Epidemic

"Most of us are guilty of perpetuating a culture that puts physical beauty on a pedestal. Despite professing that 'it's what inside that counts,' how often do our children, nieces, nephews, and students hear us praise others for their character?" (Heather Davis Nelson)

The emphasis on physical beauty/body image leads to body shame, discontent, and/or unhealthy obsession with diet (including eating disorders) and exercise, clothes and beauty products. There's no excuse for overeating and not taking care of selves. We still need to practice good stewardship and take care of the bodies (the Holy Spirit's temples) we've been given. But let's ponder this: Do we care more about our appearance than our character and/or do we praise others for their appearance more than their character? Do we tie our acceptance and approval of someone to his/her size, weight, and appearance? Do we live pressured and pressuring others regarding how we and they should look? Let us not contribute to this culture's disease!

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Our wonderfully and intricately made bodies are meant to be used to honor/worship God, not to become a source of self-worship or other-worship.