In this week’s Torah portion we read how the spies sent to explore the Land of Canaan reported that “there we saw the giants . . . and we were in our own eyes as locusts, and so we were in their eyes.” (Numbers 13:33).
We were in our own eyes as locusts—and thus, “so we were in their eyes.” How another person sees us depends on how we see ourselves.
Our sages insist that “nothing can stand in the way of will.” If we want something enough, we will find the resources to carry it out. If we realize our own capabilities and talents, another person will also see them. If, on the other hand, we see ourselves as something insignificant and worthless, to be trampled on, how can we expect others to see us any differently?
This is not to be confused with egotism or pride. It is not about bragging or self-aggrandizement. It is about recognizing who we are and what we are capable of—specifically, with regard to our Judaism and our Jewish practice—and that nothing can stand in our way unless we allow it to. It all depends on how we see ourselves.
In The Eyes of the Beholders As David saw himself as the victor before the battle with Goliath by his faith in G-d, we too must have that faith to see ourselves as G-d sees us. For if we do not, then we accept the view of us that our enemies or the rest of the world would have of us. David's writings are replete with this perspective and indeed his fear of Saul stemmed from his inability to see and accept G-d's view of David as King.
What David had to come to grips with was being a humble servant of G-d, not being self-righteous, but being an honorable appointed and anointed leader of G-d's chosen people. If we do not accept G-d's view of us, our view or ourselves becomes the unholy world's view of us and that includes the proper perspective that we have fallen short by proclaiming faith and then not accepting G-d's station in our lives.
We then become like rotting fruit on the tree of life, where all passerbys, regardless of faith can see it has rotted!
You are the apple of G-d's eye, live in victory!