I
am often saddened by the way people talk about themselves. How often have you
heard (or said) things like: I am so fat, I am ugly, I can’t do anything right,
I am so stupid, they don’t like me, I am such an idiot, etc. We have all said
something like this. We have all heard other people say things like this. The
reality is that this type of speech reflects a deeper heart issue. This type of
speech is often played off as a joke or simply overlooked. Self-degradation has
become so common that most probably don’t even notice it. Nonetheless, Jesus
said from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. This type of talk is far
from superficial. It is a window to the heart of the speaker.
Different people have different reasons for saying things like this. Some reading this had parents, teachers, or maybe coaches who told them they were stupid or couldn’t do anything right. Doubtless this type of comment from a parent or authority figure has a profound impact on the development of a child, specifically their self-image. Others’ perception of beauty and success have been so shaped by American pop culture that they cannot see or appreciate themselves apart from the unrealistic standards set by models, professional athletes, and celebrities. Thus, when you don’t fit into the size 0 dress you’re fat and when you don’t have the latest and greatest you’re ugly.
Imagine with me for a moment that we have the privilege of watching Michelangelo put the finishing touches on his magnum opus: David. The very sculpture that would define his career and set the standard for art and beauty for centuries to follow. We see as he takes a step back to admire his masterpiece, wiping the sweat off of his brow with the back of his sleeve something catches his eye. He notices a slight blemish on David’s knee. Smiling he kneels, chisel in hand, to deliver the final blow. WHAM. It’s finished. And it’s good, really good. It’s better than he could have imagined. The statue that Michelangelo had been dreaming about for years is finally complete. He takes a final step back and smiles in satisfaction.
Psalm 139:14 says that you were fearfully and wonderfully made. Genesis 1:27 says that you were made in His image. You are God’s workmanship, His masterpiece. You were the culminating event of creation. God did not make a mistake on you and you are not the exception to the rule! You are special enough for God to send His son for. When God looks at you He smiles remembering how He fashioned you in your mother’s womb. Like Michelangelo, but to an infinitely greater degree, God took great care in every detail of your being. When we verbally degrade ourselves we are actually insulting God. It would be as if David came alive and told Michelangelo his waistline was too big and his biceps were too small. Insulting to say the least.
You are special, unique, and God is crazy about you! I want to challenge you to spend some time with God and ask Him about yourself. Ask Him how He sees you. Ask Him what He likes about you and then be quiet and listen. He will speak to you; He loves to speak to His children! Allow what He thinks about you to define the way you see yourself. Even if you don’t begin to see yourself differently immediately resolve in your heart not to speak negatively about yourself. Our words are powerful and actually help shape our perceived reality. When the voice of Your Father begins to shape your self-image, you might be surprised to find you are pretty extraordinary!
Different people have different reasons for saying things like this. Some reading this had parents, teachers, or maybe coaches who told them they were stupid or couldn’t do anything right. Doubtless this type of comment from a parent or authority figure has a profound impact on the development of a child, specifically their self-image. Others’ perception of beauty and success have been so shaped by American pop culture that they cannot see or appreciate themselves apart from the unrealistic standards set by models, professional athletes, and celebrities. Thus, when you don’t fit into the size 0 dress you’re fat and when you don’t have the latest and greatest you’re ugly.
Imagine with me for a moment that we have the privilege of watching Michelangelo put the finishing touches on his magnum opus: David. The very sculpture that would define his career and set the standard for art and beauty for centuries to follow. We see as he takes a step back to admire his masterpiece, wiping the sweat off of his brow with the back of his sleeve something catches his eye. He notices a slight blemish on David’s knee. Smiling he kneels, chisel in hand, to deliver the final blow. WHAM. It’s finished. And it’s good, really good. It’s better than he could have imagined. The statue that Michelangelo had been dreaming about for years is finally complete. He takes a final step back and smiles in satisfaction.
Psalm 139:14 says that you were fearfully and wonderfully made. Genesis 1:27 says that you were made in His image. You are God’s workmanship, His masterpiece. You were the culminating event of creation. God did not make a mistake on you and you are not the exception to the rule! You are special enough for God to send His son for. When God looks at you He smiles remembering how He fashioned you in your mother’s womb. Like Michelangelo, but to an infinitely greater degree, God took great care in every detail of your being. When we verbally degrade ourselves we are actually insulting God. It would be as if David came alive and told Michelangelo his waistline was too big and his biceps were too small. Insulting to say the least.
You are special, unique, and God is crazy about you! I want to challenge you to spend some time with God and ask Him about yourself. Ask Him how He sees you. Ask Him what He likes about you and then be quiet and listen. He will speak to you; He loves to speak to His children! Allow what He thinks about you to define the way you see yourself. Even if you don’t begin to see yourself differently immediately resolve in your heart not to speak negatively about yourself. Our words are powerful and actually help shape our perceived reality. When the voice of Your Father begins to shape your self-image, you might be surprised to find you are pretty extraordinary!
