THE GOD IMAGE: OR BODY IMAGE?

The god image: body image

The body of christ

“...Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it...” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NASB).

“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

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What is body image? Body image is a person’s perception of their OWN body. It is a personal, private opinion, or mental representation one has of their OWN body. “...thou (God, the Holy Spirit) didst form my inward parts: Thou (God, the Holy Spirit) didst cover me (with an earthen vessel) in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully (specially created by the sovereign God) and wonderfully MADE: Wonderful are thy works (I am one of your wonderful works)...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).

“…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (every SINGLE earthen vessel was MADE by God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

If YOU are a NEW CREATION, “...your body is (also) a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own ... therefore glorify God in your body...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).

This personal, private opinionated or mental representation one has of their OWN body also and often involves COMPARING “it” to the STANDARD that has been SET by culture, society, and family. “...YOU ARE...  fearfully (specially created by the sovereign God) and wonderfully MADE...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).“...Wonderful are thy (god’s) works (YOU ARE one of God’s wonderful works)...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).

“...Many ....are the wonderful works (every earthen vessel) which thou hast done...” (Psalms 40:5 NASB).

“...Great and marvellous are thy works (every earthen vessel), O Lord God...” (Revelation 15:3 NASB).

“...The works (every earthen vessel) of Jehovah are great...”

The STANDARD, of body image,  “SET” by culture, society, or one’s OWN family PLACES “great value” on the “IDEAL,” human body image!

It is NOT the clay, but the POTTER who created the body! “...O Jehovah, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we (all earthen vessels) ...are the work of thy hand...” (Isaiah 64:8 NASB).

“...[God]...Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous...You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born...” (Psalms 139:14-16 NLT).

A person’s perception of their OWN body image may or MAY NOT measure up to the cultural, societal, or family’s STANDARD of the “ideal” BODY IMAGE. “...[God]... Your workmanship (which includes every earthen vessel) is marvelous...” (Psalms 139:14-16 NLT). “...Let God be found true (about his marvelous creations)...[and] every man(woman) be found a liar (especially those who criticize his marvelous creations)..” (Romans 3:4a NASB).

A person’s BODY IMAGE begins to DEVELOP, in early childhood, and a person’ begins to CHASE after an “IDEAL” body image that doesn’t EXIST! “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...[Especially NOT]...an image..[or body image]... in the form of corruptible man (yours or society’s “ideal,”  or human standard of an image) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).

Body image is multi-faceted, yet the mental representation a person has of his or her own body can become a STRONGHOLD.

It can also become a silent, unconscious, and unending obsession with an ILLUSIVE, “ideal” body image. Your heart begins to idolize “that” body image.   “...Put to death therefore your ...[earthly body images]... which are upon the earth...[which promote]... fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil DESIRE, and COVENTOUSNESS, which is IDOLATRY...” (Colossians 3:5 NASB).

The mental representation, a person has of themselves, may or may not be distorted, AND that person may focus only on certain parts of their body’s IMAGE. “...Many ....are the wonderful works (every earthen vessel) which thou hast done...” (Psalms 40:5 NASB).

When a person focuses only on CERTAIN parts of their bodies and sees those parts as FLAWED it is consider, in psychological terms, to be a SELECTIVE PERCEPTION of “those” body parts.

For instance, a person may see CERTAIN body parts, ONLY through selective perception, as too big or too small, or simply flawed in some way. They may have thoughts such as “my face is too round” “my waist needs to be smaller” “my legs are too short” “my body is too disportionate” “my hair color is yucky looking” “my nose is crooked” “my eyes are popped” “my teeth need fixing.”

“...Many ....are the wonderful works (every earthen vessel) which thou hast done...” (Psalms 40:5 NASB). “...Let God be found true (about his marvelous creations)...[and] every man(woman) be found a liar (especially those who criticize his marvelous creations)..” (Romans 3:4a NASB).

These criticizing thoughts about CERTAIN body parts can become obsessive.

