Image is everything! The problem we have is that the image we have of ourselves is not usually reality. Reality is defined as “the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.” The man who sees himself as a “humble servant” may, in reality, be seen by those around him as an arrogant hypocrite. The woman who sees herself as a stalwart and faithful child of God may, in reality, be a lukewarm and divisive enemy of the truth. While we may see ourselves as the valiant salmon swimming mightily upstream we may, in reality, be a dead, stinking carp floating down the river.
Not only is self-image a problem for so many but an inordinate obsession with how others view us is equally disconcerting. We hear people say all the time that they “don’t care what anybody else thinks.” This is simply not true because we all care about what someone thinks! The real problem for the vast majority of people is that “who we wish be approved of” is misplaced.
The truth is we want to be seen as righteous but want to live whatever kind of lives we so choose. This has lead to the myriad of arguments like “You can’t judge me,” or “God wants me to be happy.” Friends, when will we stop the nonsense and start asking ourselves “How does God see me?” and then have the courage to be honest with that appraisal and then do something positive about it?
What will be the results of this kind of “reality” check?
- We will truly repent of our sins (Acts 26:20). People don’t repent and turn to God because they have a warped sense of reality. They do not see themselves as God sees them. If we saw ourselves the way God sees us we would be on our knees begging His forgiveness!
- We will be more evangelistic (Matthew 28:18–20). If we saw ourselves as God sees us we would be less worried about hurting peoples feelings and more worried about the fact that they were lost!
- We will speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This goes hand in hand with the previous point but with one distinction. We would be direct, but loving; faithful, but patient; sound, but compassionate. Screaming, “Turn or Burn!” doesn’t convert anyone.
- We will be more benevolent and less selfish (Philippians 2:3; Galatians 6:10). If we see ourselves as God sees us we would be appalled at how selfish and stingy we are. We would realize that everything we have belongs to Him and should be used for His glory. It is just stuff, it is temporal, and in relation to eternity is really pretty inconsequential.
- We will be obedient and faithful (Hebrews 5:8–9; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Revelation 2:10). If we saw ourselves as God sees us we would obey the gospel of Jesus Christ and we would live faithful Christian lives in hope of eternal life through His Son!
God sees everything and He sees us as we actually are. “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). We ought not kid ourselves into thinking that when God looks at us He necessarily sees good. But we should consider how God defines evil and that “the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:12).
Look into the mirror of God’s Word and see yourself as God sees you. What do you see? A sinner in need of God’s saving grace? A saint that needs to be more focused and faithful to the will of the Father? A dead, stinkin’ fish? God loves you and He sent His Son to die for you. How will you respond?
Obey Him and be faithful!