The Looking Glass Self

I've been studying the theory of the Looking-Glass Self. The theory suggests that we become the person we think others see in us. Basically, you are the mirror (looking glass) by which I see myself. Your perception of me (or the perception I perceive you to have of me) makes me feel a certain way about myself.

(Watch a short video from Khan Academy that further explains the theory HERE.)

Many times I have judged myself through the eyes of another or changed my behavior out of fear of that judgement:

What will it look like if go to the altar?

What will it look like if I don't stand up for myself?

What will it look like if I worship freely?

What will it look like if I forgive that person?

Instead of seeing ourselves through others, we should see ourselves as Christ sees us. There is no other person who fully knows us. Even better than that, Christ fully knows us and was still willing to give up His life for us. As Christ said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15, NIV). There is no fear of judgement when we see ourselves this way.

What will it look like if go to the altar?

A person who is seeking God's will in her life.

What will it look like if I don't stand up for myself?

A person who is turning the other cheek.

What will it look like if I worship freely?

A person who is desperately in love with God.

What will it look like if I forgive them?

A person who recognizes the forgiveness she has received.