Another reason your self-appraisal differs from God’s is that he sees what you do not see. You can guarantee that God sees you differently than you see yourself. God knows how you really are:
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13)
God sees qualities you have but aren’t aware of1 and qualities you think you have but don’t.2 He knows which of your qualities are more or less intense or important than you think they are.
You can’t become who you have the potential to be until and unless you allow God to help you make the changes necessary to do so,3 and you won't know what changes to make or have sufficient reasons to make them until you allow him to show you who you really are.4
As you increase your knowledge about and familiarity with God, how you see yourself will change. As you learn how he sees you, you will be surprised at how different you are from how you think you are. The light of Christ will show you more of your similarities to God and more of your differences from him. The intent of the light of Christ is to make a way for you to improve. As you learn more about how he sees you, you may be less quick to assume positive attributes in yourself,5 but you will also notice, develop, and have more confidence in your strengths.
Footnotes
- 1. ...For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God. (Psalm 7:9, NLT) ↩
- 2. Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. (Psalm 44:21) ↩
- 3. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. (Psalm 19:12) ↩
- 4. He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. (Daniel 2:22) ↩
- 5. And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:16-22) ↩