a masterpiece.

A girl looks in the mirror. She examines every roll on her body, every stretch mark, and every curve. She hates the reflection looking back at her. She feels like no matter how hard she tries, she is never enough. The weight of self-doubt and insecurity weigh her body down. So, she eats less and less; in hopes the weight will lift and there will be a shift. She wants to achieve perfection and escape the sting of rejection. She wants to look in the mirror and love what she sees, instead of hating her body.

If you have a negative body image, you are not alone. World-famous models are known to struggle with eating disorders. Erin Heatherton, Victoria’s Secret model, is open about her body image issues. Why would a girl whose body is deemed perfect by society be insecure? The truth is, you can have shredded abs and a perfect figure, but if you place your worth in your body, you will never be satisfied. Here are some reminders if you struggle with body image:

1. The cure for body image is not found in idolizing your body. It is viewing your body as a tool to serve God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you have been bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” The cure for body image is not found in idolizing your body. The Israelites did not worship the temple itself; they went to the temple to be in the presence of God. Our bodies are important, but we should not place our identity in our appearance. We should worship Jesus living inside of us.

2. Although we should not idolize our bodies, it is beneficial to take care of them.

Solomon built the temple with the finest workmanship. It took him seven years to complete it. However, he constructed the temple to honor God, not to be praised by others.

3. Strive to be known for who you are in Christ, not noticed for your appearance.

Are you more concerned with how others see you, or how others see Christ through you? When you die, no one will remember how much you weighed or what you looked like. They’ll remember how you made them feel. They'll remember how you loved, impacted, and served.

4. Social media is not reality.

The fitness influencer you follow does not look like the pictures she posts 100% of the time. She may look like she has perfect abs. However, she may have taken her photos in perfect lighting, before she ate a meal. On the same day, she may be bloated and have rolls. Follow people on Instagram for inspiration, not idolization. Follow people who build you up; unfollow people who make you feel less than enough.

5. Food is fuel.

Calories give us the energy to do the things we love. Look at your hands, and how they have served others. Look at the strength of your legs to hold you up. Look at your arms, strong enough to carry weight. Love your body for what it can do, not what it looks like.

6. You are made in the image of God.

The more we spend time with the Lord, the more we fall in love with Him. When you find out who He is, you realize it defines everything you are. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created mankind in His image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” You are made in the image of God. Therefore, the more you love your Creator, the more you will love yourself, His creation.

The girl looks in the mirror again. Instead of seeing a body she hates, she sees a temple of the Holy Spirit. She loves her imperfections because she knows she is fearfully and wonderfully made. She now eats without restriction with the knowledge she is a beautiful masterpiece. She doesn’t idolize her appearance because she knows it does not define who she is. Regardless of her outside appearance, she is beautiful on the inside.

Dear God,

I pray for the person reading this who struggles with body image. Show them they are perfect in your image. I pray they know their worth is more than a number on a scale. Help them not strive to be noticed for their appearance, but known for their kindness. Help them workout as a celebration of what their body can do, not a punishment for how it looks. I pray they will fuel their body and use it as a temple to serve you.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

a masterpiece.

I am made perfect in your image, in your design.

For I am yours, and You are mine.

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

I am worth more than a number on a scale.

Now I can eat without restriction,

I can have a feast.

With the knowledge I am your masterpiece.

I will praise you with every breath I breathe

For I am yours from the minute I was conceived.

Your love never fails, your mercy won’t fade.

In your image I am made.

I used to look in the mirror and only see

A person I hated looking back at me.

But Lord, you set me free.

I am loved, chosen, beautiful, and made new

My body is a temple for You.

(Based on Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)