Mirror, Mirror: Discover Your True Identity In Christ

by Graham Beynon

Our identity or self-image is a bit like looking in a mirror. We see our reflection and make judgments about ourselves. However, the "mirror" we use tends to be the world around how do I compare with others and what do they think of me? But there is another mirror we can use―the mirror we should use. James 1:23-24 tells us that the Bible, God's word, is like a mirror. We look into it and see what we are really like. Here is a description, not from culture, but from God. The world tells us that we need a good self-image. The Bible says that we need a right self-image. With a pastor's heart, Graham Beynon, minister at Avenue Community Church in Leicester, helps us realign our thinking.

Genres: Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Christian Living, Christianity

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2008

Reviews

[Reuben · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, very thought provoking. A lesson for self image, to think of ourselves in a biblical way, to not care (in a biblical sense) if what people think of us, for an example our failures.

[Gwilym Tudur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Western world is facing a grave self-image crisis. Society tells us to look into the foggy mirror of appearance, success, relationships, career, and sexuality to find an identity. Thankfully, God has given us another, better mirror to understand who and what we are: his word (James 1:23-24). In this clear yet concise book, Graham Beynon helps us stare into the mirror of scripture to see our secure identity in Jesus Christ. In him, we have 'humble dignity' - as God's image-bearers redeemed by Jesus's blood, we have 'dignity'; yet because of our sin, it is always 'humble' dignity. Mirror Mirror is a helpful book for anyone struggling with self-identity and is particularly useful for university students.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been on a bit of a theme reading about the christians identity. This book is brilliant! Graham goes through the flaws in finding our identity in the ways this world suggests eg better self esteem and contrasts it against the identity we have in Christ. He speaks of a humble dignity which will stay with me for a long time, once defined it makes so much sense that this is the way we should see ourselves. We have a dignity being made in the image of God, we have to be humble about ourselves as we had to be redeemed and saved from our sins to have our dignity restored. I would recommend this to any Christian as it’s an issue we all struggle with.

[Michael Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lent me by a good friend, this in-depth study of what identity is and how Christians find their true identity rooted in Jesus Christ repays careful reading and thinking. The questions it asks of the reader are profound and searching. It's the sort of book that I feel I need to read again and again, as the subject it deals with gets right to the core of who we are and shapes our thinking and behaviour more than we realise.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant, I can’t give it enough stars!! Highly recommend to all Christians, and to those who are trying to understand Christianity. I found it really helpful to scribble notes and pause for self-reflection as I went along - the book is intended to work this way, as there are a series of questions at the end of each chapter. It really helped me to reflect on where I draw my identity from and what identity looks like for a Christian.

[Alison Coles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very informative book and although it redirected my thinking over several issues it didn't really engage my heart. I found myself in agreement with what was said but no more. I'm glad I persevered, however, as the last chapter applied what had gone before to how I see myself and live in the light of my identity in Christ. It would have been helpful to have had this application throughout the book. This is why I have given it three stars rather than four.

[Pauline Musembi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to help get out of your head. Enabled me to be be less self-conscious.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent analysis of how to portray our personal identity IN God.

[Eilidh Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got told this book was essential to read whilst working with students/youth but I found it more helpful for applying to my own life. I was expecting it to be more about body image etc. but it was actually a lot more helpful for my insecurities around being liked and how I'm perceived. Found this incredibly helpful to exploring my identity in Christ and applying that to my many insecurities.

[שרה · Rating 2 out of 5]

A practical book that drives home the point that we are intrinsically unlovable and unacceptable, yet loved and accepted in Christ.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

really liked this - may well re-read to properly digest. a Biblical look at self image that was really helpful, suitable for either gender.

[James Bunyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simply applies the gospel to the issue of self-image, pushing where he needs to push and being as concise as possible. Fairly easy and worth reading with someone. Good practical recommendations.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite challenging and very relatable! Graham can hit a nerve but really makes you think and the questions at the end of each chapter allow you to be completely honest with yourself

[Rosemary Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most helpful Christian books I have ever read

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking book that makes you think about who you are and who you should be as a Christian.