See Yourself His Way

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?" Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you." (Zechariah 3:1-4 TNIV)

When we enter into the presence of God, it's far too easy to see ourselves through the lens of our faults.  Our sins get in the way of seeing the person God designed us to be.  Remember, that's not the way God sees you - not if you have turned back to Him.  Earlier blog posts describe how you can "Join Him" when you've been away from God.  Once you've come back, you need to start seeing yourself the way He sees you.  He doesn't see the "filthy clothes" of sin covering you.  He sees the "fine garments" He has given you to replace the old.  You should see yourself this way as well.  Some refer to this as "forgiving yourself."

We try to act the way we see ourselves.  When you see yourself as successful corporate executive, you work hard to become one.  When you see yourself as a grade school teacher, you go the necessary training to become one.  When you see yourself as a doctor, lawyer, athlete, politician, or minister, you find yourself doing all the things necessary to become what you believe you are meant to become.

When you see yourself as created in the image of God, you will work hard not to tarnish that image.  When you see yourself as receiving undeserved forgiveness, you will remain humble.  When you see yourself as a "new person" and the "old has passed away" you will start living the new life you have been given.  Take the time to see yourself the way God sees you.  It will keep you humble.  It will keep you strong.  It will keep you focused on what is important for your day...walking together with God.