This rarely gives a true reflection of who I really am. There are times when I may not even know that myself.
Family, friends, peers, influencers, adverts, social media, and even health issues can affect the view I have of myself. I might wish that I were like someone else or that others were more like me.
The Bible teaches that I was born a sinner – repulsive in God’s sight and helpless to do anything about it (Romans 3:23). Yet God’s love is so great that He sacrificed His only Son to save me from eternal punishment. He looked upon me in mercy and grace and showed me my true worth. He counted me so valuable that He was willing for His Son to suffer, bleed, and die for me. Therefore, God’s love is the only thing I can measure my value or worth against.
“My worth is what I am worth to God; and that is a marvellous great deal.” (W. Temple)
When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour, the blessings I received were truly amazing:
· God came to reside within me. My body became “the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
· I became able to fulfil God’s purpose for my life – “created . . . for good works” (Ephesians 2:10).
· My destiny was secured – “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
I should therefore be more concerned about God’s opinion of me than that of my peers or even my own. I should use my body to worship, serve, and honour my Saviour. I should be concerned with becoming more Christ-like.
What I put in my body should honour Him
It is important, as a good steward of the body God has given me, to look after it and take steps to stay fit and healthy. I must have sufficient sleep, eat sensibly, and exercise, while avoiding harmful substances, greediness, and laziness.
I should feed my mind with the Word of God and spend time meditating on it – mulling it over and seeing how it applies to my life. Christian podcasts and music can teach and encourage me. Discussing Scripture with my family and friends should be natural and enjoyable. When I fill my mind with God’s truth instead of the world’s noise, my thoughts begin to align with His.
What I put on my body should honour Him
The clothes that I wear ought to be modest (1 Timothy 2:9). Fixating over the latest fashion trends and constantly updating my wardrobe places more emphasis than I should place on my physical appearance. Spending hours in front of the mirror perfecting makeup and hairstyles is not necessary. I should not go to extraordinary lengths to change my features. My outward appearance should reflect what is in my heart – what is important to me (Proverbs 27:19).
When I consider that God made me in His image and that I am of great value in His eyes (Luke 12:6,7), I should have a very high view of myself, and this should be mirrored in the way I treat my body. I must accept my flaws as given by God and not use them to define me. I can surround myself with people who accept me as I am. I should look after, but not idolise, my body. What a great privilege and responsibility it is to have the Holy Spirit living within me! When this is at the forefront of my mind, it will give me a very real sense of who I am and who I should want to become (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The One who made the heavens made my heart and soul
Before I drew a breath, I was loved and known
I am His creation, the Maker's masterpiece
And all that He designs will be done in me
My body is a temple of the Living God
I'll worship in this house that His blood has bought
As I bear His image, oh may I not profane
The holiness I hold in this earthly frame.
Skye Peterson, 2023
