Self perception from His Perspective.
Self-perception is a wonky thing.
Often times, the perceptions we hold of ourselves are ones we believe to be absolute truth. In a statement, this says, “there is no one who knows me better than me and anyone who thinks they do is completely wrong”.
In the same stroke, some of the perceptions, the not-so-pretty ones, are ones you wish you didn’t view as reality of who you are. Like viewing yourself as fat because you ate pizza at 11 PM last night (…definitely did NOT do this last night).
Our understandings are not always True — and hallelujah this is so!
When we hold ourselves as the standard for what is true, pride can come into play (what I am feeling is always right & true and I know myself best), where denial makes its entrance or where low self-esteem takes over (believing false truths about oneself or who He created us to be).
If I can’t use my gifted areas and abilities as a basis for my perception of myself, then what do I use?
If I can’t use my failures, my “less than” moments, my out-of-shape donut-loving body, or my struggles as excuses for the perception of who I am or am not, then what am I to use?
The answer comes straight out of Philippians, written by the apostle Paul.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8, ESV).
We are to focus on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, of excellence, worthy of praise — those are what we are to ponder on.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life” (NCV).
Where you let your thoughts stew and where your thought-life dwells, this determines how your day goes.
Ask yourself; is this True, is this honorable, is this pure? Is this how Christ defines me? Is this pride or what I am supposed to dwell on? How can I transform it into Truth and point it back to praising God instead of myself?
His perspective of me will always trump my standard of what is true and He is the ultimate (and only) standard of Truth. An intentional change of thought pattern to focus on what is True is a great start to a better day, and my perceptions of myself are completely surrendered to become His. God becomes the focus of my life, no longer myself!
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