What is our self-image? How do we see ourselves? When I was a boy, my parents had a full length mirror on the back of their bedroom door. Before they left the house they would stand in front of that mirror to make sure they were “presentable”. On Sunday morning they would spend a few extra minutes to make sure they looked their best for worship. (Boy has that changed! Casual dress has become quite acceptable in many churches, including mine.) I never had to use that mirror because my parents would look me over every morning and let me know how I looked. They were my mirror.
Of course, all of that had to do with outward appearance. What mirror do we use to see ourselves as we really are; physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally? We can’t trust ourselves to provide an accurate self-image. How about the mirror of comparison? There are two major problems when we compare ourselves with others. The first is that we only see them as they want to be seen and often that is a façade which hides their true condition. But even more important, we are all created uniquely; so what works well for them may not work for us at all. Comparing ourselves to others is as fruitless as comparing apples with oranges (pun intended).
What about seeing ourselves reflected in the eyes of others? Whether it is inadvertent or intentional, they only see in us what we allow them to see. Also, when we depend on others to reflect our image, their evaluation will always include their own condition or bias. They may; love us, be jealous of us, feel superior to us or even dislike us for some reason. That would distort our image in their eyes. The enemy will gladly provide a mirror for us. But since he is the father of lies, his mirror will be more distorted than the mirrors in a fun house at the carnival. That is no help at all.
The only true mirror of our total condition is provided by our Creator who knows us better than we can know ourselves. As Christians, we have His Holy Spirit dwelling within us to turn to for a true image of ourselves as His sons and daughters. Just as I could rely on my parents for an accurate view of my physical appearance, I can rely on my Heavenly Father to show me what He sees in me.