The Concept of Self
The concept of self refers to how we understand and define who we are. It encompasses our beliefs, values, experiences, and roles in society. Self-concept is dynamic, changing over time based on our experiences and our reflections and it plays a crucial role in how we interact with others and navigate the world. We have a concept of self whether we are conscious of it or not - we can continue living a life driven by our unconscious/subconscious or we can take the time to understand who we are at our core, overlay that with who we are in Christ, identify discrepancies and ultimately be transformed by the Truth.
The enemy is most effective in your unconscious/subconscious and can maintain his schemes just below the surface for a lifetime. He does this through:
Temptation: Subtle suggestions or temptations, leading to doubts or negative thoughts that conflict with one's values.
Fear and Anxiety: These feelings can be amplified by negative influences, leading to a distorted view of oneself and the world.
Distraction: Focusing on trivial or harmful thoughts instead of more positive, constructive ones can hinder personal growth and faith.
Self-Doubt: Instilling feelings of unworthiness or shame can undermine confidence and lead to a disconnection from one's purpose.
From http://www.mydelightisinher.com/mydelightisinherblog/self-discovery-baseline, let’s begin with questions 1 / 2. These are both from your perspective but bifurcated into your perception of self and your perception of how you are perceived. See below for some guidance on what your answers should address.
Question #1:
Describe yourself as you see you.Self-Identity: This includes basic attributes like age, gender, ethnicity, and personal traits that define who you are.
Self-Esteem: This is your evaluation of your own worth and how you feel about yourself. It can be influenced by achievements, relationships, and comparisons with others.
Self-Image: How you perceive your physical appearance and abilities. This can be shaped by societal standards and personal experiences.
Social Identity: The roles you occupy in various social contexts, such as being a friend, parent, or colleague. These roles can significantly impact your self-concept.
Personal Values and Beliefs: The principles that guide your behavior and decision-making, shaping how you view yourself in relation to the world.
Life Experiences: Past experiences, both positive and negative, contribute to your self-concept by shaping your beliefs about yourself and your capabilities.
Self-Awareness: The ability to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, allowing you to understand your motivations and how you relate to others.
Question #2:
Describe yourself as you believe other people see you.Self-Identity: How we view ourselves in terms of traits, abilities, and appearance, which influences how we think others perceive us.
Social Feedback: Reactions and comments from others; positive reinforcement can boost our self-esteem, while criticism can lead to self-doubt.
Cultural Context: Cultural norms and values can affect how we interpret others’ perceptions and how we believe we should present ourselves.
Comparison with Others: We often gauge ourselves against peers, which can influence our sense of worth and how we think we are viewed.
Confidence and Body Language: Our own confidence levels and body language can affect how we perceive others perceive us, creating a feedback loop.
Assumptions and Biases: We may project our own insecurities or biases onto others, leading to misinterpretations of their views.
Communication Style: The way we express ourselves—through verbal and non-verbal communication—can significantly influence how we are perceived.
Please note that these answers reflect your perception - the way you interpret or understand things and are not necessarily indicative of reality, which is the state of things as they actually are. But how can we separate perception from reality? Put simply, knowing the Word of God. If the answers you gave don’t reflect how God perceives you, I hope this journey changes that.
How God perceives you (reality), to name a few:
Beloved (1 John 4:16/Ephesians 2:4-5)
Chosen (John 15:16/Ephesians 1:4-5/1 Peter 2:9)
Free (John 8:36/2 Corinthians 3:17)
Acceptable/Accepted (Romans 15:7)
Forgiven (1 John 1:9/Ephesians 4:32)
Precious (Psalm 139/Isaiah 43:4)
Important (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
His (John 1:12)
Citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)
Saved (Romans 10:13)
Blessed (Ephesians 1:3)
Complete (Colossians 2:10)
Separate but related, the Bible outlines two options: conform or be transformed (Romans 12:2). We are always moving in one of these two directions - we are either being conformed to the world or transformed by God. Where do you fall on this spectrum now? What factors in your life determine your direction? Of those factors, which can you control? Of the ones you cannot control, how can you protect your peace despite?
I hope you will focus on, prioritize, and ultimately come to believe how God perceives you and I hope it changes how you perceive yourself through your own lens and the lens of others.
