Body Image: Separating Fact from Fiction
Do you struggle with body image issues? You’re not alone. Many people are unhappy with their physical appearance, whether it’s the shape of their nose, the size of their ears, or their overall weight. But what does God say about our bodies?
Myth #1: God Made a Mistake
It’s easy to feel like there was a glitch in the factory when we were made. But the Bible says otherwise. In Psalm 139:13-14, David writes, “You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God made us carefully and intentionally, and we can praise Him for how we’ve been made.
The Bible on the Body
The Bible has a lot to say about the body, and it’s organized around three categories: creation, fall, and redemption. Our bodies are part of our calling, and we’re more than just our physical selves. We’re animated matter, and our bodies are us.
Myth #2: My Body Isn’t Really Me
Sometimes we can feel like our bodies don’t match up with who we really are. But the Bible won’t let us make that leap. Our bodies are part of who we are, and we can’t separate ourselves from them. We’re not just souls trapped in flesh; we’re whole people, body and soul.
The Gospel and Our Bodies
The gospel is good news for our bodies, not just our souls. Jesus purchased us with His death, and we belong to Him. Our bodies are meant to please Him, not the culture or our friends. We’re called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
Myth #3: I’m Not Attractive
Some people struggle with intense unhappiness about their bodies. They may feel like they’re unusually unattractive or repulsive. But the reality is that people who wrestle with this are never as unattractive as they feel. The gospel is good news for our bodies, and we’re not defined by our physical appearance.
Jesus Understands
Jesus knows what it’s like to be physically repulsed by others. He was brutally flogged and crucified, and people couldn’t bear to look at Him. But He bore that shame for us, so we’d never have to bear ultimate shame.
Our Best Days Are Ahead
We all face a time when we’ll pass our physical best. But the gospel is good news for our bodies, even in old age. We’ll have redeemed bodies in the age to come, and our best days are ahead of us, not behind us.
Conclusion
Let’s separate fact from fiction when it comes to body image. We’re not mistakes; we’re fearfully and wonderfully made. Our bodies are part of who we are, and we’re called to present them as living sacrifices to God. The gospel is good news for our bodies, and we’re not defined by our physical appearance. Our best days are ahead of us, and we can look forward to redeemed bodies in the age to come.
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