How do you think you look in God’s image? Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan. The majority report (ten of the twelve) came back: “We even saw giants there…. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” (Numbers 13:33). Not only did the spies see themselves as grasshoppers, they concluded that others also saw them as weaklings.

That “grasshopper mentality” is typical of people who feel inferior. Scores of women have said, “I feel ugly, and I know that others think I’m ugly too.” But those women weren’t ugly. They simply concluded that others perceived them in the same way they perceived themselves.

If you struggle with inferiority feelings, rest assured that 99 percent of the people who know you perceive you to be smarter, more attractive, and of greater value than you see yourself.

You are made in God’s image. Your abilities are many. You have scores of characteristics that others admire. Certainly, you’ve experienced failure. The apostle Paul wrote, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ returns” (Philippians 1:6). Despite your shortcomings, God has big plans for your life. Tell yourself the truth and behave accordingly.

Take time to pray, and ask God to give you…

A sense of what He can accomplish through you;

The vision is to look past your issues of self-worth and see yourself as He sees you;

The confidence to step beyond your comfort zone to accomplish things, according to His will.

Reflect on these questions:

What does it mean to you that you are made in God’s image?

Me, personally. I like what Abraham shares in Romans 5 that we have peace with God because of Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Have faith that Christ has made us where we can confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

What value do you have to God? To your spouse? To your kids? To your extended family? To your employer, clients, etc.? To your friends?

In 2 Peter 1:2-3. God gives us more and more grace and peace as we grow in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. Knowing his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have value and received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

What do your attitude and demeanor say about your self-image?

A great example to remember is Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Read more passages on self-image:

Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!

2 Corinthians 3:4-5; 11:30 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.

Look inside to see your true self-image toward the Lord. Thoughts of Gary Chapman, and sermons at Alston Road Church of Christ.