A few years back the Lord dealt with me about my lack of self acceptance. I had always struggled with my self image. Most mornings when I would be getting ready for the day, I would find myself inwardly criticizing my physical appearance. I was too this, or too that. I wish I didn’t have this or had that etc.  It was not something I did consciously. I had just always done it from as far back as I could remember.  On this one particular morning I was putting on my make up and found myself doing the same thing I had always done. Critiquing my flaws.

This particular morning was different however. I heard God speak to my spirit. He asked me, “Would you say those things about anyone else? Would you look at any other woman and say the things you are saying about yourself?” I was caught off guard by the question..and then I responded, “No, it wouldn’t bother me Lord if someone else had my flaws.”  He responded with, “You are criticizing my daughter. You are tearing down something that I created, something I love.” I was flabbergasted. I had been verbally destroying His handiwork with my self criticism and harsh word. I knew in my heart I would never criticize anyone else the way I had myself. I began to cry. I had been tearing down His creation. I had been hating on his beloved.

Self abasement is not humility nor is it healthy. It is tearing down what God has created. It is saying He messed up on His creation. From that day on, I never looked at myself the same way. I began to change my self talk. I began to thank God for the way He created me.

If you are struggling with your self image, ask Christ to reveal to you the way He sees you. If you’re self talk is destructive and tearing down, know you are listening to the wrong voice! God never tears down His creation. Begin to challenge any thoughts and self talk that are demeaning and discouraging.  You have been “fearfully and wonderfully” made by your Creator. He loves you just as He created you and He wants you to know that! Don’t waste any more time hating on yourself. It is a distraction to keep you from fulfilling the purpose God created you for! You are unique and special and He has formed you to be just the way you are.

Psalm 139:13,14 NIV 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,  I know that full well.