Customer Reviews

Christ Esteem: Where the Search for Self-Esteem Ends

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Pastor Matzat nails it when he says "The call of the gospel is away from self and unto Jesus,because self is the problem and Jesus is the solution." His book really changed my view on who I was (depraved) and how I get all my righteousness through Christ alone. When he said "In God's eyes we are where Jesus is" made me think about how special a true saving relationship with Jesus Christ can be.

Any Christian who feels compelled to get involved in the recovery or the get in touch with yourself movements should first read Christ Esteem. Pastor Matzats book will save Christians time and money as they will come to realize that such movements are unbiblical and point to mans efforts at self esteem. As Pastor Matzat correctly states though "Christ Esteem is where self esteem ends."

Many legalists will tell you that "denying yourself" or "dying to yourself" means to give up what you want. That's noble, but it's frustrating and it doesn't work very well--because it's at best an incomplete definition. Pastor Matzat gets to the heart of the matter of what "denying yourself" means: Stepping out of the way and letting Christ go instead. He died for you, now let Him live for you.

This is a tough and challenging book, and probably should go on the list of books you read about once a year. I got a lot out of it the first time around, but there's a lot here.

If you're a defeated Christian, it's time to pull Jesus off the bench and get Him working in your life. This book will get you started in doing that.

Matzat has been around the theological block enough times to know from where he writes and confesses. In a well structured search for self-esteem, Matzat shows how this can only be found in Christ crucified. With all the time and energy spent on finding peace and rest for weary souls, Matzat offers the only solution here. I found one particular quotation so relevant to this searching: "Are you hurting enough to give up on yourself? Are you unhappy enough and miserable enough to turn away from yourself with all your problems and failures and seek relief in a relationship with the person of Jesus Christ?" page 82.

The reader from Point Pleasant, NJ, who called this book "a HUGE disappointment," is simply living on another planet. I'm sorry to sound uncharitable, and I wish s/he had left some way of contacting him/her personally, but that assessment is unbelievable.

My thinking was revolutionized by CHRIST-ESTEEM, and I have both recommended it and bought copies of it for many people who needed encouragement and a new focus, a Christ-focus. It is solidly biblical and I really am at a loss as to how anyone could suggest otherwise. I would love to correspond with that reviewer and find out his/her reasons for making such an astounding claim.

When it comes to psychological problems (not speaking here of *organic*, brain-based problems), there is *nothing* Matzat wrote that is not soundly biblical and illuminating and positively impacting. He never suggested someone would change overnight, he only argued - rightly - that the way out is by focusing on Christ rather than on self. That is thoroughly biblical, as well as psychologically effective over time!

If you are a Christian who recognizes your sinful nature and desires to leave it in the dust, you are ready for Christ Esteem. Even if you still want to cling tenaciously to your old Adam, your pet sins, your sinful attitudes, you may find that reading Christ Esteem will help shake you loose of your worldlyness. Christ Esteem expounds on the biblical truth of Romans 8:5-6: "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit, have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." In language that is easy to read, Christ Esteem teaches, illustrates, and demonstrates how to "Turn away from Self", and "Identify with Christ". It makes living according to our new life in Christ a tangible reality. Christ Esteem shows us how to "stir the presence of God within us" so that "we can walk in the Spirit and experience the love, peace, and joy which is in Christ" -- regardless of our personal situation! A book that can turn your life around, if you are ready... and maybe even if you are not! I just purchased six copies for my church library, family, and friends.

Of the many books I have read on walking out the Christian life, this is one of the very best. My favorite quote from the book is this one. "He has given only one gift to meet our need: His Son Christ Jesus. As I look to Him to live out His life in me, He will be humble and patient and loving and everything else I need in my stead." I not only underlined it, but also wrote wow! in the margain. That sums up the theme of the book.

Christ-Esteem presents a simple and ultimate answer to a myriad of complicated psychological maladies. Matzat's solution is Jesus Christ. The answer is not in improving ourselves but in turning from ourselves to Christ. The author gives simple instruction on how to find your identity in Christ and how to keep your focus on Him. Matzat draws much from Luther and Watchman Nee. The book has it faults but overall it is exceptional. It is an easy, interesting, enlightening read and it may change your whole perspective on life.

Years before Rich Warren penned the words "It's not about you" to start his best selling book about a purpose-driven life, Don Matzat made the same point in this excellent book, "Christ Esteem."

And indeed, as Pastor Matzat makes makes abundantly clear, being Christian isn't about us ultimately. It's about Jesus Christ. It is Jesus whom we are to esteem, not ourselves. This is a wonderfully liberating truth, when we fully embrace it.

If you are sick of the endless prattle about "me, me, me" in the Christian church today, then "Christ Esteeem" is for you.

Don Matzat looks at the common maladies afflicting the Christian today and prescribes the cure. He sets the nail firmly and hammers it home with the skill of a journeyman carpenter. If the world decides to take his advice seriously, the psychiatric community will be doomed to obselesance. He has surely condensed the meaning of life into its purest form with his exposure of one of the greatest scams ever perpetrated on mankind.

This book is a must read for those who are searching for a way to become closer in their walk. I read it awhile ago and was so moved by it I bought one for each of my children. The book is easy to read and understand. It's a keeper to read over and over again!