“A man can stand a lot as long as he can stand himself” (Axel Munthe). Oh, how true this is.
The society in which we live seems to be filled with people both young and old, who are displeased with themselves. They gaze into a mirror and the image reflected is not what they wish it to be. They are too thick or too thin, too short or too tall, have gray hair or no hair at all. Some immerse ourselves into fad diets and various exercise programs. Sometimes, even after, losing body fat, and gaining lean muscle mass and tone, some are still unhappy with themselves. They do not look like the images presented in the magazines of how beautiful men and women look. Aren’t all men to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Blake Shelton, Christian Bale, or Brad Pitt? Aren’t all women to look like Christie Brinkley,Tyra Banks, Beyoncé, or Angelina Jolie?
How does one overcome these deep felt feelings of displeasure with self?
- Know that God loves you (John 3:16).
- Remember that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
- Improve yourself, if you can. However, remember some things about a person cannot be changed (Matthew 6:27).
- Remember that the Bible teaches that different people have different abilities and characteristics (Matthew 25:14-30).
- Remember that God looks upon the heart and not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).
- Remember you should not feel guilty about loving self (Matthew 22:39). It is impossible to truly love others as one should until one learn to love ourselves.
Bryan Hodge 