These criticizing thoughts about CERTAIN body parts can also encourage life-long feelings of shame, body-dissatisfaction, body-disappointment, body-discontentment, or stress, especially if those body parts DON’T measure up to the cultural, societal, or family STANDARDS of BODY IMAGE.

These criticizing thoughts about CERTAIN body parts, if NOT changed, over time, will result in life-long heartache and trouble over body image. “...Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods (images, idols, etc.,)...” (Psalms 16:4 NLT).

Having a NEGATIVE body image is stressful and promotes a life-long dissatisfaction with one’s BODY. “...Many ....are the wonderful works (every earthen vessel) which thou hast done...” (Psalms 40:5 NASB). “….apply thine heart to understanding … ” (Proverbs 2:2 KJV). “…if the Son…shall make you FREE (from  “perceived” body images), ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

 “…When anyone hears the word …and does not understand it …the evil one comes and snatches away …” (Matthew 13:18-23 NASB).

“...YOU ARE...  fearfully (specially created by the sovereign God) and wonderfully MADE...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).“...Wonderful are thy (god’s) works (YOU ARE one of God’s wonderful works)...” (Psalms 139:13-14 NASB).

Some people react by avoiding social interactions in order to minimize the risk of being criticized by others too, for their current body image.

The focus on perceived, flawed body parts can be unending and will affect a person’s behavior in one way or another.

Dissatisfaction with one’s body KEEPS an person overly concerned with their WEIGHT, SIZE, and SHAPE until focus on diet, exercise, eating, cosmetic surgery, fashion, appearance, being judged, etc., become major, ongoing behavioral concerns.

Having a NEGATIVE body image is also LIMITING, especially when it AFFECTS how a person performs in LIFE.

People may or MAY NOT do WELL in school, in their careers, or in relationships when they perceived they are somehow defected with a NEGATIVE body image and are OBSESSED with it.

One of the reasons a person may or MAY NOT do well in school, careers, or relationship is that they’re OBSESSION with their FLAWED body image will eventually create a dysfunction.

Believe it or NOT, your OWN perceived FLAW is usually unnoticeable by others. If you have some of the following “PERCEIVED” flaws, you and YOU ALONE may be the ONLY one who SEES them!

IT IS YOU IF: You, constantly, see that ONE, small minor FLAW. You see yourself as unattractive.  You FEAR you are being judged by others. You have some “IDEAL” standard of body image NOT shared by others. You CHOOSE to avoid social interactions because of body image. You are the MAIN critic of your body image EVERY time you LOOK in the mirror. You are the one HIDING your perceived FLAW under make-up or clothes. You are the one continually comparing your body image with others. You the one OBSESSING, regularly, over how to approve your body image. You ARE the ONE who needs endless assurance and confirmation about your body image. You are dissatisfied with your body image and NOT everyone else.

If BODY IMAGE is what YOU think about YOURSELF, then BODY IMAGE is the MENTAL representation YOU have CREATED of yourself!

However, this MENTAL representation you have CREATED of  yourself may or MAY NOT resemble HOW others, ACTUALLY, perceive YOU!

When you have a NEGATIVE body image of yourself and it has been an obsession since EARLY childhood, it is TIME to reexamine the MENTAL representation you’ve created of YOU.

First, body IMAGE is subjective. When something is SUBJECTIVE it is based on one’s personal opinion, one’s own interpretation of something, a private point of view, or one’s emotions and judgement about something. While on the other hand, OBJECTIVE body image would be more FACT-BASED information.

The reason objective information is more preferable than subjective information, is because, without scientific ways to measure and observe certain information,  it (subjective information) can become DISTORTED.

Body image, thus, is subjective and can become DISTORTED. Since body image affects a person’s behavior, this “DISTORTION” can influence a person to become OBSESSIVE and PREOCCUPIED with their perceived FLAWS.

