Seeing Yourself Clearly: Embracing God’s Perspective

Written By View Church

Pastor Reed Sowell

Understanding how you see yourself is one of the most transformative journeys you can embark on. What if your perception of who you are isn’t the full story? What if there’s a deeper truth, a clearer view waiting to be discovered? Embracing how God sees you leads to your truest identity. When you define yourself by His Word and perspective, it radically impacts your life and relationships. Keep reading for the full message.

Trusting God to Define Your Path

Our foundation begins with these words from Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)

These verses highlight an essential truth: our vision for life isn’t self-derived but God-given. Trusting God requires surrendering even the challenging areas of our lives. When we submit to Him, clarity emerges, and our paths align with His purpose. This isn’t just about surface-level submission but entrusting every part of our lives to Him—even the difficult, uncomfortable areas.

The Foundation of Your Identity

Your identity is rooted in how God sees you. Pastor and author Tim Keller profoundly stated:

"We are not who we think we are, nor who others say we are, but who God declares us to be in Christ."

The phrase “in Christ” is key. When you follow Jesus, His perfect life becomes a credit to you. God doesn’t define you by your mistakes; He sees you through the lens of Christ’s righteousness. You are fully known and fully loved—not as a sum of your failures but as a beloved child of God. This truth frees us from the lies we often believe about ourselves.

Identifying and Overcoming Common Lies

Sometimes, we accept lies about our identity that prevent us from living in the freedom Jesus offers. Let’s explore three common lies and replace them with Biblical truths.

Lie #1: The Lie of Insignificance

The lie: "I don’t matter. My life has no purpose."

This feeling might stem from something someone said or circumstances that made you feel overlooked. Yet, the Bible consistently affirms your worth. Consider King David, who wasn’t even included in the initial lineup when Samuel sought to anoint the next king. God’s response to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7 is profound:

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God values your heart. Psalm 139:13-16 beautifully expresses this truth:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb... Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

You were created intentionally and purposefully. If God values you—knowing your flaws, fears, and failures—then you are undeniably significant. You matter not because of what others say but because of how God sees you.

Lie #2: The Lie of Performance

The lie: "My worth is based on what I do."

In a culture that often ties identity to accomplishments, it’s easy to believe this lie. But God’s love for you isn’t conditional. Titus 3:5 reminds us:

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

God’s love is rooted in grace, not your achievements. You can’t earn more of His love—you already have it in full measure. Serving God should flow from joy and gratitude, not compulsion or fear. Reflect on areas where you may feel pressure to perform and ask God to reveal the root of those feelings. As Jerry Bridges wisely wrote:

"God’s love for us is not based on our performance but on Christ’s finished work on the cross."

Lie #3: The Lie of Failure

The lie: "I’ve messed up too much for God to love me or use me."

The Bible is filled with flawed people whom God used mightily. Take Peter, for example, who denied Jesus three times. Despite this failure, Jesus reinstated Peter and entrusted him with leading the early church. Romans 8:1 provides this assurance:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

God’s grace covers your failures. He specializes in redemption and uses broken people to accomplish extraordinary things. You are never too far gone for His love or His purpose.

Embracing God’s Truth

To see yourself clearly, you must replace lies with God’s truth. This begins with recognizing and rejecting false beliefs and embracing the identity God has given you. Here are practical steps to get started:

  • Identify the lies: Reflect on areas where you feel insignificant, pressured to perform, or unworthy.

  • Meditate on scripture: Anchor yourself in verses that affirm God’s love and purpose for you.

  • Pray for clarity: Ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes.

  • Seek community: Surround yourself with people who remind you of your God-given worth.

Further Reading

  • "Who You Are in Christ" by Bible Study Tools

  • "The Lies We Believe" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Other Links

View Church https://viewchurch.co
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Seeing God Clearly: A Life-Altering Perspective