Pure Magazine

God's

In almost every magazine found in America, you will be able to locate one common theme: weight loss. Headlines commonly read: "Lose 30 pounds in 30 days!","Lose the baby fat!","You'd never guess she has children!","The thighs of a goddess" and so forth. For those that are actually medically overweight, these articles may be of some use. However, what about the women that aren't overweight? Do these magazines contain articles discussing positive self-esteem and building character? And why is a person's physical appearance more important than their character? Most importantly, where does God play a role in all of this?

Image borrowed from:

http://www.saidaonline.com/en/newsgfx/woman%20self%20esteem.png

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

The Mistake

I am in no way suggesting that a person that is medically obese should stop their weight loss program. However, I am suggesting that the Media begin to post responsible and positive marketing campaigns.

God never intended physical appearance to be our source of Self Esteem.

The mistake that most people make is believing the lie that is in the world: the lie that how you look defines who you are.

1 Peter 3:3-5 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead,it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

If we could all just follow the guidelines that God set before us, we wouldn't have the problems we have today

Image borrowed from:

http://jross119.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/anorexia_hr_preview.jpg

The Results Are In

What happens when the Media post images and articles that portray an unrealistic image of what a woman should be?

The following statistics were borrowed from

http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/anorexia/statistics.htm

It is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder – seven million women and one million men.

One in 200 American women suffers from anorexia.

Two to three in 100 American women suffers from bulimia

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness

The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15 – 24 years old.

What are we to do? We are all brainwashed to think that we are not okay unless we meet some standard set before us. What are we to do?

I don't know about you, but I struggle with the concept of matching someone's ideal image. I mean, how many of us look forward to trying on swimsuits? Let's get real here; the last thing most women want is to squeeze into something that shows every curve. And why do we feel like that? We feel we will be judged if we don't look "RIGHT" in that swimsuit.

But, what's most important?

Image borrowed from:

http://newyork.timeout.com/newyork/resizeImage/htdocs/export_images/624/624.x600.Seek2.MindBody.2.jpg

How about what God thinks?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

How we treat our bodies is a form of worship to God. He created us, he gave us our bodies, and he wants us to take care of our bodies. He wants us to stay away from things that hurt our bodies. This can include over-eating, and under-eating. One common theme in the Bible is balance. He wants us to form our lifestyles in such a way that we balance everything: spiritual growth, finances, relationships, work, recreation, and of course, food.

What are you feeding yourself?

Are you in the habit of reading your Bible daily? If not, I recommend doing so. How about praying?  No matter what you are going through, God has been through it and has overcome it. There is nothing too great or small for God: that includes your pants size.

So, instead of worrying about the next notch on your belt, how about putting on the belt of truth?

Ephesians 6:14

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

The Solution

I recently read some journal entries recalling experiences of a young woman while she was trying to lose weight. God took her on a journey involving spiritual and emotional healing. What this woman discovered is that God knew her better than she knew herself.

The Website is called, "Can God Really Help You?"  by Andrea Webster. It can be found at the following link: http://www.cangodreallyhelpyou.com/lose_weight_daily_plan/index.html

She outlines her 49-day journey of weight loss. The main themes are:

1) God loves you, 2) Stop worshiping food, 3) Fear, 4) Emotional Healing,

5) Reaching Out, 6) Helping Others, 7) Forgiveness, Motivation,

9) No Condemnation, 10) Fasting, and many more.

The main point I am trying to get at is that God cares for you more than you know. Whether you have good self-esteem or not, whether you are overweight, underweight, or normal weight, God has a plan and a calling for your life. I challenge you to allow God to work in your heart. Allow Him to feed you with the things of His Spirit, and not the things of this world. Let's all start working on God's diet. (It's Eternal!)

Galatians 5:22

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control."

Proverbs 25:28

"Like a city whose walls are broken down

is a man who lacks self-control."

So many times I hear myself utter these five little words, "I need to stop eating." I see the plate before me, I feel my stomach aching, and I smell the pleasant aroma of the food remaining. It's time for a decision: To eat or not to eat? Many times I have found myself wanting in the integrity of my diet.

If you don't understand what I am saying yet, try to relate this to the topic of shopping. Have you ever said, "I really need a new _____." Or, "I really shouldn't be spending money right now, but...________".

I am not trying to stereotype here, but as a woman I can say that the majority of us have done this at one time or another.

One thing that God has been teaching me is that we cannot pick and choose the scripture we want to follow and the one we want to discard. When He says he wants us to have self-control, He means that.

The money that we have is not our's to spend, but it is God's. He owns everything and he wants us to be good stewards with what He has given us.

1 Timothy 6:10

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

We must learn to be content with what the Lord has given us, instead of splurging when something shiny comes our way. We must learn to respect our bodies, as Christ wanted us to. It is disrespectful to God to gorge ourselves on food or drink, or to spend our money foolishly instead of using it to further his church.

This magazine speaks of purity...not just sexual or emotional purity, but purity in all aspects...INCLUDING purity of finances.

I encourage all of the readers to take a very close look at their finances and re-evaluate where their money should be going. I know that God has been teaching me through his Word and I am slowly learning what it means to be a good steward.

Let's pray that God gives us a greater sense of Self-Control so that we are not only able to resist that last piece of chocolate cake, or that purse we want to buy; but also so that we can fight against the attacks of the enemy and not give into temptation.