The DRIVING FORCE behind eating disorders, constant dieting, the wrong relationship with food, depression, bad moods, stress, anxiousness, etc., are BEHAVIORS related to DISTORTED body images.

A DISTORTED body image when compared to YOUR perceived “IDEAL” body image can KEEP you limited and obsessed with the physical, outward appearance for years or your entire life!

To put body image BACK in the right perspective, the sovereign expert, God, the Holy Spirit, says the redeemed(righteous) are, first and foremost, NEW CREATIONS! “…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Thus, “… Be not conformed to this world...[any longer].…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

HOW? “…let the ...[god, the]...Holy Spirit guide your lives. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “The steps (every single step) of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way...” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (from “old” images)…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

The God IMAGE replaces the BODY IMAGE. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

Body IMAGE has VERY little PROFIT, to the righteous! “..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit, but godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

“...Physical training is good (for body image), but training for godliness (for God image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

“...You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium (for body image) are useful (helps keep you healthy), but a disciplined life in God (developing the God image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).

For the righteous, body image has NO eternal value and the “little” value that it does have is a SHORT profitability.

“..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

“...Physical training is good (for body image), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

“...Workouts in the gymnasium (for body image) are useful (helps keep you healthy), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).

Body image for the purpose of being HEALTHY and in order to be an USEFUL earthen vessel for the indwelling Holy Spirit is the PROFIT.  “...I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers...” (3 John 2 NASB).

“…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

Having an earthen vessel is advantageous for the temporary time, the righteous, is upon the earth as ambassadors for Christ.

“...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own ... therefore glorify God in your body...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).

“...If any man (woman) destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him (her), for the temple (your body, earthen vessel) of God is holy, and ^[that is what you are...” (1 Corinthians 3:17 NASB).

“...No one hates his(her) own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church...” (Ephesians 5:29 NLT).

 “The Son (jesus Christ) is ...the exact representation (IMAGE) of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).

The God IMAGE serves a purpose in this temporary life and the eternal life to come. “..godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

“...training for godliness (for God image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

“...a disciplined life in God (developing the God image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).

The IDEAL or “your” IDEAL STANDARD of body image will DO NOTHING, whatsoever, to PROMOTE the God IMAGE!!! “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

The God IMAGE is promoted when the righteous become God, the Holy Spirit’s WITNESSES and allow him to DISPLAY HIS glory “in” and “through” their earthen vessels. “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere (through your BODY or TEMPLE)...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).

“...you (earthen vessels) will be my witnesses...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).

“…Stephen, (an earthen vessel), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES through Paul (an earthen vessel)…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (God, himself, does through earthen vessels)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [earthen vessels], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

It is “…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us (earthen vessels) who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us (earthen vessels) …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).

The BODY becomes the TEMPLE of the indwelling Holy Spirit and BODY IMAGE is replaced by the IMAGE of Jesus Christ.

“…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).“...[NOT]...an image..[or body image]... in the form of corruptible man (yours or society’s “ideal,”  or human standard of an image) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).

For the righteous, God, the Holy Spirit, ELEVATES, their IMAGE, all of them, to the HIGHEST in all of heaven and upon earth. “…the image of his Son (jesus Christ)…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

Jesus is “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). “… his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…at … the name (ALONE) of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV). 

There is NO other IMAGE to worship, be devoted to, reverence, or LONG for GREATER than The God IMAGE!

“…You are very GREAT; You are clothed in SPLENDER and MAJESTY, Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

“…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB).

“…O LORD; thou art GREAT, and THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…. the whole earth is full of [your]…(HOLY) glory…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

“… Let Your glory  (IMAGE)be above all the earth (earthen vessels)…” (Psalms 57:5, 11 NASB). “… His glory is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB).

“…there is none like unto thee (the god image!!!!)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

WHAT IS YOUR PRIORITY FOR DEVELOPING AN EARTHBOUND "IMAGE?"

THE GOD IMAGE OR BODY IMAGE