
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Ministry Moment That Sparked The Shift
- Sharon described a season in ministry when she became fragile and overly dependent on others' affirmation.
- She cried over a poorly received piece and researched insecurity before discovering the problem wasn't low self-esteem but self-preoccupation.
Two Root Causes Of Insecurity
- Sharon distinguishes two causes of insecurity: low self-esteem and self-preoccupation.
- She realized her issue was self-preoccupation, not disbelief in God's love, which changed her approach to healing.
Why Self-Esteem Culture Falls Short
- The self-esteem movement offered a needed correction but a purpose too small for the soul.
- Sharon argues self-actualization as the end goal leaves people empty and creates its own sickness.
