How Do You See Yourself

Much of what our lives look like, is a result of how we perceive ourselves. Proverbs 23:7 says, 'For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.'  That self image, either positive or negative, is created through different channels. Image is created by what we see, hear, our past experiences, our culture and people we associate with. Over time what we believe and what we say produce the boundaries or limitations in our lives. Life flows from the inside, the 'unseen'; to the outside, the seen. The Word of God can create a heavenly image, that is extremely different from the world's image for you. Genesis 1:26 says, 'And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.....' Come let us get back to looking at the Word, and living like our Creator desires for us to live.

Many people suffer from a poor self image. Now if we have a self image that is negative and not positive, then let's look at the source. The world says positive thinking, exercise and a healthy diet can help to change a poor self image. The truth is that our self image starts on the inside not the outside. What you do in your own strength cannot bring eternal change inside. Only the Word of God can bring a total transformation of one's inner self image.

The Bible's step by step, daily program, for image change is found in Proverbs 4:20-27.
'My son attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from you a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from you. Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove your foot from evil.'
 Step 1. 'Keep the Word of God in the midst of your heart.'  Prayerfully spend time seeing, hearing and doing what the Word of God tells you daily. (Joshua 1:8.)
 Step 2. 'Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.'  A continual upkeep and strengthening of this godly image is a must. Our life's success, increase and prosperity flows from the heart. This image building has to be priority, even more important than old associations that were negative. (Psalm 115:14.)
 Step 3. 'Put a froward mouth away from you.'  Our mouth is a amplifier of what is on the inside. A negative mouth can hinder the building of a positive godly image. (Matthew 12:34.)
 Step 4. 'Remove your foot from evil.'  Make your decisions on what the Word of God says, and not on your own understanding or the opinions of others. (Psalm 119:11)
There is so much more that can be shared about these scriptures. I do encourage you to take these verses before the Lord. Let the Holy Spirit open up your understanding, and apply them in your life. You will begin to live a life that is beyond anything you could imagine.

Here is another powerful key, to creating a royal godly image. Romans 13:14 amplified says, 'But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provisions for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).'  I am not telling your what you can or cannot do. You humbly go to God yourself. Ask Him to show you those things that hinder your relationship with Him. Be bold enough to make the change. These changes will open your eyes to see yourself as God sees you. James 4:6,10 says, 'But He gives more grace. Wherfore he says, God resisteth the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.'  As you conform your life to the Word of God, the supernatural grace and favor of God will manifest in your life.  Meditate and confess Philippians 4:13 which says, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'  Until next time, keep your eyes on the Word of God, and be conformed to the image of Christ, (Romans 8:29).

Praise God for His image of me.