Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."--2 Corinthians 5:17(NKJV)
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.--Psalm 139:14(NLT)
The Birthing/New Mothers room in our church has a two way mirror. This affords moms the ability to enjoy the service while tending to their little ones, yet it gives them privacy. They can see out, but others cannot see in to the birthing room. The mirror part of the window is in the back of the sanctuary. So, from time to time, our pastor has our children, tweens, and teens look at themselves in the mirror. He will tell them to take a good long at themselves and say, "Wow!!!"
Is he teaching vanity? Is he encouraging conceit, pride, and haughtiness? Is he encouraging self-glorification and exaltation? No. He is instilling a biblical principle that, if our children grab hold of, will set them on a path of biblical prosperity. He is teaching them to see themselves as God sees them and giving them an understanding that they have been made in the image and likeness of God. Knowing and believing this truth is a tool for life!
When you look at yourself in a mirror, what do you see? Do you look with eyes of scrutiny and negativity? Do you see imperfections and flaws? Do you see the effects of time--wrinkles, gray hair? Do you see someone whom you no longer recognize? Do you see the reflection of guilt or shame? Do you see the image of someone who in your opinion is unlikeable or unlovable? Do you see anger, fear, or discouragement? Do you see regret? Do you see what people have said of you-albeit lies?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above--then you are not seeing yourself as God sees you. God sees you as his creation made in his image and likeness. He sees you with eyes of love, mercy, compassion, and acceptance. He likes what he sees!
Ask God to help you see yourself as he sees you. Ask him to uproot false images, perceptions, and beliefs that you have about yourself. Ask him to remove anything that would impede you from seeing the true you. Meditate on the truths of scripture concerning your image. Ask God to fill you with his truth and uproot every lie so that you can begin to like what you see!
If you would like prayer in this area, email: [email protected] or call:
1(866)460-8976.