Ignition 7 Video Spark DevosSample

How Do I Deal with Low Self-Esteem or Image Issues? (part 1)

Many of us—in fact most of us—have dealt with low self-esteem or body image issues. We look at ourselves in the mirror and we don’t care for the way we look, how we dress, our body weight, our failure to meet some standard we’ve set for ourselves… the list can go on and on. Consistently missing out on your own self-worth—seeing yourself as ugly, fat, uncool, or undesirable—can lead to negative life choices affecting your physical and emotional health, as well as your spiritual well-being.

Whether it’s a periodic issue or a constant, painful problem pulling us down, this is something all of us should think about. So how do we deal with this low self-esteem?

Wanting to feel attractive, desirable, and valuable isn’t wrong. Here’s the problem, though. Culture takes those desires and twists them, telling us that our worth is tied up in looking a certain culturally-defined way. Skinny. Toned. The world around us asks, “How many dates have you gone on this week?” or “How many workouts did you fit in at the gym?” If (and too often when) we fall into this kind of culture trap, we won’t feel fulfilled or worthwhile. The message culture is shouting at us is one that constantly pushes the boundaries on us in terms of all we are not doing to fit into a certain mold.

Here’s the truth: we must block these voices out. This kind of standard isn’t achievable because it is not realistic, and in the end it is not based on what makes us truly valuable.

So how do we fight back? How do we redefine our value in healthy ways?

First, don’t be fooled—even though it may not feel like it, this is a spiritual issue at its root. Value is a spiritual thing rooted in God’s love. God defines our value and he loves us unconditionally. Whether or not we fit culture’s version of “value,” God will always find us worthwhile. God’s nature—his goodness and love—is how we should define ourselves. And he chooses us. Let that sink in. He chooses you.

So the question is: will you let God define your value right now? It is your choice. He is eager for you to experience your worth through his eyes.