A few months ago, I was asked, “If you could change anything about yourself, what would you change?”
Ideas sprang to mind: Hair, body shape, facial features . . . the list went on. Then I paused, and a thought started to grow.
What if I was made this way by my Father, who loves me and created me in His own image to be just the person He needs me to be?
What if all my perceived flaws are God’s blessings in disguise? “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
Now, of course God created people perfect, but through sin, we are not perfect like our parents were in Eden. However, maybe He allows the marks of sin for our good? Maybe we are given special talents to use those flaws to best help others? [pullquote]
As the thought grew, I began to apply it to my life. For example, I’m a very shy person who finds it challenging simply talking to people. I wish I was able to hold a conversation without running out of things to say or go and talk to new people without getting really nervous. I’ve always thought of these things as being negatives, but I began to think of them as positives. Maybe God has a plan for me that involves helping people, and if I were more outgoing I would not be able to relate to other people, and would forget my dependence on God for my needs.
The thoughts tumbled in, crashing into each other, and my mind churned, grasping at the light I had received.
With joy in my heart I began to try to turn all my negatives into positives.
I have always been self-conscious about my body, and there have been days where I have not wanted to leave the house or even dare look in a mirror. God’s way of looking at this seemed so much better.
I was able to see that maybe I was given this body to bless and help other people. “Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20, NKJV).
Maybe I was designed to fit in with the average person so I could relate to them on a personal level instead of them looking up to me and desiring what they didn’t have.
Body image and the way we see ourselves is a large part of today’s society. However, God does not want us wasting our precious time dwelling on what we don’t have. We are taught to be happy with what we have.
As it says in the Bible, “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:8).
Let’s store up for ourselves treasure in heaven, not on this earth, which will pass away, along with our bodies (see Matthew 6:20).
Will you decide today to spend your time seeking to bless others and to help make their journey one of joy and, with me, seek to turn your negatives into God’s positives?
Kate Simpson attends Bowral church, NSW.
