Stuck on Self

What do you think about yourself? The modern age has filled us with so many of these reflective questions. And we usually turn toward self help books. We analyze our self doubt, self esteem, and evaluate our self worth. We struggle with our self image and what people think about us. And when we break it down, what’s the common denominator of all of these things? Self. We are people who are consumed, motivated, and obsessed with ourselves. The real issue behind that is that we’ve missed the point of who we really are and whose opinion matters most. When we turn our thoughts inwardly, it’s easy to see how our actions can become really self focused. 

However, when our attention is stuck on self, often the image isn’t one that we like. And no manner of diets, exercise routines, beauty products, or clothes will ever change our feelings about what we see in the mirror. Especially when what we see is the emotional scars left behind from years of hurt. So maybe we need to start looking through a different mirror. The gospel writer, Matthew, records a conversation Jesus had with His disciples saying, Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV). The issue we run into when we look at, listen to, or dwell in all of the “self” products out there is that they don’t deal with the greater issue and the deeper truth. Who you are isn’t a product of your past or the mistakes of your future. You are who God made you to be. You have value that may be hidden under years of hurt, stress, or illness. But He sees you for the value you have and is working to transform you into who He has made you to be. 

The reality of the believer is that, when we look inside, we should see something different. Salvation has made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and with that has changed who we are. Not from the outside working against what’s going on inside of us. The Holy Spirit begins the work from the inside. Deep in our souls. Where our thoughts, feelings, and image questions begin to change. We begin to see things through a different set of lenses. Our value and worth don’t come from the books, media, likes, or people around us. Our value is found in the One who knows the number of hairs on every head. What can you do this week to unstick from self and see you value through His eyes?