Compared to Who? a 10-Day Plan to Improve Your Body ImageSample

Cultural standards of beauty aren't a new concept. The Bible doesn't shy away from telling us that even in ancient times, some women were considered beautiful (Rachel) while others weren't (Leah). Today we'll read the verse I once referred to as the meanest in the whole Bible. Notice the conjunction "but" in the middle of Genesis 29:17. Clearly, we're supposed to notice the contrast between these two sisters.

How could God make that distinction? Wasn't it mean to call one woman "hot" and the other sister "not"? Where was the footnote in my Bible that said Leah had dim eyes but great thighs?

But God doesn't define beauty the same way we do. Observations like the ones we read in Genesis 29 aren't offensive because God never connects physical beauty to our value.

While culture teaches that value comes from wearing the "right" size and having the "look," God's word teaches something very different. Every time I try to derive value from the way I look, I'm let down. God designed us to derive satisfaction from him alone, not from our physical beauty.

According to Genesis 1:27, God made us in his image. Understanding this truth frees us from the pressure to look perfect. While culture clamors praise for "hot" bodies, we, as Christ-followers, can live differently. My job is not to bring glory to my body but rather to reflect Jesus.

Scripture also explains how we were each fashioned by God in our mothers' wombs. In other words, you're not an accident. No matter what your body looks like—God formed you on purpose and for a purpose.

When I think about this concept, I picture Nick Vujicic. He was born without any limbs and felt bitter about it for many years. But, now he speaks to audiences of hundreds of thousands of people—encouraging them that their lives have value. He's a best-selling author and a married father of four. I once heard him say that he didn't understand how a man without any arms or legs could be the "hands and feet of Jesus." But, it's clear. Physically, God had given Nick everything he needed to accomplish his purpose in Nick's life. The same is true for you and me.

Today let's study some scriptures to help us better understand our image and worth.