Image is everything! But is it? We live in society that’s all about image. The perfect image has morphed through the years, but culture has always dictated what is beautiful, cool, and “in.” Selfies are a prime example of the effort people make to portray themselves with the perfect image. Studies show that the more time a person spends scrolling on social media the more dissatisfied they become with themselves.

Too many Christians fail to see their God-given worth and fall prey to Satan’s lies that rattle around in their brains saying, “You’re not pretty enough, popular enough. You don’t measure up! You’re not one of the beautiful people!” God wants you to see the beauty inside you regardless of body type or outward image. You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, created in His image, created on purpose for a purpose.

Grasping God’s incredible love for you and seeing yourself the way he sees you requires that you spend time in God’s word. It’s the only way to know what God says. When God created the world and everything in it, including Adam and Eve, he looked upon his work and said, “It’s very good!” We are all part of God’s creation, very good! When negative thoughts plague your mind, look to Ph 4:8. It tells us to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. When Satan lies about who you are, change your thoughts, think on good things!

The Old Testament priest Samuel was appointed by God to anoint a new king. Samuel was looking for a tall, handsome figure of a man…kingly. But God chose David, a mere boy. God sees from the inside out, not from the outside in. 1 Samuel 16:7 says that although the world looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart.

When you focus on loving the people that God loves, you get your mind of yourself! It’s hard to obsess about how you look when you’re filing the nails of someone whose had a stroke or giving care to someone who has cancer.

This life is not about your image, but rather about reflecting God’s image. Christ-followers, we are to be continually transformed into God’s image reflecting His glory to those around us. Quit listening to the voices (lies) around you and in your head that distort your image. God wants to work from the inside out in your life.

Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:9; John 10:10; Ephesians 3:17-18; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8; 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Isaiah 58:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Verses:  (Jn 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (Ep 3:17-18) May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, ….

Questions: How is your self-image? How do you reflect a healthy self-image without being vain? When it comes to clothing, jewelry, adornment, what is too much? How important is image to you? What’s most important to you about your image? (looks, style, character) What changes do you need to make in the way you see yourself?

Prayer: Creator God, you made each of us fearfully, wonderfully, and uniquely gifted to reflect your image. Help me to see myself as you see me and to allow your word to perform its transforming work from the inside out! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.