How Do You See Yourself?

How do you see yourself? The answer to this question is key because we cannot go beyond how we see ourselves. The way we see ourselves is paramount to fulfilling our destiny. And it is significantly impacted by our upbringing, background, and the words spoken to us. Those words paint a picture on the inside of us, which becomes the cap or the ceiling above which we cannot go. We cannot go beyond how we see ourselves. If you see yourself as incapable of doing something, you will be unable to do it. If you see yourself as a failure, you will become one.

Some people are so afraid of pushing past their personal limits that they accidentally sabotage their own efforts. They go to great lengths to ensure they stay in line with the self-image they have of themselves.

Some time ago, I read about trained elephants in a circus; they are kept in confinement by tying a rope around their leg. As they grow, they become too strong for that rope. Nevertheless, the rope still controls how far they can go.

You might wonder, "How can that be possible?" The answer lies in the fact that the elephant has been tied by the same rope since it was born. As a young animal, the rope is too strong for it to break free, no matter how hard it tries.

As time goes by, the young elephants gradually convince themselves that escape is impossible. This belief leads them to stop trying altogether. Even as they grow stronger and more capable, they hesitate to make an effort to break free.

This is an illustration of what can take place within us. When we become convinced that things will turn out a certain way, we often stop putting in effort and start believing that success is beyond our reach. If we see ourselves as incapable of doing something, then we will be unable to do it. If we perceive ourselves as failures, we will become one.

This raises an important question: how can we change that distorted image within us? It is found in embracing the truth about who we are, as revealed in the Word of God.

According to Scripture, we are ‘chosen and loved by God, forgiven and justified through Christ’ (Romans 8:33). We are ‘joint heirs with Christ’ (Romans 8:17). We are ‘more than conquerors through Him who loves us’ (Romans 8:37). We are ‘the head and not the tail’ (Deuteronomy 28:13). We are ‘able to do all things through Christ, who strengthens us’ (Philippians 4:13).

I invite you to take a moment to reflect on these truths found in Scripture, as well as on the special qualities and gifts that make you unique. Then embrace them wholeheartedly.