Our culture says that most of our problems come from low self-esteem, and that the cure is to think more highly of ourselves. In this Ask Pastor John episode a listener asks how a Christian can be confident in who God has made him without sliding into pride.

John Piper starts by admitting he “gags” on the term high self-worth. When God disappears, he says, the self takes His place, and that is the essence of sin. But he does not stop there. God does want our lives to be fruitful, courageous and confident, and it is not wrong to long to hear “well done, good and faithful servant.”

What stood out to me were his eight diagnostic questions for spotting pride. Do I gladly embrace that my existence, my circumstances and even my hard work are owing to God’s grace? Do I feel entitled to recognition? And above all, do I love to see Christ magnified, whether I get any credit or not? He works through texts like 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Corinthians 4:7 and James 4:15.

It is about 12 minutes long, and a good one for self-examination.

If the video doesn’t load, you can watch it on YouTube. From Desiring God. Read the transcript.