WHAT DO WE SEE IN THE MIRROR?

Our perspective matters. When we see ourselves as creations of God who loves us, we see beauty and possibility. Oh, that we would all view our mirror images as God sees us!

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES             by Sally Bair

Images

While I grew up in Minneapolis, every summer my mother took my twin sister and me to the Como Zoo in St. Paul. Our favorite display was Monkey Island, where a family of primates lived. Their summer home, a large island surrounded by a moat and a high fence, allowed us to enjoy their funny antics.

One day someone threw a mirror to the monkeys. After a scramble, followed by a fight, one monkey claimed ownership of its new toy and bounced off to be alone. The primate held it at arm’s length, up close, to the right and to the left—all the while chattering and making silly faces. His enjoyment at seeing himself in the mirror was obvious. Fascinated, we watched and laughed.

The memory of that monkey makes me think of today’s obsession with selfies. What is it about mirrors that draw us to study, preen or criticize our body image?

Self-image has its place, and God has some things to say about it. When we put too much emphasis on our body image, we miss out on His own image. He made us in His image, which is perfect and righteous. No blemishes, no ounce of fat or selfishness or evil. His own Son, Jesus, being both God and man, is a perfect picture of His Father—loving, forgiving and longsuffering. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15)

David wrote in Psalm 8, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor … You have put all things under his feet ….” (vv. 3-6)

When we consider our image in David’s terms, our selfies may seem insignificant, silly and prideful. David addressed the subject of image in yet another way: “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” (Psalm 17:15)

Lord, thank You for making us in Your perfect likeness. Cause us to project our image in such a way as to draw others to You and as to give You joy while we worship and serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.