When I look into the mirror, my self image, more often than not, just doesn’t match up to what I’d like it to be. I fail at being consistent with exercise and eating healthy. I fail at many things. I then, look into the mirror, and call myself a failure.
But what does God see? He sees a beautiful person made in His image! If I am made in the image of Christ, nothing I do to the exterior could ever make my Spirit more beautiful. Nothing I do could make Him love me more. His love is not conditional, but unconditional.
When I look at the image of self and am discouraged, I need to remind myself that I am loved unconditionally.
We all fail. We all have unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves. Our body image will NEVER meet our expectations until we reach glory. We all look into the mirror, time and time again, and our image just doesn’t match up to what we’d like it to be. Take a look into a different mirror. Look into the mirror of God’s Word. What do you see? I see a person created with the most finite of detail in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. His thoughts towards you are precious. Psalm 139 says it best.
1) Are you developing your inward beauty (by drawing close to the Lord) so that His LOVE spills out from your very pores?
2) Are you seeking HIM first so that you smile more often than you frown… because of His beautiful grace spread across your face?
3) Are you thanking HIM for His many blessings and not wasting your life by wishing for another day?
Would you like to get these articles sent to you? Click Here.
I really needed this today. Truly inspiring. Thank You.
I am working on the outside, but thank you for reminding me that the inside, our character is what matters. Are we reflecting Jesus? I need to pay more attention to this!
Blessings!
In his sermon yesterday, our pastor said if mirrors had hit counters on them like websites do, we’d all be embarrassed to see how sky-high the numbers were!
Ah, vanity… so subtle, whether positive or negative. The thing is, that beautiful woman we’re comparing ourselves to is going to be in the grave one day just like you and me. And what will matter then?
That’s what I tell myself on those days I don’t like what I see… thanks for this post, Traci.
Mercy Me has a song called “Beautiful” and it always seems to come on the radio when I need it most. It is a song I have “claimed” for my 15 year old daughter who sometimes sees herself through the damaged lense of the world’s ideas. It is a song that truly fits you and your life…you are beautiful. Thank you for being who you are.
Donna
anotherbattlewon.blogspot.com
So true! Our reflection should be of Christ rather than the world. We listen and see the images thrown at us on every side of these models who are 20 pounds too small and are told that is what we are to look like. We are supposed to be rich, successful, etc.
How are we comparing ourselves to Christ?
Great post!
beautiful. Such a good reminder…especially for women!
thank you. 🙂 I am really encouraged and I know God is using this time–He is using you! I mean you are reaching me! I don’t even know you, but the fact that you take your weaknesses and see them through God’s perspective is something. I need to do this. thank you, thank you for writing and keeping Him your focus.
I would love it if you visited my site. I am a new follower, and I am so thankful for your encouraging posts.
http://sophieandmomma.blogspot.com
I need to take this to heart! Thank you!
Unconditional……
🙂 Thanks
Unconditional……
🙂 Thanks
I have been so discouraged this week by my failures to stay in the work and keep to my diet. So I’m labeling myself with failure and thinking that maybe I should just quit. God doesn’t label me as a failure. He sees me as someone His Son died for. I am so precious to God, and I just need to keep beating myself up. Thank you so much for this reminder!
Thank you–needed this.