I’m struggling to process my thoughts on self-image, and how God feels about it. Will you join the conversation and help me figure it out? Or at least make some progress?
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What do YOU think?
Tags: beauty, bj harris, deception, Harris, harris iii, illusionist, self-image, weight loss
I believe that not being conformed to the pattern of this world means not being obsessed with beauty like the world is. They esteem “beauty” so much (even when they can’t properly grasp and define it) because all they have is life, as we see it, on this planet. In the scope of eternity, physical appearance can seem quite trivial. “When we’ve been there ten thousand years” is it going to matter what GQ or Cosmo defined as beauty?
I have a piece of paper taped to my mirror that one of my friends gave me and it says “The King is enthralled by your beauty” Psalms 45:11. This is encouraging whenever I notice it and I remember that it doesn’t matter how other people think I look, only that I shine for God and show Him to other people. But it should be noted that the rest of that verse is “honor Him, for He is your Lord.” So I agree with Harris and I believe that means that it is important to honor God by taking care of one’s body. This is different for each person, so there is not really a line that can be determined for being “in shape enough.” I think that the fitness of each person is between that person and God, so up to a certain point it cannot be determined by others. However, if people are not making an effort to keep healthy or in shape, it is probably a safe guess that God is not pleased with the way they are treating their bodies. So, in short, I agree with Harris and Zinho.
I think true beauty comes from within,And I also believe that we were given our bodys at a price so the least we could do is to take care of it and honor God with it.God loves you no matter what but it probably does hurt Him to see you not be healthy and to abuse the wonderful masterpeice He has givin us.
i agree with Megan’s post. True beauty comes from within. And there really is no line for perfection, seeing as being human and sinful, we can never be perfect. and y’know how gluttony is a sin and all… so i believe that God does love us unconditionally like you said, and also if you really love and want to follow him, then by loving him and wanting to follow him, you will eventually become what God wants you to be, whether its in this life or in heaven
i also agree with the fact that we should try to cause harm to our bodies in any way seeing as how they are God’s creations, whether that be through drugs or simply overeating. i know for me, overeating’s a struggle, but i want to take care of the wonderful body he’s given me 
man, you make some great points. Most of it is all right in front of our faces but we cant see it because we are being “mis directed.” I think that you doing illusions is such a great way to get people to God and to see HOW were decieved. I’ll remember pigeon forge TN edge conference for the rest of my life.
Hey guys! Thanks for all of the great comments!!
It sounds like everyone is in agreement here that true beauty is not defined by the world, but by our creator. I love what you guys had to say about this. Zinho – Thanks for putting this into the perspective of eternity. It’s eye-opening!
Regardless, (and it sounds like everyone agrees with this, too), I do think we should be good stewards of the bodies he has given us. And I think after processing it more, I’ve come to this understanding: Focus on health, not looks.
The bottom line is, God is sovereign. None of have 100% control over when we die. But if we die because our health failed, in direct connection with over-eating and lack of exercise, that’s completely different story. So I really think it comes down to our focus on health vs. beauty.
I think what made me realize that was to flip to the opposite end of the spectrum and look at eating disorders. Usually driven by the desire to feel beautiful, an eating disorder is most often an attempt to be “skinny,” because “that’s the way the girls look in pictures in the magazine.”
So even by the world’s standards, you can be “beautiful” but unhealthy, and still not a good steward of your body.
Bottom line? Take care of yourself. If you’re out of shape, start eating better, put down the Coke & Pepsi, and get some exercise! Respect God’s creation, including yourself, and be around longer for your families. In the process, maintain a healthy, eternal perspective that God’s love for your is endless, unconditional, and perfect. In his eyes, you are absolutely gorgeous!
If you’re struggling with any of this, get some help by finding some accountability. It’s a practical way to move forward, and could end up changing your life.