Self-esteem is a quality difficult to measure. There are many elements that can contribute to a sense of low self-esteem. Our family background can damage us. The school playground can destroy us. When our self-worth eroded, we lose confidence and are inevitably immobilized.
Religion can be a destructive element in our lives.
If we believe our worth in the sight of God is somehow related to religious performance, we soon become worthless, because our performance is always second rate. Too much religion had blinded them to their condition of loss. Claiming their own worth, they were actually worthless before God. Yet, they could still claim eternal worth, and this just for the asking. All they had to do was accept God's free invitation in Christ.