Our society has an obsession with self-image. Take a look at what you see in commercials, on billboards, in magazines and on social media. A lot of what companies are trying to sell us has much to do with our self-image.

These companies market cosmetic products, clothing, accessories and other items to us every day. It can make you feel inadequate, as if you are somehow less beautiful or attractive without this or that product. As a result, many people live with an unhealthy self-image.

The Lord sees us as beautiful, why don’t we?

Instead of covering ourselves up with accessories and tweaking our image with filters and Photoshop, why can’t we accept ourselves as we are? Why can’t we accept ourselves as the Lord accepts us? 

“Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1 NKJV)

What a great privilege and blessing it is to be loved by God, that we can be called His children! Why measure ourselves by any worldly standard when what we are is the children of God? Surely, there is nothing in worldly standards that is more beautiful than this.

Well, it’s one thing to understand this worldview but it’s another to actually live it. Below are a few tips that can help you find and experience real beauty in this world:

• Be careful of what you take in — Be wary of what external sources you allow to permeate your thoughts. Of course, you cannot hide from everything all of the time, nor would we encourage that, but you can be more conscious of how you let these things affect you. When you see cosmetic commercials and images of celebrities, remember there is often an agenda behind these things to sell you something. Don’t let them be the standards of your worth.
  
• Accept your flaws — Nobody is perfect. Everyone has flaws and struggles, even the celebrities and Instagram accounts that show you otherwise. Trying to grow as a person is a good thing, but trying to hide the fact that you have flaws and struggles will make your life a continual uphill battle.
  
• Appreciate the beauty around you — Chances are, you’re not as harsh on others as you are on yourself. When you look at your friends and family, how do you see them? Do you see ugliness or do you see what’s beautiful in them first? You probably see beauty and joy in them, not ugliness. What about nature? You probably see beauty in that too.
  
  When you appreciate the beauty in what’s around you, you’ll learn to appreciate your own beauty even more.
  
• Take care of your body — A healthy diet and plenty of physical activity are good ways to take care of your body. Doing this will help you appreciate our body more. Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking that you must diet and exercise for your appearance, but remember that you do it for your health and well-being. 

At Unfiltered Radio, we believe that maintaining a healthy self-image is an important part of your life. We struggle with self-image issues as much as anyone else but we strive to find our true selves in God, knowing that He loves us as we are. Check out our podcast series if you want to hear more about what it’s like to find true beauty in this world.