The 40-Day Mirror Fast: Focusing Your Eyes on Jesus and Off Your AppearanceSample

The Truth About the Mirror Image

Did you know that the image you see in the mirror differs from what others see? Mirrors create a 2d reflection of a 3d object. This reflection is both flat and flipped. What you see in the mirror isn't what other people see.

Of course, we also know that lighting, angles, and distance affect how we look in the mirror or photos. Ever been in a dim dressing room where the mirror was slightly angled up at you? I guarantee you didn't buy whatever you tried on after seeing it from that angle!

One of the most fascinating conversations I have with women I coach is around the concept that we're more disappointed in our appearances than anyone else. While I only see myself in photos or the mirror, others always see me! They aren't covering their eyes, wincing, or shrieking with disappointment whenever they look at me. Those who genuinely love me, accept me as I am, and know how I look.

Compare this with how I sometimes respond to the mirror or pictures. Enter the shrieking, wincing, and covering my eyes with shame. I sulk away from the mirror in defeat. How could I go out looking like this?

Here's what we need to remember. What we see and what those around us see are not often the same. At the same time, we tend to objectify ourselves and see ourselves only one-dimensionally—as bodies to be judged. Those who love us see us as whole people, not just as bodies.

Even more so, what we see and what God sees are different.

This is why we must not let our own opinions of ourselves rule. Just as the mirror distorts our image, our opinions distort who we are in Christ. In both a physical and spiritual sense, we often don't see things how they are.

Just like a selfie from the wrong angle tells us an untrue tale about how we look to others, we must remember that how we see ourselves is often untrue. Instead of improving our image and changing ourselves one-dimensionally, we must shine God's light into that picture. Only he can illuminate the truth that will help us see ourselves clearly.

Let's read a few verses about who God says we are.