Charles Cooley’s theory of the Looking-Glass Self in its simplest form is the belief that people see themselves the way they perceive the most important people in their lives see them. As followers of Jesus who should be the most important person in our lives? Yep, that’s right…Jesus! And how does Jesus see you? He thinks you are absolutely awesome! Let’s take a look at some of the ways Jesus sees us:
God’s Most Valuable Creation
In almost every day of creation, God looked at what he created and “It was good.” However, at the end of the sixth day of creation, God looked at all he has created and “it was very good.” (NIV) What made the sixth day so much better? I believe it was because God created humans on the sixth day. Humans are the only thing God created in his image and in his likeness. Of all the things God created, we are the most special. We are God’s most special creation! (You can read the creation story in Genesis chapter 1.)
As Loved and Loving
The hypocrisy of the religious leaders was not strong enough to hold Jesus on the cross. The Roman soldiers were not strong enough to hold Jesus on the cross. The nails were not strong enough to hold Jesus on the cross. Satan himself was not strong enough to hold Jesus on the cross. The only thing strong enough to hold Jesus on the cross, was his love for you and I. Not only that, Jesus has called and empowered to continue to love other people in that same manner.
To love without reason. When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was Jesus responded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31, NIV).
If you want to condense Christianity into a single sentence, this it:
Jesus sees us as loved and loving!
Created For a Purpose
Simon Peter was just a common fisherman until he had an encounter with Jesus. At once Simon Peter fell in front of Jesus and said, “’Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people” (Luke 5:8, 10).
Simon Peter went from being a sinner who could not stand in the face of Jesus to someone with a specific purpose given to him directly from Jesus. Jesus has a specific purpose for you as well. I would encourage you to find out what that specific purpose is and fulfill it. Jesus sees you as someone who was created for purpose!
Someone with Potential
When the religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery (you have to wonder why they did not bring the man) to Jesus, they claimed the law said they must kill her by stoning. Jesus eventually responded, after playing in the sand for a while, “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
As Jesus bent down to continue playing in the sand, the religious leaders slowly walked away. Jesus then asked the woman, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” she answered, “No one, sir.” Jesus responded, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin.” (You can read this whole story in John 8:1-11.)
Notice that Jesus did not ignore her sin, but neither did he define her by it. He saw a potential in her that the religious leaders did not see (or even care to see) nor did she even see in herself until this point.
Jesus sees you the same way. We have all done stupid stuff and we have all sinned big time (those who think you have not sinned big time have sinned the biggest). However, Jesus does not define you by your sin. Instead, he sees you as someone with potential!
“Jesus would rather die than live without you!” –Bob Martin
What are some ways you believe Jesus sees you?
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Tommy Lanham is a coach, leadership training expert, instructor, motivator, and a believer in Jesus. He is an experienced, trusted and highly enthusiastic speaker who communicates life changing truths in an entertaining way. He connects with his audience inspiring them to take action.
He speaks to various organizations, providing the tools to help you follow your God-given dream to reach your God-designed potential.
Visit the website: www.TommyLanham.com
