Imagine looking into a mirror and seeing something insignificant, unimportant or irrelevant. Some people don't have to imagine it because it's what they see every time they look in the mirror. Their self-image (I prefer God-image) is zero to none for any number of reasons. Perhaps they grew up in a dysfunctional home where emotional abuse was the norm during those critical, formative development years. Affirmation, unconditional love and encouragement were AWOL in their family. Others could be victims of social bullying. Physical features, or behavior was targeted for so long they began to believe the lies being spread in social media or at school, work, etc. However, some people come from fairly functional homes and have never experienced social bullying, yet they still have a poor God-image. Maybe they had a divorce, or lost a job, experienced a business failure, or lost a loved one, but in the end it became too much and simply ate away at their view in the mirror.
A friend of mine lost over 200 lbs., the hard way and I remember being with her in public places when people she had known for years but hadn't seen her for some time wouldn't recognize her. She would always say, "There is no limit to the scorn and shame an obese person feels." While I need to lose weight I've never been in those shoes. However, I know how it feels to be routinely teased about being bald as if it's fair game. Yes the picture above is my beautiful bald head. No physical feature deserves to be a target, or punching bag. Those of us that have a physical challenge may not fold when friends, family, or others poke fun at our expense, but on the inside we are dying. It hurts. Imagine what that brand of humor must feel like for gays, people of color, or someone with disabilities?
No matter who you are and no matter your circumstance know this:
When God sees us He doesn't see insignificant, unimportant, or irrelevant creatures! He sees the beauty of His creation. He sees potential. He sees someone "fearfully and wonderfully made." He sees someone created in His own image.
Imagine God beaming with a big smile and looking down from heaven as He tells the angels, "Look at my child, Monty. Oh he is a mess to be sure. He struggles with insecurity, his weight, cynicism, guilt over busyness and a workaholic past, not to mention his silent doubts about his ability to lead and be a godly husband, father and grandfather. BUT, he's mine! I created him in my image! I gave him life. His fingerprints are uniquely his and one one else's. His smile and laugh are owned by no one else because I gave them to him. Oh yes he has many flaws, but he's mine! I love him so much I sent Jesus to rescue him from his fallen nature. Despite his brokenness he gave his heart to Jesus. And I washed him and rescued him from the snatches of hell. He is mine!"
Guess what? He sees you the same way. God loves you just the way you are. In the words of the late soul-poet, Rich Mullins, "You can't do anything to make God love you more and you can't do anything to make God love you less."
Stand up and face those mirrors with pride folks! Not human pride, but pride in the glory of God who makes us so wonderfully and fearfully. Don't believe the lie from hell that uses the culture as a barometer to measure our images. It will let you down every time. Use the only perfect yardstick there is to measure human-worth---the gracious, glorious, sovereign and loving God.
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