Connecting Point: A Healthy Self-Image

A balanced Biblical view of who we are is both necessary and healthy. Author and theologian Josh McDowell states, “A healthy self-image is seeing yourself as God sees you, no more and no less.” Certainly, there are viewpoints that get quite unbalanced as history demonstrates. On one side, those who negatively think of themselves as fallen and unworthy negate the power of the Gospel, which redeems us. Then, on the opposite side, those who think too highly of themselves believe that they can do no wrong. They are apt to be like Icarus, the son of Greek fables, with wax wings who flew too high and, melting, fell to his death. Without balance, we are prone to fall into one of those extremes.

First, God has deemed us as valuable. For the most part, societies have long held the belief that a person’s value is based on performance,

notoriety, and outward appearance. God sees us much differently. As humans we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27), the pinnacle of all creation intended to have a relationship with our Creator. David wrote, “…what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor,” (Psalm 8:4-5). We are given a distinct honor unlike the fish of the sea or wild bears roaming the hillside. 2 Corinthians 5:15 expresses the purpose of Jesus, “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” You are valuable to God, so it’s healthy to embrace this belief.

Second, the Bible tells us we are loved. Jesus himself compares his love for us to the Father’s love for him (John 15:9). Furthermore, 1 John 3:1 says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” Lavished is an interesting word, signifying to be poured upon, didomi in Koine Greek. This act of love only occurs when we become children of God at salvation.

Third, each of us is unique. Over the course of time, with billions and billions of people existing, one thing remains true, there is no one else like you. Even twins or other multiples share unique characteristics. Ephesians 2:10 describes us as “God’s workmanship,” add that to Psalms 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well,” and one can learn to see our value and uniqueness.

With all that being said until we understand that God sees us in such a positive light. And until we hold deeply to that belief personally, only then will our self-image be put into the proper perspective. If we don’t see ourselves as valuable, loved, or unique to God, then we fall into a quagmire of despair. Words and Bible verses are meaningless if we don’t embrace our identity that can be found in God. Our society continues to provide many substitutes for identity, but none can compare to the love of Jesus.