Restoring Your Worth: A Guide to Recovery From Loss of Self-Respect

Loss of self-respect is a state of moral and spiritual degradation where an individual feels unworthy in their own eyes, often resulting from a separation from God and the indulgence of lower passionsCG 447.1+1. Recovery is a vital process of restoration to God-given dignity through the merits of Jesus Christ1MCP 255.1+1.

What is the Loss of Self-Respect?

• Internal Degradation: It is a keen feeling of remorse and a sense of being degraded in one’s own eyesCG 447.1.

• Loss of Identity: In some cases, it involves sacrificing one's conscience, dignity, and even identity to the control of another human beingCCh 136.5+1.

• Moral Slavery: It is described as falling from human dignity into a state of servitude similar to that of beasts Psalms 49:12SBBS 371.4.

How One Loses Self-Respect

Loss of self-respect occurs through a departure from the principles of heaven and the laws of health:

• Indulgence in Sin: Following animal passions and sensual indulgences destroys the soul’s respect for itself2T 476.3+1.

• Debasing Habits: Associating with those who practice vices or engaging in self-abuse initiates a cycle of irritability and melancholy that erodes self-worthCG 447.1.

• Thoughtless Behavior: Participating in "senseless" amusements like card playing, which involve low and vile talk, destroys the true dignity of manhoodCH 197.2.

• Harsh Discipline: When youth are forced into subjection by harsh discipline rather than being guided to think for themselves, they fail to develop feelings of self-respectRH July 14, 1885, par. 7.

• Irreverence: Cultivating a habit of inattention and indifference in the house of God is a sign of lacking self-respectCG 546.3.

The Results of Having Self-Respect

• Moral Strength: Self-respect acts as a "golden treasure" and a capital of character that provides a strong power of resistance against temptationCCh 167.1+1.

• Respect for Others: True self-respect is the measure by which we respect others; when we value ourselves correctly, we are less likely to think others are unrighteous1MCP 256.3.

• Reliability: Men with self-respect do not need locks or keys; they deal honorably at all times because a mean act would destroy their own peace of mindCH 410.2+1.

• Effective Influence: A wife who maintains her dignity can exert a "mighty influence" to elevate and refine her husbandCCh 136.5+1.

Why Recovery is Needed

• To Restore the Image of God: The goal of life is the "re-creation" of the human agent and the restoration of the image of God in man7MR 274.4.

• To Enable Usefulness: Without self-respect, a person loses their relish for "useful and elevating occupations" and remains in a state of discouragement that bars the way to helping othersCH 197.2+1.

• To Escape Ruin: Continual loss of self-respect leads to poverty, prison, and ultimately eternal ruin18MR 256.1+1.

How to Recover Self-Respect

Recovery is a practical and spiritual journey centered on the power of Christ:

• Look to Jesus: Beholding the character of Christ and His sacrifice on Calvary subdues pride and heals the wounds of the soul20MR 94.3+1.

• Appropriate Christ’s Merits: We must believe that Jesus died for us personally and accept His righteousness as a free gift to cover our inefficiencyYI February 9, 1893, par. 2+1.

• Practice Reverence and Self-Control: One should exercise their powers to correct habits of indifference and practice reverence until it becomes part of their natureCG 546.3.

• Maintain Physical Health: Recovery for the soul often involves co-operating with God by obeying the laws of health, as the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 6:191888 1737.2+1.

• Receive Approval from God: Cultivate self-respect by living so that your own conscience and God approve of your actionsDG 142.1.

• Accept Forgiveness: Go to Jesus to be cleansed so you can stand before the law without shame or remorse Romans 8:1NL 19.1.

• Encouragement from Others: The respect and appreciation shown by others can be the very means Christ uses to restore a person's lost self-respect1MCP 255.1.