Arterburn (2007) states:
If you struggle with negative self-image, the solution is surgery within the heart.God's Word makes it very clear that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. Consequently, the renewing of our minds has to focus on truth. God's Word is the greatest source of truth and so it stands that we must take on God's view of our identity and worth.
One important step in the process is the renewing of the mind, or changing how you view yourself, God, and others. To start, let us address these three key areas.
Body Image
In Genesis 1:26-27, God explains that we are made in His image and reflect His likeness. He declared His created design "good,".... However, we do make mistakes when we don't take care of our bodies. Eating too much food and getting too little exercise are actually abuses against the human body that are a direct result of the human will. Our bodies are not our enemies, our wills are.
Identity
Our acceptance, security, and significance are to be found in Christ. If we look to any other source for our true identity, we'll be disappointed by the result. The root of all image problems is related to identity. Our identities must be fully secure in Christ. We belong to Him, and we must not allow ourselves to be defined otherwise.
Worth
God's love for us has nothing to do with appearances or weight. We are His beloved, and we are valued and esteemed because of Him, not because of the way we look. He looks at our hearts and wants to capture them. We were bought with a price: the precious blood of the Lamb. Value is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it. Christ obviously values each of us a great deal in that He gave His life for us.
Lord, help me to internalize the truth that the source of my identity is in you. Show me other sources of identity that I have relied upon. Guide me in speaking your truth into my mind.
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