When I recognized that my body image had become my idol–it changed my life. This recognition was really the first step in my journey to freedom. All the dieting, all the over-exercising, all the striving –it all connected to this idol in ways I couldn’t see or understand. Of course, once I recognized my body image idol I started to see how there were other idols in my life as well. The good news is–once we see the idols we have a chance at being free from them. Until then, we can wavering between the culture’s “I am enough” mantra and our own frustration with not looking how we want to look.
Because idols aren’t a hot topic everywhere – I thought I’d take a few minutes and look at idolatry in depth. We’ll cover what idols are and what the aren’t, how the Bible talks about idols, how idols can “run” in families, and what the solution is for an idolatry issue!
Have you made body image an idol?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do I think that having a new body size, shape, or “part” will bring me joy, peace, or rest?
- If I “don’t have” a certain body size, shape, or “part” — would that devastate me?
- Do I spend too much time worrying about my body size, shape, or a specific body part?
Never heard of a body image idol?
Here is another post about this concept from Compared to Who? Worshipping Calves: What the Old Testament Can Teaches Us about Body Image
You may also enjoy this podcast interview with Mindy who talks about how when she discovered body image was her idol, it changed her perspective on everything. Give it a listen here.
Learn more about Compared to Who? and sign up for the email list: https://comparedtowho.me
Consider signing up for coaching: https://comparedtowho.me/christian-body-image-coaching-insecurity-confidence-gospel/
