Dearly Beloved,
Have you been struggling with your self-image lately? Do you look in the mirror and not like what you see? Have you been feeling underachieved, and shameful because you think that compared to others you’re just not smart enough, attractive enough, competent enough, gifted enough, organized enough, educated enough, successful enough, rich enough, or even prominent enough? If so, I want you to know that you are not alone. I can relate and I empathize with you. But I want to challenge you to come up higher and to put this weight down. I can go ahead and tell you that you are lovely, smart enough, attractive enough, competent enough, gifted enough, and so on… But would you believe that? No matter what, whatever I say would be pointless if you don’t believe it yourself.
How you see yourself is a big contributing factor to how you feel about yourself. Image is always dependent upon perspective. Poor vision or a cloudy mirror can greatly affect how you perceive yourself (1 Corinthians 13:12). Without an objective standard by which to measure yourself, your self-image will be blurred (1 Corinthians 4:3–4). It is time to fix how you perceive yourself so you can walk confidently in the truth of you are. The word of God provides guidance regarding the appropriate view of your self-image.
Let’s see what the Bible has to say about how you should see yourself . . . and how God sees you. I will start by giving you two scriptures:
- Made in his image and likeness. First, we learn that each of us is made in the image and likeness of Christ. Genesis 1:27
- God’s Design. We learn that each of us is God’s special design, uniquely shaped to fulfil a purpose. Psalm 139:13-15
Sweetie, God’s thoughts about you are beautiful! I wonder if you know?! Your self-image needs to be built on God’s thoughts about you! You need to focus not on your inabilities or weaknesses, but on Christ. Your best self-image? Seeing Jesus in you! Trust God to help you become all He has designed you to be! Let go off of the self-defeating thoughts about yourself. Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. (Ephesians 4:23-24)
A Challenge for you, should you accept:
Today, pick a quirk and celebrate it! Each of us is one of a kind. When we cherish our eccentricities and celebrate our flaws, we begin to develop a deep love for ourselves just as we are.
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Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.