Good morning:

This month, let’s talk about your self-image. Here’s an important fact.

You will never rise above the image you have of yourself in your mind.

Take a minute and look at yourself in a mirror.

• What do you see?
• How do you feel as you’re starring at yourself in the mirror?
• Do you feel confident and ready to conquer your day?
• Or do you feel downcast, as if you’re not good enough?

For me, when I took the Born to Win course from Zig Ziglar, I realized how important it was to have a healthy self-image. “The me I’ll see is the me I’ll be” is a cute statement, but if you really understand the truth of this statement, it could change your life. I believed and tried to incorporate into my life, these principles (like this one) that Zig shared.

What is your self-image?
(Or self-esteem or self-worth or self-concept?)

What these words mean is:

• the deep-down feeling you have about yourself.
• How you regard yourself, your opinion, or judgment of your own value,
• or the extent to which you matter in life.

It’s the feeling that says, “I like myself” or “I dislike myself”.

I believe your self-image is your self-portrait; it’s who and what you picture yourself to be. It’s how you perceive yourself to be.

You may ask, “So why is this so important?” A healthy self-image is one of the key factors in the success and happiness of any individual. Here’s why.

You will probably speak, act, and react as the person you think you are.

For example: when my kids were in Little League, and I was their coach, I’d teach them and their friends how to hit a baseball. Whether they were good hitters or not, started first in their minds–their perception were forming already. If they believed they’ll hit the ball, they were on their way to being a successful hitter. Unfortunately, if they believed they’ll strike out, then they usually did.

 The process of success or failure starts in your mind 

So how does this affect your life? If you see yourself as unqualified, insignificant, unattractive, inferior, or inadequate, you will probably act in accordance with your thoughts. On the other hand, individuals who view themselves as, “I can do this”, usually have more success in whatever they attempt.

Here’s some incredible news. Individuals who view themselves as God sees them are usually more content about who they are. They know they’ve been created in God’s image, and He has crowned them with tremendous honor. They realize the promises in Scripture are theirs, so they can’t wait to discover them.

Your self-image is not the physical part of your body. It’s more a subconscious “governor” that controls your actions and performance. This governor begins talking to you based on past training as you live your life. This training are pictures of your past efforts, successes, and failures. This training also involves people in your life who’ve encouraged you or have discouraged you.

Every person has an image of himself or herself. The question is: does the image of who you perceive you are agree with who God says you are? If no, then realize God wants you to have a healthy, affirming self-image.

He wants us to see ourselves as priceless treasures. He wants us to feel good about ourselves. He knows we’re not perfect, but we have faults and weaknesses. And we make mistakes. But the good news is, God loves us anyway. 

You might be shocked if you really understood how much God wants to bless you. The Bible says that God wants to accomplish great things in your life. Wow! He wants you to leave your mark in the world. He’s put incredible potential, gifts, and talents within you that are ready for you to use as you see yourself as God sees you, as you step out in faith and act on the dreams and desires that He’s placed in your heart.

It’s exciting, isn’t it? You’re beginning to see yourself as God sees you. Yes, you may have big obstacles in your path, but your God is much, much bigger. You’re a “can do” person. You’re developing a positive attitude, seeing yourself as the champion God made you to be. Keep going. Keep growing. God has much more in store for you.

When you have time, let me know how you’re doing.

Until next month, Shine for Jesus!

Love, Grandpa

P.S. To keep my self-image in check (because its easy to be a legend in my own mind), I love and meditate on the Scripture in Galatians 2:20:

I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.