Have a Comparison-Free Summer: 5-Day Plan to Beat Body EnvySample

I just read an article on how to feel better in a swimsuit. It acknowledged that even the most "athletic and shapely women" struggle. The author recounted working for an entertainment group where professional performers would cry, scream and throw fits over their "perfect" (by culture's standards) bodies.

"We all struggle with body image," she wrote. "It's not about our bodies. . ."

Thanks, that's what I've been trying to say!

But what surprised me was how she ended the piece. After her brilliant assessment that body image issues are internal struggles, she encouraged her readers with four tips for the summer. They can be summarized as follows: buy a swimsuit that fits, buy colorful accessories, exercise in the pool, and eat well.

Seriously? If the problem has nothing to do with our appearance, how "helpful" is a solution comprised of cute jewelry, carrots, and water aerobics?

Is anyone else confused?

Culture has difficulty offering answers to women who struggle with body image. The good news is that scripture doesn't.

The Bible encourages us to take a new view of our bodies and lives. Women are not objects designed to be ogled or admired. We're instruments of God's grace. We use our bodies to serve him.

Imagine how silly it would be to go to church and stand outside the building oohing and ahhing over the architecture. Church buildings aren't art. They're facilities for worship. Similarly, our bodies are the temple where the Holy Spirit dwells. But we're not to worship the temple. Instead, we're to use our temples for worship.

God's not waiting for you to tone up your temple before He can use you. He's given you spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities that He wants you to use for him, no matter the size or shape of your body. I may not be a swimsuit model, but I can model the love of Jesus. When I let God's light and love shine through me, my cellulite and stretchmarks don't matter as much anymore. His purpose propels me past my insecurities.

What's even more beautiful is how when we begin to see our bodies as living sacrifices, instruments used to glorify and worship God, it takes the pressure off. I no longer seek glory for myself (or how I look by the pool). I just want to bring glory to Him.