Uncommen: A Distorted View Sample

Distorted Reflection

We take mirrors for granted these days as they are so commonplace in our everyday lives. But original mirrors were not the reflective glass we are used to today but rather polished stone, gold, or even brass. These tended to be murky, distorted surfaces that didn't do a very good job of reflecting the true self. Poor people just used a still pool of water to reflect themselves. So it's not quite the 150 watts round light mirror with 30 magnification that women peer into today. 

These two extremes got me thinking about how we see ourselves. Do we see ourselves as we should, or is it blurred and distorted? Do we see ourselves too closely and are far too self-critical? First, let's look at our two verses.

Overlooking the issues

Romans 12:3 "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."

When we don't see ourselves as we should, we tend to overlook many issues of ourselves, yet find fault with others. We may tend to self-justify certain behaviors because we have a blind spot in our mirror. Our scripture verse touches on that person who thinks too highly of himself. Scripture suggests we use some sober judgment when it comes to how we see ourselves.

Seeing every fault

Acts 10:15 "And the voice came to him again a second time, What God has made clean, do not call common."

If you've ever looked into one of those magnification mirrors your mom or wife uses for their makeup, you'll see why they see every flaw. Every freckle, wrinkle, and blemish is 15x its normal size and is all you can see. Unfortunately, that's how it is when we are too self-critical and destroy our self-confidence. Life is hard enough without having you for your own worst enemy. 

You can see why it's essential to look at yourself the right way to avoid a distorted view. Romans 12:3, "...but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." God wants to use a person who knows their worth in Christ. We are wonderfully made, and each has unique talents, but we are not higher than our maker. 

I've always loved the verse from Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

There is nothing wrong with being wise, but do it with humility.


Uncommen Questions:

How do you see yourself? (Too high? Too low? Sober?)

What adjustments do you need to make to see yourself as God sees you?

Uncommen Challenge:

Challenge: both you and I to step back and take a sober look at ourselves and see how it lines up with Christ.