Stepping Stones: What’s Your Body Image?

Transformational Tip

There are so many factors and forces that keep us from the closeness to God that we need…and that He desires. Eating disorders is a clear example of one of those forces.

People with eating disorders…restricting or overeating…tend to get so preoccupied with their body image (and what others think of them) that they develop a distorted view of themselves. Their concerns about food, diet, body, and weight even begin to affect their relationships and their ability to function in day-to-day life.

If you are in this situation, determine not to let your obsession with your body keep you from closeness with God and with others. Decide how you wish to spend your energy; pursuing the "perfect" image?...Or focusing on your spiritual growth and your personal and interpersonal needs.

The outside, what man sees, or the inside, what God sees. Society changes its view of what is beautiful ... styles come and go. But God's view of beauty never changes. Identifying and challenging your negative thoughts and feelings about your body and keeping God's view in mind are essential to accepting yourself and your body.

Today, remember that your value as a person is not based on how you look or what you accomplish. Your value is based on the unchangeable fact that God loves you so much that He gave His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you. Reach out to Him today. Receive his love and forgiveness. And thank Him for making you just the way you are. Eating issues are about believing lies. Seek the truth.

Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on body image as a distraction.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I've been pretty confused lately. I've been so concerned about how I look that I've ignored You…and relationships with others I care about have suffered. Please help me begin thinking more clearly ... to see things from your point of view. Thank You for loving me just the way I am. I pray this in the name of the One who loves me as I am, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
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."
1 Samuel 16:7