Self-image is the idea of one's abilities, appearance and personality. If we are conscious of our health, to keep ourselves fit and healthy, there is nothing wrong. But, if we do it only to focus on our self-image, there is a problem. People are not content with how they look. They always need the externals to make them feel good.
The reason because our self-image takes a beating is that we have grown in negativism, rejection, we are constantly compared, we are unappreciated, the importance we received before, we don't receive now, and the media has set a difficult standard on how we should look and feel. If we have a low self-image, we don't want to go out to socialise, we don’t want to meet people. The Bible says that our beauty should not come from our externals. What matters most to God is the inner self.
The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God's sight. Many people want to desperately please others. We have lost the confidence to face the world.
Psalm 139: 14 says I will praise You, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
We are so significant that He sent His only Son to die for us. We are made in His image. Our self-image is not what we possess but who possesses us.
Let us remember that the only thing that is worth in us is the treasure that is in us, the treasure in jars of clay.
- We are not an afterthought. We are His masterpiece. In the life of Joseph, he was rejected, unloved, misunderstood, forgotten, but Joseph in his heart knew he was the Lord's masterpiece. He also knew in his heart that for a time such as this he was chosen. He had to go through the valley experience. But the Lord chose him.
- There is no other YOU in our generation. We are unique. God chose Esther for a time such as this. To save a whole nation and generation.
- To have a better self-image, we need to have more of His image seen in us. The woman at the well came at six o'clock in the evening; the entire village was inside. She was all alone. She felt rejected, used and abused, scarred. But when Jesus spoke to her, her eyes were opened. She left the pot, ran back to the village and told them: Come and see the one who told me about my entire life. Because of her proclamation, many Samaritans believed. Christ made a difference in her life. A nobody, she became a somebody because she was willing to let Jesus take control of her life.
- People's acceptance or opinion of us will never alter God's plan for us. Whatever people did, the Lord's ultimate purpose was fulfilled in Joseph’s life.
Let us give complete control to Jesus. He will make us a blessing.
When we yield ourselves to the Lord, He makes us a fruit bearing person.
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT
“너희 단장은 머리를 꾸미고 금을 차고 아름다운 옷을 입는 외모로 하지 말고 오직 마음에 숨은 사람을 온유하고 안정한 심령의 썩지 아니할 것으로 하라 이는 하나님 앞에 값진 것이니라”
베드로전서 3:3-4 KRV
“Não se preocupem com a beleza exterior obtida com penteados extravagantes, joias caras e roupas bonitas. Em vez disso, vistam-se com a beleza que vem de dentro e que não desaparece, a beleza de um espírito amável e sereno, tão precioso para Deus.”
1Pedro 3:3-4 NVT
“Vuestro atavío no sea el externo de peinados ostentosos, de adornos de oro o de vestidos lujosos, sino el interno, el del corazón, en el incorruptible adorno de un espíritu afable y apacible, que es de grande estima delante de Dios,”
1 Pedro 3:3-4 RVR95
