Do you cringe when you see photos of yourself?

Perhaps you hide from the camera because you’re worried your physical flaws will be frozen forever in the snapshot. You groan whenever someone posts a photo with you in it.

I envy those of you who don’t seem worried about how you look in the pictures people post on social media. Instead, you’re smiling and enjoying the camaraderie you share with those who obviously enjoy spending time with you. 

Unlike you, I’ve missed out on many Kodak moments. Or in today’s language, selfies with family and friends. I don’t want to keep missing moments like these. I want to develop a different perspective.

I know I’m not alone, so I invite you to join me.

Instead of being preoccupied with our (perceived) physical imperfections, we can ask God to help us see ourselves the way others see us, especially those who love us and want us to be in their pictures. More importantly, let’s pray to see ourselves the way God sees us. We can ask Him to help us be less obsessed with our physical appearance as we think about this week’s verse.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

I love this verse. What if we were to believe that we have, indeed, been chosen and have been delivered out of darkness (struggles, deception, sin)? That we are dearly loved by God Himself? Wouldn’t this reality change the way we see ourselves? Wouldn’t it change the way we interact with others? Eventually, this truth could equip (and motivate) us to live as one who radiates His light as we become less insecure – and more Christlike.

As we continue to change, our character will become so attractive it will radiate in our countenance, reflecting the One Whose character we desire to emulate. As we become less and less focused on ourselves, including how we look, not only will our character be transformed, we just might become relaxed enough to truly enjoy being a part of other people’s lives.

Though we still might not be thrilled to have our pictures taken, perhaps by developing this mindset, we’ll stop running away from the chance of being included in the memories of those who love us – forever preserved in photos and group selfies.

What do you think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)

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