Ten Looks at Christ for Every One Look at Self

“For one look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.”

This memorable counsel from the 19th-century Scottish pastor Robert Murray M‘Cheyne has led many burdened Christians out of the dungeon of morbid introspection and into the wide, healing light of Christ. It has encouraged souls stuck in spirals of self-scrutiny to lift their gaze upward to behold the Savior more than the sinner within.

And yet, M‘Cheyne himself was no stranger to self-examination. In fact, he practiced it regularly and intensely. But he did so with a purpose: to make his ten looks at Christ more vivid, specific, and sweet.

The Danger of Living Inward

Many of us know what it’s like to get stuck inside our own heads. We turn inward, again and again, rehearsing our faults, failures, and fears. While the Bible does call us to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5, Lamentations 3:40), this is not meant to be our permanent home. Inward examination is a road, not a room a path that should always lead us outward and upward, toward the sufficiency of Christ.

It’s when we stay in the room of introspection that spiritual danger begins. Studies in pastoral counseling show that excessive self-analysis, when divorced from gospel hope, is one of the fastest onramps to anxiety and depression. Even faithful Christians can fall into this trap, mistaking endless confession for holiness, and mistaking guilt for humility.

But as M‘Cheyne discovered, the remedy is not to abandon self-examination altogether. It’s to redeem it. To let that one honest look at self be what fuels ten clearer, more heartfelt, more joyful looks at Christ.

Confession as a Path to Christ

Near the end of his short but impactful life, M‘Cheyne wrote, “I am persuaded that I ought to confess my sins more… I ought to take all methods for seeing the vileness of my sins.” These were not the words of a man enslaved to guilt but of a man deeply free in grace.

He understood what 1 John 1:9 affirms: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us… and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” For M‘Cheyne, the confession of sin was not an end in itself. It was the doorway to a deeper encounter with Christ the sin-bearing, shame-cleansing, righteousness-clothing Savior.

1. See Sin to See Jesus

When we allow ourselves to look honestly at our sin not in self-pity or spiritual self-harm, but in light of God’s holiness it magnifies our understanding of what Christ has done. We see more clearly what it cost Him to forgive us. We recognize just how infinite and sufficient His grace must be to cover even this.

M‘Cheyne described it this way: “Although Christ did not suffer more than infinite justice demanded, yet he could not have suffered at all without laying down an infinite ransom.” The darker our sin appears to us, the brighter His glory shines when He forgives it.

2. Wash at the Infinite Fountain

Many believers fear that certain sins are just “too much” for God especially sins committed during holy moments or after spiritual growth. But Scripture shouts back: no sin is beyond the reach of Christ’s blood.

Whether it’s a relapse, a hidden bitterness, or that one thing you’ve confessed a hundred times, the fountain still flows. Hebrews 7:25 reminds us, “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him.”

And not just once. Again and again.

3. Wear the Robe of Christ’s Obedience

M‘Cheyne didn’t stop at being forgiven. He understood that believers are also clothed in Christ’s obedience. That means God doesn’t just see you as pardoned. He sees you as righteous.

“For every sin of omission in myself,” he wrote, “I may find a divinely perfect obedience ready for me in Christ.” Where you see your laziness, He sees Christ’s zeal. Where you notice your biting words, He sees Christ’s gentle reply. Where your patience failed, Christ’s steadfastness stands in your place.

The righteousness of Christ is not generic; it’s tailor-made. Every weakness you confess finds its counterpoint in His strength.

4. Let Guilt Push You to Grace

Too often, we hesitate to go to Jesus immediately. We imagine that after we’ve “felt bad enough,” then we’ll be worthy to approach Him. M‘Cheyne calls this what it is: “a suggestion direct from hell.”

Instead, he pleads: do not let guilt keep you from Jesus let it send you running to Him. Just as the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of His garment in faith (Mark 5:28), so must we reach out in our need, trusting that healing flows from His heart.

5. Learn to Rest in God’s Smile

Despite his rigorous spiritual disciplines, M‘Cheyne was not a morose man. His journals often overflowed with joy. One evening he wrote, “Oh, how sweet to work all day for God, and then to lie down under His smiles!” This is where all godly introspection should lead not to despair, but to delight. Not to self-condemnation, but to God’s affection.

The Fruit of Christ-Focused Introspection

When our one look at self drives ten looks at Christ, something beautiful happens:

• Our prayers become more specific.

• Our worship becomes more heartfelt.

• Our understanding of grace deepens.

• Our fight against sin becomes more effective not because we feel stronger, but because we feel closer to the Strong One.

In a world saturated with self-help and self-esteem, the call of Scripture is still, “Beholding the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Real transformation comes not from constantly analyzing ourselves, but from consistently beholding Christ.

Make It Practical

You don’t need to adopt M‘Cheyne’s precise rhythm of confession, but consider setting aside a moment each day perhaps after breakfast or before bed to quietly examine your heart. Ask:

• Where did I sin today?

• What does this sin reveal about my heart?

• What aspect of Christ’s beauty or obedience answers that sin?

Then, look to Jesus. Again. And again. And again.

One Look at Self, Ten at Christ

Yes, we are called to examine ourselves. But always with a purpose. Always with a Savior in view.

So take that one honest look inward. See the sin, feel its weight. But then, lift your eyes. Gaze ten times longer at Jesus your Redeemer, your Righteousness, your Joy.

And in those ten sweeter, stronger looks, find the healing and freedom your soul has been searching for.

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