God and self image suffering in the 21st century.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

(Genesis 1:27)

The root of this verse tells us that we have been created as an image, shadow or likeness of God.  This means that, as humans, we have godlike characteristics. This does not mean we are gods, but it does mean we have the potential to be like God in the way we live our lives - if we choose wisely. That wisdom starts in a relationship with Him.

Having a relationship with God is the only way to be truly fulfilled. You will only feel totally at peace with yourself when God, who made you, fills you with His spirit so you can be fully developed as a person.

In the media we are bombarded, every day, with images of the ‘perfect body’, ‘perfect skin’ or ‘perfect hair’ and to be honest…it can make life really tough. Due to this many young people in particular suffer from body image problems; often these can lead to serious illnesses of the body and mind.

To begin to overcome these problems we need to start by asking questions, such as: ‘Who is it that decides these 21st Century ideals of perfection...and why do they do it?’

The reason we are bombarded with these ideals and images is pure and simple.

MONEY

The people who decide what ‘perfection’ is are companies whose market share and profits depend on making people feel inadequate so they'll spend their money on the products the companies sell.

The marketing of products and fashion often focuses on making us feel like we are not good enough in some way. They tell us we’re too short, too thin, too fat, the wrong shape, have bad hair, bad skin or use countless other ways to make us feel bad about ourselves. These companies show us faked and airbrushed pictures of models and celebrities to compare ourselves to so that we can be fooled into trying to attain the unattainable. Think about it, if even the models and celebs need to be photo-shopped because they aren't ‘perfect’ what chance is there for a ‘normal’ person?

Trying to match up to these images and ideals is a form of idolatry - worshipping and trying to be like those who we see in magazines and on TV is like having our own golden calf.

“And the LORD said to Moses, "Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a moulded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it.”
(Exodus 32:7-8)

Modern society is overflowing with self-absorbed desires for external beauty – a modern version of the moulded golden calf. Many people bow down before media idols or feel the pressure to make incredible sacrifices in order to attain physical perfection. It seems that, in the 21^st century, believing too readily in something doesn't seem to be the problem…the problem is that people choose to believe too readily in the wrong things.

When you look at yourself do you turn to the media or scripture?

God created humans to be in relationship with Him and with others. 

“It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
(Genesis 2:18)

If you are not in a relationship with God, there is a great big hole in your life that longs to be filled. We all want to be loved and accepted because we were made to be with others. Sometimes we fill that longing with the wrong things. When we are not getting fellowship within church (the people…not a building) we feel empty. When we are not looking towards God we can fall for the lie that we have to be something the world wants us to be in order to gain acceptance and love.

Here’s the truth…we don't have to be what the world want us to be. We should be what God wants us to be. Isn't that a fabulous fact?

You can be yourself, be accepted, and be loved more than you could ever imagine. It doesn't involve buying any products, going on diets, or having surgery and, best of all, it’s given for FREE!

God loves everyone…no matter what they look like. God doesn’t concern Himself with the labels on your clothes, the shampoo that you use or whether or not your body type fits in with the latest trends.

God loves you for who you are on the inside and the outside, just as you are. God made you like Him, in His own image and He is perfect. One day, having given your life to Him, you’ll meet with Him in Heaven and you will be glorious!

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
(Philippians 3:20-21)

You won’t get into Heaven because of good looks or fashion, but you will be glorious if you believe and act upon what Jesus taught in John 14:6

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”