Do you like your body? I mean, really like it? I’m not talking about certain features- like your eyes, nose, or mouth. I mean your whole body. After five pregnancies, I’m really struggling to accept my body. My body has rolls, loose skin, and my weight won’t budge, no matter what I do. I look in the mirror, and my eyes zoom in on all the parts I dislike. Acceptance is hard when it comes to our bodies, isn’t it?
I want to change it, so I start exercising in earnest, and soon I fall off the band wagon. I’ve even considered plastic surgery in the future, although the pain scares me too much.
What can Creation teach us about variety?
When I want a bouquet of flowers, I don’t want the same flower, but many different ones- big, small, blue, purple. The more flowers I have, the better the bouquet.
Look at trees, or anything else in nature, and we can be assured that God loves variety. Have you ever noticed how many backyard birds there are? So many species. Don’t you think God loves differences and variety?
Have you ever realized in the Bible, physical characteristics have very little mention? We hear about Esau being hairy and having red hair. Samson and Absalom having long hair. Saul was tall, and Zacchaeus was short. David was considered having a fine appearance and handsome features.
When I searched for their height in inches, weight or shoe sizes, none of it is mentioned in the Bible.
Why are we obsessed with physical characteristics? When I spend so much time wishing I had a better body, I limit my faith. I’m wrapped up on the want, instead of the wholeness I have in Christ. The Bible says Jesus had nothing in his appearance that would make us desire Him.
Say what? Jesus was unattractive?
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2)
God wants us to fall in love with the heart and character of Jesus, not his physicality. The same is true of us. God wants to develop your heart and character, not your six-pack.
Center your view on God’s love for you. This is unwavering and unchanging.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty evaporates, but a woman who has the fear of the Lord should be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
Focus on your role, not “rolls.” God gave you your body for a specific role in His kingdom. My body has birthed five kids, and will of course be different from someone who hasn’t.
Drop pride and take on a humble side. God’s ways aren’t that of our current culture. Admit to yourself: God doesn’t want you to focus on your appearance, but on your heart and a relationship with Him.
He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:15 NIV)
Instead of wishing I looked like someone else, I can safely wish to be more like my Savior.
I am the mom of five kids and have been happily married to Greg Loos for 17 years. I love to read, eat chocolate, drink iced tea and spend time writing in the midst of messes. Visit my website or follow my social media!
Oh, Julie. I have struggled with my body, my image since I was a teenager. Even when I was somewhat thin, I still felt fat. I am 68 now and have managed to get that age-related belly. I still struggle. I so needed to read this beautiful post and to see through the world’s view of who I am. I am who I am in Christ, not in the world. I will book mark this because I need to reread it when I begin the age-old habit of mine. I KNOW this important relationship I have with the Lord and I KNOW how He sees me, but I FORGET. I just FORGET! Thanks, sweet sister. I truly needed this and have tears welling up. Praising God for you this morning.