Seeing Yourself as God Sees You

‘...we have this treasure in earthen vessels...’ 2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV

The Bible says God works through ‘jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.’ (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV) In this way, when people see good things in us, they know it’s God. Jesus pointed out that a clay pot containing a candle with a lid on it may be full of light, but people can’t see it. Only when the pot is cracked does the light shine out through the imperfections-‘In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see…and praise your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:16 NIV) Nothing about you surprises God: ‘…God chose the foolish things…to shame the wise…the weak things…to shame the strong…so…no one may boast…’ (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NIV). Knowing this, then, can you love and accept yourself as God does? If you have a judgmental attitude towards yourself, you’re contradicting God’s Word and opening yourself to Satan’s attacks. Paul refused to sit in judgment of himself: ‘…it matters very little…that you…investigate and question…me. I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself.’ (1 Corinthians 4:3 AMP) Paul had learned to let go of his past and press on, but he didn’t think he’d ‘arrived’. ‘Not that I have…been made perfect…I press on toward the goal…’ (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV) He was aware of the areas he needed to work on, but he refused to keep beating himself up because of them. Never forget, God thought so highly of you that He sent His Son to save you from your fallen state and future fate: ‘…gave Himself…that He might redeem us…and purify for Himself a people…eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good]…’ (Titus 2:14 AMP) Who perfects us? God! You’re a work in progress, so start seeing yourself as God sees you.