Mirrors

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Every person has an image of themselves.

We all see ourselves in a certain way.  Our self image is like a self-portrait.  It has been formulated by several factors such as how we see ourselves, how others see us, and how we perceive others view us.

The question must be asked:  Does the image you see in your mind line up correctly with who God says you are?  The image you have of yourself may or may not be entirely accurate, yet it is your perception of you and it does affect you.  Research has shown and proven that we will more consistently behave and perform in a way that is in harmony with the image we have of ourselves.  In other words, your mind completes the picture you tell it to paint.

For example, if you see yourself as unqualified, unattractive, or inadequate, the more likely you are to carry out those thoughts in your life.  Phrases such as “I can never do anything right” and “nobody wants me” have more potential to be birthed out of your mouth and carried out in your life.  Conception begins internally.

The truth is that there is no way we can live in the Promised Land and enjoy the fulfillment of God’s promises if we have a poor self-image.  In Numbers chapter 13, Moses sends out 12 spies to view the Promised Land.  Ten spies came back with a negative report and viewed themselves as “grasshoppers” compared to their enemies.  Only 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb, had a positive self-image.  Even before the battle was started, the majority of the spies were already defeated.  The difference was how they viewed their God and themselves.  Let me give you 3 things to help you see yourself as God sees you.

1.  Renew your Mind.  The 12 spies all came from the same place of Egypt, but only 2 trusted God at His Word.  As believers, we are instructed to “…not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” in Romans 12:2.  We may have been given new hearts in Christ, but some are still operating under old mental maps.  The Israelites were only supposed to journey 11 days, but it turned into 40 years.  It will take you a long time to get to the place God wants you as long as you have a negative mindset and wilderness attitude.  You will never rise above the image you see of yourself.  Learn to set your mind on higher things.  Align your mind with God’s Word.

2.  Guard your Inner Conversations.  The 10 Spies began to speak negatively throughout the camp, and it affected the majority of the Israelites.  Yet, in the narrative, Joshua and Caleb stood by their conviction and kept courage.  In order to progress in life, you have to have a firewall of faith to protect you from internalizing your circumstances.  The person we talk to most is ourselves.  You have a constant conversation with yourself all the time.  Are you encouraging yourself in the Lord, or criticizing yourself?  Guard the words that are heard within your mind.  Don’t let any internal negative messages stifle or put to death the seed of faith that God is trying to cultivate within you.

3.  Don’t play the Comparison Game.  It was unfortunate that the negative spies compared themselves to the people of the land they were going to possess.  They saw them as mightier, stronger, and more numerous.  It bred discouragement and fear.  Maybe one of your biggest setbacks is that you compare yourself to people around you.  Rather than be inspired, you end up full of pride or full of discouragement.  The enemy preys on comparisons.  You were not meant to mimic, but to be who God created you to be.  If you must compare, look to His word and see if your life aligns with Him.  Also, compare yourself to you.  Are you further along in your faith than you were at this time last year?  Are you becoming more like Christ?  Are you making progress in your life?  Just be determined to be the best you can be.  Remember, God has given you the grace to do what He has called YOU to do.

So, go take a look in the mirror.  And answer the question, “How do you see yourself?”