“Image is everything.” Though we know this statement is not true in its entirety, many of us have bought into it: Just look the part. It’s how people perceive you, and so what if that perception is incorrect.
Because such great emphasis is placed on image in our society, we end up succumbing to unnecessary stress due to external influences. We see it all the time as tabloids portray images of anorexic celebrities. In magazines and on billboards, we are bombarded by the portrayal of young models who must maintain an unhealthy size to sell us an image the populace can never fulfill naturally. Then there is the double standard we hold regarding overweight females versus their male counterparts. And now that many of us are feeling the pressure to slim down, we must be reminded not to become “image chasers” as well.
How do we avoid falling into this trap whilst on this journey called life? We must do some soul searching. Do we want to lose weight to gain the applause or the attention of people? Or do we want to lose weight to be healthy–and to be healthy for God?
The right motive should always lead us to freedom not stress. Caring for our bodies by exercising and eating healthily should lead us to experience more of God’s goodness in our lives– not cause an accumulation of cortisol hormones in our bodies. As a result, the body itself rebels, refusing to heal itself or to let go off any excess weight. When we focus from within and remind ourselves that we are created for God’s glory, we should take pleasure in living a healthy life not only because it is more fulfilling but also because we do it for the applause and the attention of One–Jesus Christ!
