In a world where we are often judged by others and where we may inadvertently judge ourselves based on the opinions of those around us, it is important to remember that the only true and accurate reflection of our worth comes from a higher power.
The phrase, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” highlights the importance of seeking validation and self-worth from a Divine source rather than from others.
Let’s explore the concept of “circus mirrors” as a metaphor for the distorted feedback we receive from others and the world around us, and discuss the importance of seeking a true reflection of ourselves from a higher, Divine source.
Circus Mirrors and Distorted Reflections
The concept of circus mirrors is a powerful metaphor for the way in which feedback from others can often be distorted and unreliable.
Just as circus mirrors alter and distort our physical appearance, the opinions and feedback of others will always be warped to some degree.
Because the feedback will be “off” to some degree, if we take it too seriously, it will have an unnecessary negative impact on our self-perception and sense of self-worth. This can happen for several reasons.
First, everyone has their biases and imperfections.
People often project their own insecurities, shortcomings, and expectations onto others.
For instance, someone’s feedback about you might be more reflective of their own struggles and insecurities rather than an accurate assessment of your character or actions.
Second, people’s perceptions are influenced by their own experiences and worldviews. What someone perceives as a negative trait or action might be seen as positive or neutral by someone else with different experiences.
Third, humans, by nature, are fallible and their opinions are not always based on a full understanding of a situation or person.
This is particularly highlighted in the chat stream where it is noted that even well-meaning individuals, such as family members or church members, can provide feedback that is a bit ‘warped.’
Ultimately, relying on the feedback of others can be as unreliable as using a circus mirror to assess your physical appearance.
The reflections provided by these mirrors are not only inaccurate but can also be damaging to one’s self-esteem and self-worth.
Similarly, basing your self-worth on the opinions of others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence.
I want to highlight the danger of seeking positive feedback from others as a way to bolster self-confidence.
Turning to others for validation is akin to standing in the middle of a circle of circus mirrors for feedback before making a plan – a fundamentally flawed approach.
Turning to others for validation can lead to feelings of being unloved, ignored, mistreated, and judged.
This is likened to the scripture that warns against relying on the ‘arm of flesh.’
The only source of psychological rejuvenation and self-worth that one can truly rely on is a Divine source. This Divine mirror is the only reflection that is flat and clear, providing an accurate and true reflection of one’s worth.
Ultimately, the metaphor of circus mirrors serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of relying on others for validation and self-worth. It underscores the importance of seeking self-worth from within and from a higher, Divine source rather than from the distorted reflections provided by others.
The Importance of Divine Validation
In a society where external validation is often sought after, the significance of Divine validation becomes increasingly crucial. It is common to seek affirmation and positive feedback from others – whether it be friends, family, or peers – in order to bolster self-confidence and self-worth.
Modern psychology, in fact, encourages seeking positive reinforcement from others to improve self-esteem. However, this can be problematic, as people are imperfect and may provide distorted feedback, intentionally or unintentionally.
The Distortion of Human Feedback
Everyone has their own biases, perspectives, and imperfections, which can lead to feedback that is not entirely accurate or constructive.
This is referred to as the ‘circus mirror’ effect, where feedback from others can be as distorted as the reflections in a circus mirror.
This distortion can lead to misunderstandings of one’s value and can negatively impact one’s self-worth and mental well-being. We highlight the importance of not being psychologically reliant on humans, who may not be capable of providing the positive, edifying feedback one deserves.
Divine Validation as the True Reflection
I want to emphasize the concept of Divine validation by referencing the New Testament, where it is suggested that the only source of psychological rejuvenation one can rely on is a Divine source. The only mirror that will provide a clear and true reflection of one’s self is a Divine mirror.
The phrase, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” underscores the notion that seeking approval from a higher power is more valuable and accurate than seeking the approval of fellow humans.
By seeking validation from a Divine source, one can develop a healthier sense of self-worth and self-perception, which in turn leads to a more positive mental state.
The Impact of Divine Validation
When one receives validation from a higher power, the impact of misunderstandings or negative feedback from others becomes less relevant. This, in turn, leads to increased psychological resilience and self-reliance.
Additionally, by focusing on the Divine feedback that acknowledges one’s efforts rather than the results, one can develop a healthier mindset that values effort and progress over perfection.
This perspective can lead to increased confidence, as one understands that their efforts are appreciated and valued by a higher power, even if they are not perfect or do not lead to the desired results.
The importance of Divine validation lies in its ability to provide a true and accurate reflection of one’s self-worth and efforts.
Unlike the distorted feedback that can be received from others, Divine validation provides a clear and true reflection that can lead to increased self-worth, self-reliance, and psychological resilience.
By focusing on Divine validation and actively seeking approval from a higher power rather than from others, one can develop a healthier self-perception and mental well-being.
Replacing Distorted Views with Divine Views
In today’s society, it is common for people to seek validation and self-worth from external sources such as friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers on social media.
This external feedback, however, can often be distorted and unreliable, much like the reflections in circus mirrors. These distorted views can lead to a skewed self-perception, causing feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence.
It is therefore crucial to replace these distorted views with Divine views, seeking validation and self-worth from a higher, Divine source.
Understanding the Distortions
The first step in replacing distorted views with Divine views is to recognize and understand the distortions. It is important to acknowledge that everyone, including ourselves, is imperfect and may unintentionally provide distorted feedback.
This recognition helps to put the feedback received from others into perspective and prevents us from internalizing negative opinions or becoming overly reliant on external validation.
Seeking Divine Validation
Once we understand the distortions, we can focus on seeking Divine validation. This involves developing a strong connection with a higher power, and seeking approval and validation from this source.
By developing a strong sense of spirituality and focusing on our own efforts and the approval of a higher power, we can maintain a positive mindset and sense of self-worth, regardless of the opinions of others.
Reflecting on Our Efforts
An important aspect of seeking Divine validation is to regularly reflect (as part of your regular DPAR sessions) on our efforts and seek feedback from a higher power. This can be done through prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices (PoWeR sessions).
For example, at the end of each day, we can reflect on our efforts and ask, “Father, are you pleased with my efforts today?” This practice helps to reinforce a positive self-perception and builds confidence in our abilities and efforts.
Focusing on Effort Rather Than Results
It is also important to focus on our efforts rather than the results. While it is natural to seek positive results, it is important to remember that we do not have control over all outcomes. What we can control is our effort and dedication.
By focusing on our efforts and seeking Divine validation for these efforts, we can maintain a positive mindset and sense of self-worth, even when the results are not as expected.
Replacing distorted views with Divine views involves recognizing and understanding the distortions, seeking Divine validation, regularly reflecting on our efforts, and focusing on effort rather than results.
By adopting these practices, we can develop a healthier self-perception, become more resilient and self-reliant, and maintain a positive mindset and sense of self-worth, regardless of the challenges we may face.
Conclusion
In a world where we are often bombarded with distorted feedback and opinions from others, it is important to remember the phrase, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” and to seek validation and self-worth from a higher, Divine source.
By doing so, we can develop a healthier self-perception, become more resilient and self-reliant, and maintain a positive mindset and sense of self-worth, regardless of the challenges we may face.
Bonus Principle and Tool
In order for a marriage to truly go through the Born Again process, each individual must be carefully guided through their own development by the Divine source.
We have confidence that you can acquire the relationship needed with God as described above. So, to help your spouse not disrupt this process, you can offer them the following page to fill out when they feel they have feedback for you.
You can also print off a second copy of the form for when you have feedback for them.
We believe that you want to not disrupt the Divine developmental process with your spouse just as much as we don’t want them to disrupt yours.
