Take a Look at Yourself – Part Three

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12: 2).

What we think and how we think about it helps to establish our opinion of ourselves. A healthy self-image is in large part based on our thoughts.

A transformed mind, one modeled after that of Jesus, is foundational. “Let this mind be in you which was in Jesus Christ…”

The world wants to control your mind, so it exerts pressure from without. The Holy Spirit wants to control your mind, so He provides power from within.

If the world controls how you think, you are being conformed.

If Jesus controls how you think, you are being transformed.

“Transformed” means changing the outward by what is within.The idea of transformation means you can change. You are not a prisoner to your past or a puppet of your present concepts.

Pray with the Psalmist: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me into the way everlasting” (Psalms 139: 23, 24).

Ask the help of the Lord in self-awareness. Ask Him to help you look at yourself honestly, using the searchlight of the Scripture. This isn’t easy and can be painful. To put down your defenses and admit a weakness can even be confusing.

Repression is the capacity to put out of sight that which we don’t want to admit about ourselves.  In light of the fact God already knows you as you truly are, isn’t it absurd to play games with yourself and wear a mask before Him?

We need to be honest with ourselves. Certain traits tend to make us unacceptable to others. We need to be aware of any of these in our lives and correct them.  Dr. Charles B. Roth lists the ten most obnoxious personality traits: Lack of dependability, grumpiness, tendency to show off, sarcasm, sense of inferiority, bossiness, a tendency to criticize and find faults, self-pity, poking fun at people behind their backs, and a desire to dominate others.

If any of these appear in your personality, get them out. Not only do other people dislike these traits, the person doesn’t like them. They adversely affects our self-acceptance. If God accepts you regardless of what label you wear, with or without a college degree, regardless of your bank account, and with no regard for what vehicle you drive, can’t you accept yourself?  Once you accept yourself, spend the rest of your life giving yourself away to the loving Lord. Reflect on these lines from the old hymn “IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR:”

“Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.