By Ken Canedo

There has been much discussion lately about the self-esteem movement and its effect on today's generation, which has been taught from Day One that they are special and that they can grow up to be anything they want. Or, as Stuart Smalley used to say: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and, doggone it, people like me!"

It is not my intent to criticize the self-esteem movement or tell parents how they should raise their children. I will leave in-depth discussion on this topic to the sociologists, educators, and other experts in the field. I only want to say that too much of a good thing might lead to imbalance. If one isn't careful, self-esteem can cross the line into narcissism. Generation Y psychologist Dr. Jean M. Twenge observes: "Self-esteem is often based on solid relationships with others, whereas narcissism comes from believing that you are special and more important than other people."

I believe that Jesus offered the perfect antidote to narcissism in humility. Born in modest barnyard surroundings and rendered homeless during his infancy years, Jesus experienced humility from Day One. Indeed, the very doctrine of the Incarnation is the miracle of divine humility. St. Paul expressed it eloquently in his Letter to the Philippians (2:6-11):

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Jesus taught: "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11)

Humility seems to fly in the face of a celebrity-obsessed society where everyone is looking for their fifteen minutes of fame. And yet, the Christian virtue of humility might just be what the modern world needs now. Humility does not mean putting ourselves down. Humility is truth. If we have certain talents then let us nurture them and be proud of them. Yes, be the best singer you can be. Yes, try out for quarterback if you really think you have the skills. Yes, excel in your chosen field and do your best to be a great engineer or scientist or dancer. But let us not lord it over others.

St. Francis of Assisi said: "We must be simple, humble and pure. We should never desire to be over others. Let us be servants for God's sake!" This is the secret to overcoming narcissism: if we take our best and give it back to God and to the community, graciously and with a thankful heart.

I like how Matt Maher and Tom Booth shared this idea it in their song You Know Who I Am:

You know who I am.
Lord, please take my hand
and lead me into community.

You know who I am.
Lord, help me to stand,
falling in love with your family.

Or, to put it another way:

I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and,
doggone it, Lord,
help me give it back
to you and the people in my life.