Twelve Biblical Truths on Self-Image

Yesterday our Pastor presented Twelve Biblical Truths on Self-Image.  He had everyone look up a verse, and read it aloud when needed.  Good speaker / audience participation.  Not only keeps us involved but sharpens our attention span.  Although I was one who read one of the verses, I mostly just sat soaking in the truths.  A Truth Soaker Inner of sorts.

Now I have long ago resolved to the fact that I just ain't perfect in appearance or talent ... and I am mostly okay with that.  However, everyone does have a bit of an esteem problem, including me.  But over the years as a Christian, I have become aware that it isn't about me ... it's about God.

Please pour over these truths, look up the accompanying verses, and soak in the truths yourself.

1.  God's basic purpose in creating us is that we have fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ and that we experience the full potential of Christ working in and through these bodies of ours.  John 17: 3,  John 10: 10,  Philippians 3:8

2.  Satan is aware of the potential which God has put within our lives and He desires to totally destroy it or at least partially diminish its potential.   2 Timothy 2: 20 - 22

3.  Satan's initial method of operation is to deceive us into believing that God has cheated or will cheat us out of that which we should rightfully have.  Genesis 3: 4 - 5,   Colossians 2:  8 - 10

4.  Before we were born, God prescribed our unchangeable features in accordance with His plans for our lives.  Psalm 119: 14, 16, 73,   Isaiah 45: 9

5.  God is not finished making us yet.   Ephesians 2: 10,  Psalm 138: 8

6.  There is no such thing as "perfect" or No. 1 in the outward appearance.   I Samuel 16: 7,   Isaiah 53: 2

7.  There is a "perfect" or No. 1 in the inward character qualities.  Galatians 4: 19,  Colossians 2: 9,   Galatians 5: 22 - 23

8.  Our happiness is not dependent on our outward beauty but on our ability to experience the character of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Matthew 6: 33,   Psalm 17:15,   Matthew 5: 3 - 12

9.  If necessary God sacrifices outward beauty to develop inward qualities, since our happiness is based on having these qualities.  II Corinthians 4: 10,  II Corinthians 4: 16 - 17,   Romans 9: 20 - 21

10.  Our fulfillment in life comes by being a unique message on how to develop the inward qualities of the Lord Jesus Christ.   I Peter 2: 9,   II Corinthians 3: 2,   Proverbs 15: 23

11.  Differences in appearance, abilities, parentage and social heritage are God's special frames to highlight and amplify His unique message through us.  II Corinthians 12: 9, 10,   I Corinthians 1: 27, 29, 31

12.  God's reputation is at stake in what we do with our appearance, abilities, parentage, and social heritage.  Exodus 4: 11, 12