Why is it that we have such fragile senses of self esteem that our senses of worth go up and down more than the stock market?

Success is the achievement of a goal. But I think what's more important is, what goal is worthy of pursuit? What do I choose to do? What is my measure of my success? What is that goal?

The reality is that it is very difficult to fully escape the need to find your image in the eyes of somebody else. Our lives are shaped by those who love us and who refuse to love us. But Jesus is saying that, if you really understood how much you are loved by a Creator, a good God, then you would be free.