I sat at the football game watching the fans around me (back when we could gather safely). The game on the field wasn’t nearly interesting enough to hold my attention as a football-neutral Southerner. My interest instead was drawn to the people scattered around me in the stands. As highschoolers popped up to talk to this group or that group, I couldn’t help but notice each one.
These people around me, whom I didn’t know and probably never would, each had a beautiful quality that grabbed my attention. And I couldn’t help but wonder about each one’s insecurity about themselves.
I love to watch people. Not in a creepy, stalky way. Just observing others. It’s fascinating to me what we think of ourselves versus what others often think of us.
Now that can get into some dangerous territory, since we can’t base our own worth on the opinions of others. However, many of us, if not all of us, have weird things we think of ourselves—false lenses through which we see ourselves.
The Importance of a Healthy Body Image
Body image isn’t a topic I really think of as controversial, but, as I reflect on it, I’m not so sure. The world tells us we should look as young as we can for as long as we can; It says that we should flaunt our sexuality. The church interjects its own opinions on the topic: It says we should not think at all about our appearances as it’s vain and not becoming of a Christian.
But more Christians are plagued with an unhealthy body image rather than vanity. I’ve heard Dr. Stanley say something about this several times, which I love:
Look your best, do your best, be your best.
The truth is we are representatives of God. Just as we’re expected to dress a certain way for our jobs, everything about us reflects on our witness, and, as a result, God.
Verses for a Healthy Body Image
#1 – We were created in God’s image.
#2 – God created our bodies. His fingerprints cover us just like they cover the breathtaking horizon.
#3 – As children of God, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
#4 – We are not judged based on our bodies but on our hearts for God.
#5 – A body used in the service of its Creator—for His glory—is beautiful.
It’s so much easier for me to see the beauty in others than in myself, but God uses my people-watching to teach me about myself, too. It’s like He tells me “What you think is so interesting about her is what she hates. You are the same.”
Body image can be a confusing road to navigate as a Christian, but, although we shouldn’t make idols of our bodies, I don’t think we can ignore them either.
The truth is we were made in the image of God, whether that includes our bodies or not, these are the vessels He made for us for now. They are His workmanship. Meant to glorify Him.
Would you say that you have a healthy body image? What helps you with your body image?
Be sure to check out these resources if you enjoyed this article…
- Don’t Hate Her—She’s Been Good to You from Lisa Notes
- 4 Simply Powerful Reminders for Insecurity from HISsparrowBlog
- 3 Simple Truths for When You Feel Like a Failure from HISsparrowBlog
I frequently link up with the following: Grace & Truth with Embracing the Unexpected, Tell His Story with Jeanne Takenaka, and Let’s Have Coffee with Joanne Viola.
I enjoyed your wonderful insight as to who we are in the eyes of Christ. I have always struggled with self-image and what people think of me but have gotten a lot better in this regard in my older age of life. Those are inspiring scriptures as to who we are in God’s sight. Thank you for sharing this Godly wisdom.
Thank you so much stopping by, Judy! I’m glad you were encouraged by these verses.
This is such an important topic and I so appreciate you bringing all these Scriptures into one place to remind us that we are God’s creation and made in His image. Thank you! A much needed reminder.
I’m so glad these verses encouraged you!
I am in my 60s now and noticing how harmful the neglect of fitness can be to my health and ability to serve the Lord.
So thanks for the encouragement from a Biblical perspective.
I need that reminder so many times. Exercise has gotten difficult for me due to a rare disease and, I think, because I have no goals or company. Here’s to exercising for the glory of the kingdom. 😉
Such a great and much-needed post! As a teen and young adult I struggled to have a healthy body image. A transformation happened when I had children. I looked at them, especially my daughter, and thought about how beautiful and wonderfully made she is. I can’t imagine her ever disliking anything about herself because I am amazed by God’s handiwork in her. And then it clicked for me. The way I see her is the way God sees me. He doesn’t want me to despise my body or dislike his wondrous creation. I can’t say I’ve never struggled with body image again, but it did help change my perspective for the better!
That’s a beautiful revelation, Lisa! I don’t have children of my own, but I have three beautiful step-children. It pains me to think of them struggling with body image the way I have all my life. Parenting can teach us so much about ourselves, huh?
Great Post! This is such a sweet reminder of what God expects from us and how He views us. Like so many other women, body image struggles was the story of my life. But I have reached a place of acceptance, love, and appreciation of God’s might works. Thank you for sharing!
Growing up, I thought I was alone in my body image struggles. Now I’m thinking most people deal with so many of the same things. I’m glad you’ve learned to accept the way God made you! Thanks for stopping by, Chyna!
These beautiful truths are a reminder of how God sees us! Thank you for this message – we all need it!
I think you’re right, Sarah: We all need these reminders. We’re usually not alone in our insecurities no matter how it feels.
I love these verses that remind us our body image is based on what God says not the world. Very inspiring.
Thanks so much for stopping in, Collene!
I loved this collection of verses that remind us that God has made us unique and with purpose. Body image struggles are real for sure. These verses are important to keep our eyes on God rather than our physical condition.
That’s so right, Ginger—”God has made us unique and with purpose.”
I need these reminders again and again and again. Sigh. I’m really allowing God to press this into my spirit again in this season so I love reading this encouragement here. Thanks also for linking my post. I appreciate you linking this at Grace & Truth!
Isn’t it funny how sometimes we need to hear the same things over and over? We’re still like those kids who have to hear “turn off the light when you leave the room!” over and over and over no matter how old we get. 😉
I wonder when “I’ll ever get it!!!”
I know, right? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just learn something and move on? I would be so much further along. 😉
All beautiful reminders! I often forget that God formed me with His own hands and that is worth always remembering,
It blows my mind sometimes that the Creator who paints the sunset each evening with a unique array of colors and patterns created us. And He considers us the best of His creation. Mind blowing.
I want to thank you for visiting my blog this week. I’ve been reading your story – there are so many things in life hard to get a grip on. Only God, right? Thanks again.
Only God. Well said.
What wonderful reminders of important truths. Thanks for that. Found you at Let’s Have Coffee today and I’m glad I did!
Thanks for visiting, Natalie! I love Sue’s linkup at Let’s Have Coffee! 😉
To accept ourselves while looking after ourselves – such good reflections as so many struggle with their image today! Thanks for tackling this subject.
Thanks so much for stopping in, Sharon! I love how you put that: “To accept ourselves while looking after ourselves…”
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