From His POV

Today’s topic is one that I’ve been contemplating for a while. I didn’t know where to start or how to write about this subject and then a friend and I began studying Ephesians and one verse in particular jumped out at me in a big way in relation to the topic of self image.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

In Greek, the word workmanship reads poiema meaning that which is made or done, a work, workmanship, or creation. This word only occurs two times in the NT, here in Ephesians 2 and then in Romans 1:20, "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." We are his creation and he loves us!

I think this verse hit me so hard because prior to studying this chapter the same friend asked me what I was most self conscious about. When I thought about the question my honest answer didn’t have to do with external appearance, which, to be honest, surprised me. In my teen years I definitely would’ve answered with something about my looks, my body, or my image in some way.

In our culture beauty is defined solely by external standards and it is detrimental to the mental health of our youth. Growing up my appearance was my sole focus. Did I look pretty? Was I considered to be pretty? Did other people think I was pretty? These were the kinds of questions I grappled with as a young girl and teenager. Questions that were encouraged by every movie, tv show, magazine, and song I heard and watched. Now, as I face the question “What are you most self conscious about?” The answer has changed.

I bring this topic up in relation to this verse because the first phrase really hit me; we are his workmanship. Our external flaws tend to be what we focus on most and I genuinely believe that fact is due to the culture we live in and the focus being external beauty. It is the common denominator I see all over social media; everyone is commenting on everyone else’s looks, sometimes in a positive way, but more often than not, negatively. Celebs are constantly under scrutiny for every little thing they do and how they look and when they've changed their appearance. This is what the media thinks is important, therefore so do we.

In Genesis, God states that we are created in His image. Not something He randomly designed or haphazardly put together. We are designed with the blueprint of God himself. When He finished creating man He said it is good. Each fiber of our being was lovingly and painstakingly put together by the Master potter, Creator, and Designer of the heavens.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

God knows the number of hairs on my head and as a kid with a whole lot of hair, something about that was so comforting to me. He knows every inch of me and more than that, He designed every inch. I am perfectly made by Him.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14

This verse is one that so many hold dear when it comes to struggling with external identity. We know in the depths of our souls that God made us wonderfully and yet it’s the aspect of ourselves we tear apart the most. God did not design us to be self loathing of our bodies. He created them to house our souls, the essence of who we are and ultimately, it is considered a holy temple that the Holy Spirit himself resides in upon the moment of salvation. (Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:4-5)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1

This is our purpose, to glorify him, to use our bodies as vessels of living sacrifice, to offer worship through it to him.

This collection of thoughts brings tears to my eyes as I think about the beauty each of my friends possess inwardly and outwardly, and yet don’t see in themselves due to society’s standards. A few weeks ago my dear friend Cara shared thoughts about our identity being in Christ on this blog and it is such a powerful message. Who we are and all that we are made of is solely His and of Him. Our purpose in life is to glorify God and I find that when I’m absorbed in my insecurities I’m useless for Him.

Insecurities are a given in life, I know that, I do and I struggle with them just as you do. But my prayer for each of us is that we can learn to be comfortable in who we are and what we look like and that we can remember our identity is in Christ. We are His workmanship. God thinks you’re the most beautiful being and He loves you so much. Rest in that, rest in Him and find the peace that only He can provide.

xo,

Ais