God, let our eyes see ourselves through your eyes. We fall short of world standards and we will never be good enough. But God, you make us good in your presence, thank you!
GOD DOESN'T MAKE JUNK
You were created in God's image. Genesis 1:27
HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?
Where do you feel you have shortcomings in your life?
Read Psalm 139: 13 -16 , what was God's involvement in your life, even when you were in your mother's womb?
God created me and I am wonderfully made.
PROBLEMS IN ACCEPTING SELF
1. Youth magazines where all young people have a perfect bodies and clear complexion.
2. Movies and TV where sexual beauty is shown as highly desirable.
3. Commercials portraying a false connection between brand name products to your success.
4. A strong emphasis on athletics or others make it easy to feel like inferior.
Be aware, if watching certain TV shows or movies or commercials or reading magazines make you doubt God beauty in you then avoid them!
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE
Read Romans 12:2.
1. What should a Christian's attitude be toward the standards of the world?
To not conform to the patterns of the world.
2. How can a Christian break out of this mold to see God's standards?
By renewing her mind.
3. How can a Christian 'renew' her mind to develop these Biblical values?
Read scripture. Avoid negative influences and cling to positive influences.
HOW TO DEVELOP A HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE
1. Realize how God views physical appearance and strength.
2. Be concerned about the development of the inner person rather than placing so much emphasis on external appearance. 1 Peter 3: 3 -4 , beauty comes from within. Unfading beauty is found in a gentle and quiet spirit.
3. Thank God for making you a unique person. Romans 12:1 , offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing as worship.
Guard your body from sin: eyes, ears, hands, mouth and mind.
4. As you discover weaknesses in your body and life, choose to let God work Through you all the more.
a. 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 indicates that God's strengh can be seen because of our weaknesses.
b. 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9 Paul talks to God about a weakness.
c. God's grace comes to us in our weakness, 2 Corinthians 12:9
d. Claim this as your truth!
5. Use the body and talents that God gave you to glorify him.
a. God has made you unique, Ephesians 2:10. What instruction is give for using spiritual gifts 1 Peter 4:10? To serve others.
b. Ask yourself:
What do I enjoy doing? What do I get better at when I serve? What do others confirm in me?
6. Put Christ first in every area of your life.
a. Colossians 3:17 , do everything in the name of Christ
b. Matthew 6:28-30 , Matthew 6:31 - 33 , do not worry about your needs, God knows them!
Corinthians 6:19 -20 , our body is a temple to Christ
