“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are progressively being transformed into his image” - 2 Corinthians 3:18
3 Daily Ways to Practice Seeing Yourself in God’s Image
After last week’s devotional and a few conversations with close friends, I realized just how foundational the concept of being made in the image of God is, it fundamentally changes how we see ourselves and others. So for this week and next, we’re going to dive into what it looks like to live out seeing ourselves in His image, and seeing others in His image, starting with how we see ourselves. You could write an entire book about what it means to see yourself in God’s image, (and people have) but fundamentally seeing ourselves correctly, begins with seeing Him correctly. Just like a child watches their father and begins to imitate him, we become like what we consistently look at. So today I want to focus on three foundational ideas of what we should be paying attention to, to help us see ourselves correctly as made in His image.
1 - Watch How God Sees You
“Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are far more valuable than many sparrows.” - Luke 12:7
For most of us, I think there’s a very real temptation to think “I know God is good, and loves people, but I’m just not sure how much He personally sees ME as made in His image.” But when we look to His word and remind ourselves of how He sees us, we see how deeply valued we are. He values us so much that he knows how many hairs are on our heads. These are Jesus’ words to God’s people, it wasn’t just a specific letter for one specific person, it’s for you and me too. You are made in His image, and that image is VALUABLE. When you doubt your identity as an image bearer, turn to scripture and remind yourself what HE says about you. If God says you’re made in His image—who are you to argue with Him? Practice living out His image daily by being in the word, and watching how He sees you, seeing His promises of how much He loves you are incredible daily affirmations that we are made in His image.
2 - Watch How God Acts
“Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]” - Ephesians 5:1
So often we doubt ourselves as image bearers because we think “Well I don’t always ACT like God, so I’m a terrible representative of His image.” Look I get it, I’m with you, I mess up all the time, but we aren’t reflecting God to become loved, we reflect Him because we already ARE loved. Romans 5:8 tells us that God loved us, and died for us, while we were still sinners. If He loved us then, how much joy does it bring Him to see us taking steps, however small, however much we stumble, in attempting to be like our heavenly Father? Like a little boy trying to match his father’s stride, we exemplify God’s character not because we want to be loved, but because we are. When you make a mistake, remind yourself that even when you fall short, you’re still His. Ask yourself “What would reflecting God look like if I could try again right now?” And carry that answer with you. God isn’t asking you to get it right every time—He’s inviting you to keep reflecting Him, one moment at a time. Practice living out His image daily by watching how He acts in scripture and emulating it, as you do, you’ll be able to see on a daily basis ways that you are reflecting Him.
3 - Watch What God Is Forming
“and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self” - Colossians 3:10
If we're honest, we tend to struggle because we feel like we aren’t complete yet, and when we do try to act like He acts, we feel like we don’t see progress fast enough. We have to understand that the Christian walk, and sanctification, is a process. Colossians 3 tells us that we are BEING continually renewed in knowledge in the image of God, not that we have been, we are BEING renewed. It is a constant ongoing process. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us we are progressively being transformed into His image. If God tells us that it’s going to be a process, who are we to disagree? Instead of beating yourself up because you aren’t where you think you should be, can’t you thank God that you aren’t where you were? I can promise you that God is more committed to your growth than you are—but He’s not in a hurry like you and me. So practice seeing yourself in His image by reflecting on what He is forming within you at the end of each day, “Where did I look like Him, even a little?” Focus on the progress you’re making, not on the fact that you are not yet perfect. If God says it’s a process, then trust that you aren’t stuck, you’re just planted.
So how do we practice seeing ourselves in His image?
It starts with seeing Him rightly first.
You don’t grow into the image of God by fixing yourself—you grow into it by believing what He has already said about you, that you already ARE made in His image, you're just cleaning the mirror.
So this week, when the negative thoughts come in, replace the lie with the reflection:
“I am made in His image.”
Because you are—and nothing you do can change that.
Forward this email to someone who could use some encouragement.
And if this email was forwarded to you and you want to read these regularly, sign up here!
If this devotional impacted you in a positive way, or if I can pray for you about anything, reply to this email and let me know! I would love to hear from you. To stay up to date on the latest and be a part of our community of renegade practitioners of the way of Jesus, follow me on Instagram at @casenpwatson
0 comments