More to self image.
1 Samuel 16:7 ESV /
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
I want to try and take a different approach this week as I talk about self image. Yes we have heard it all before. "You shouldn't compare yourself to the models in magazines, television, movies" etc. But how can we not, when that's what we see. It's everywhere we look. We judge ourselves because we may not measure up to what society says is perfection. We look at our reflection and criticise what's mirroring back at us. People will tell you "It's what's on the inside that counts". Well, guess what? They're right.
I pondered over self image and went to the bible for answers. Guess what I found? God never wrote about their physical appearances. What did Adam look like? Couldn't tell you. What colour were Eve's eyes? Who knows. How tall? What weight? Slim or Fat? Hair colour?.The list goes on and on.
Abraham says that Sarah is beautiful. But what is beautiful back then? What did Jesus really look like?( I really do want to know that by the way lol)
See where i'm going with this? God didn't need to write about their physical characteristics. There was no need too. It did not change their stories or make them better people. He saw them and loved them for what was inside. He doesn't want us to focus on looking better, changing our appearance.
See? God wants us to stop worrying about our outer self image so much and focus on the image we should be shining to the world. HIS. He wants you to see yourself as he sees you, how others see you.
How do you do that?
This is what I did. I went to my bathroom mirror and stared at myself for a few minutes, head to toe. Next I wrote down all the things I didn't like about myself. Then I went and asked my husband and three friends this question.
What do you see when you look at me?.
I got your'e beautiful, caring, loving, loud, happy. I was shocked. Why? Because not one of them said, well... your'e fat. Nose is too pointy. Ankles too thin etc,etc. Their image of me, was everything they see shining from the inside of me. My character.
As you think about it, that is more than likely how you see people too and to you they are beautiful in their own right. How people see you and how God sees you is how you should see yourself. Outer Beauty lasts but a minute. Inner beauty lasts a lifetime.
So Just be you. Because you are BEAUTIFUL.
God bless!
