Living Free - October 11, 2017
Today's Scripture
"Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God. Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him." Romans 12:1-2 CEV
Thoughts for Today
People with eating disorders tend to get so preoccupied with their body image that they develop a distorted view of themselves. Their concerns about food, diet, body and weight can even begin to affect their relationships and their ability to function in day-to-day life.
If you are in this situation, determine not to let your obsession with your body keep you from closeness with God and others. Decide how you wish to spend your energy— pursuing the "perfect" image … or focusing on your spiritual growth and your personal and interpersonal needs.
Society changes its view of what is beautiful—styles come and go. But God's view of beauty never changes. Identifying and challenging your negative thoughts and feelings about your body and keeping God's view in mind are essential to accepting yourself and your body.
Consider this …
Always remember … your value as a person is not based on how you look or what you accomplish. Your value is based on the unchangeable fact that God loves you so much that he gave his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you. Reach out to him today. Receive his love and forgiveness. And thank him for making you just the way you are.
Father, I guess I've been pretty confused lately. I've been so concerned about how I look that I've ignored you. And relationships with others I care about have suffered. Please help me to begin thinking more clearly—to see things from your point of view. Thank you for loving me just the way I am. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …Seeing Yourself in God's Image: Overcoming Anorexia and Bulimia by Martha Homme, MA, LPC. Written by a counselor with experience helping those with eating disorders, this study is born from her own struggles in adolescence. The group challenges members to find their identity in Christ as they overcome this difficult struggle. This guide offers understanding of distorted body image, denial, and the family systems influence. It also explains how to break free of social pressures and how to restore the temple and tie the recovery process together. A companion booklet Seeing Your Loved One in God's Image, can be used as a quick reference guide dealing with issues associated with eating disorders. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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