Most people struggle with body image, especially in their youth. It’s important to know that while Christians ought to appreciate their bodies and not compare themselves with anyone, a lot of us still face body image issues. As teenagers, this may even be a major issue for some people because this is the most vulnerable time of our lives, where social media, peer pressure, and other factors influence a lot of our perspectives.
When it comes to tackling body image issues, it would be impractical to say ‘just love your body’ because it’s not that easy. Sadly enough, the same platforms that promote body dysmorphia among young people are the same ones that put out corny campaigns about body positivity.
You need to realize that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you can choose to say no to low self-esteem and appreciate the wonderful body that God has given to you, no matter the adversaries. Sure it’s not that easy, but with God’s help, you will overcome all the enemy attacks against your self-esteem.
Psalm 139:14 – “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
In this article, I am going to give you practical tips that are backed up by scripture for being body confident
Know That Social Media is not Real!
Social media is filled with so much falsity on beauty standards and how a “normal” or “beautiful” person should look like.
We have been tricked into believing that the specific body types glorified in the media are the “ideal” ones that every human should have, but that is just not true. As Christians, we should know that God created every single person uniquely- we are not all meant to look the same, there is beauty in diversity.
Besides, not all body types you see on social media are real. Some are products of several and perhaps even dangerous surgical procedures. Some people use filters and body-enhancing apps to alter their photos before uploading them. It would be dangerous and perhaps foolish to compare your natural body to an artificial, enhanced image you saw on the internet.
The craziest part is that beauty standards do change! Western beauty standards some decades ago glorified women with slim tender bodies. Now, fast-forward to 2023 and now being “thick” is the new goal.
Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Stop searching for flaws in other people
Sometimes we tend to search for flaws in other people to feel better about ourselves, but this is counter-intuitive because the more you look for what you consider flaws in other people’s bodies, the more you become self-conscious about what you think are flaws in your own body.
Learn to see the good in other people because when you’re only focused on their bad parts, you’ll find yourself comparing your body to theirs, and trust me, it never goes well.
If the first things you notice about people are the things you dislike about their physical appearance, then you need to STOP! It is a mere reflection of your personal insecurities.
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Wear the right clothes
Clothes play a big role in the way we see ourselves. Oftentimes, we wear clothes that are too tight, too short, or too big and end up blaming our bodies instead of putting on what is suitable for us.
Expecting something to look good on you just because it looks good on someone else is setting yourself up for tragedy.
This is because they are different body shapes so what suits another person may not look good on you and vice versa. It does not mean that something is wrong with your body or theirs, it means you are dressing incorrectly for your body type.
Dress comfortably. Wear clothes that will not make you look away from a mirror. This can instantly improve your mood and body confidence. dress decently as well, clothes are meant to cover the body, first and foremost, before being aesthetic. Don’t wear things that are indecent or uncomfortable just to feel among or to appear fashionable.
Deuteronomy 22:5 “A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.
Romans 12:1 ESV - "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Be Vocal
You will be surprised at how many people assume that their remarks about your body are okay. Some people see it as a joke. Others expect you to tolerate it because they are “just being honest”
Relatives, friends, and even family members can say hurtful things to you that can make you feel ashamed of your body. Sometimes, the intention isn’t malicious. However, it still doesn’t change the fact that they can be toxic and can lead to bad body consciousness. The moment you become vocal, you have established boundaries that they are compelled to adhere to.
If they do not honor your request, stay as far away as possible.
Take the Focus off you.
Perhaps our physical insecurities come from thinking too much about ourselves and what others think about us. Rather than focusing on what we don’t like about our bodies, let us divert our minds to more important things, like how we can use our gifts and talents to serve God in our youth.
Again, thinking about what others think of your body is useless and futile. Truth be told, most people don’t care. the same way you’re bothered about the way you look, that’s the same way multitudes of people are bothered about theirs as well, and no one is really paying attention to any other person but themself (this proves how truly selfish the world is.)
When you enter a public space, immediately remove the focus from how you look and rather be aware of your environment. Observe your surroundings, acknowledge and greet people, walk with a goal in mind, and be intentional about not making your insecurities the top of your worries.
Get new hobbies, learn new things, and gain new skills. Do things that make you forget how ‘imperfect’ your body is. Remember that your body is not everything and that God did not call us to be people with the most beautiful or handsome bodies, but he called us to be people whom he can use to further his kingdom on earth.
1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”
Take care of your Body
This might be a hard pill for many people to swallow, but sometimes the repulse you’re getting for your body is because you are not taking care of it as you should.
How many of us complain of adding weight or losing weight when in reality, we make bad food choices that cause these changes? Or we complain of dry skin, chapped lips, pimples, and the likes when we fail to perform some basic hygiene actions that could easily avoid these things.
Don’t get me wrong, things can still happen to your body even though you’re thorough and careful, and this article does not dispute that.
Rather, I wish to encourage all of us as Christian teenagers to take good care of our bodies and do all within our power to safeguard our health and be in the best shape possible.
Instead of hating your body, try caring for it. Exercise, drink more water, eat, avoid too much sugar, and eat more fruits and vegetables (you know the rest…)
1 Corinthians 10:31- "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
1 Timothy 4:8 – “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Pray
Prayer is the master key.
Some Christians think it’s strange and uncommon to pray to God about something like low self-esteem, but do you know that he actually wants to hear from you?
God already know you have these thoughts, so there is no need to hide them from him. he wants you to bring all your worries to him because he can deliver you from all your sorrows.
Pray and ask God to help you appreciate and properly care for the body he has entrusted you with on this earth. Remember that your body is his temple and that he dwells inside of you.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
I hope you found them really helpful. If you have any other suggestions on how you learned to appreciate your body, feel free to share them in the comments section. Also, feel free to share this article with someone.
As usual, Stay safe, Stay happy.
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