Body Image
In today's society, the concept of body image has evolved into a multifaceted and often overwhelming phenomenon. The perception of one's own body and its appearance has a profound impact on individuals' self-esteem, mental health, identity, and overall well-being. From glossy magazine covers to social media feeds, our modern world is bombarded with idealized and often unrealistic standards of beauty. Far too often, these worldly, unrealistic pressures lead to eating disorders that can have devastating effects in individuals’ lives.
The Media's Influence: The media plays a pivotal role in shaping our perception of body image. Advertisements, television shows, movies, and magazines predominantly feature images of individuals who conform to a narrow definition of beauty. Airbrushed and photoshopped pictures create an unattainable ideal that many strive to emulate. This constant exposure to unrealistic representations can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a distorted body image.
Social Media and the Rise of Comparison: In recent years, social media has become a dominant force in shaping body image ideals. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are flooded with carefully curated images of seemingly flawless bodies. The constant exposure to these images can fuel a cycle of comparison, where individuals measure their own worth based on how they stack up against these idealized standards. This can create a sense of pressure to conform, leading to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating patterns, and even mental health issues.
In the digital age, the emergence of social media and online platforms has transformed the way we communicate and connect with others. While these advancements have brought numerous benefits, they have also given rise to a dark side: online bullying. This pervasive issue has a profound impact on individuals' mental health and, in particular, exacerbates the problem of negative body image.
The Amplification of Criticism: Online platforms provide a breeding ground for anonymous or pseudonymous individuals to engage in hurtful and destructive behavior. People hiding behind the anonymity of the internet often feel emboldened to express derogatory comments, judgment, and ridicule towards others, especially regarding their physical appearance. Body shaming, fat shaming, and other forms of appearance-based bullying are distressingly common online.
Cyberbullying's Reach and Persistence: Unlike traditional forms of bullying, online bullying has the capacity to reach a wider audience and leave a lasting impact. Hurtful comments, body-shaming messages, and malicious rumors can spread rapidly, magnifying the emotional distress experienced by the victims. The digital nature of this bullying makes it difficult to escape, as hurtful content can be shared and preserved indefinitely, leading to prolonged suffering and potential long-term consequences for an individual's body image.
Targeting Vulnerable Individuals: Those already struggling with body image issues are particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of online bullying. Negative comments and attacks can reinforce pre-existing insecurities, intensifying feelings of self-doubt and self-criticism. Vulnerable individuals, such as teenagers or individuals with a history of mental health concerns, may be especially affected, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even self-harm.
The Role of Gender and Cultural Factors: Body image concerns are not limited to a particular gender or culture. Both men and women face societal expectations that often lead to body dissatisfaction. While women are traditionally subjected to pressure to be thin, youthful, and flawless, men are increasingly feeling the weight of societal expectations regarding muscularity and physical strength. Cultural norms also play a significant role, as beauty standards can vary widely across different societies, ethnicities, and regions.
The Interplay Between Body Image and Eating Disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, are complex issues that can have severe physical and psychological consequences. While various factors contribute to the development of eating disorders, the role of online bullying and negative body image cannot be underestimated. The relationship between these factors creates a dangerous cycle that perpetuates and exacerbates the struggles individuals face.
Negative Body Image as a Precursor: Negative body image, often influenced by societal beauty ideals and amplified by online bullying, lays the foundation for the development of eating disorders. Individuals who perceive their bodies as flawed or inadequate may engage in extreme dieting, restrictive eating, or compulsive exercise as an attempt to attain the perceived "ideal" body shape or size. The constant exposure to online content that promotes unrealistic body standards fuels dissatisfaction with one's appearance, further intensifying the desire for control and the pursuit of an unattainable image.
Thinspiration and Pro-Eating Disorder Content: An alarming aspect of online spaces is the presence of pro-eating disorder communities and content. These communities, often disguised as support networks, perpetuate harmful behaviors by glorifying eating disorders, promoting unhealthy weight loss techniques, and sharing images or stories that serve as "thinspiration." Vulnerable individuals seeking validation or a sense of belonging may unwittingly find themselves immersed in these toxic environments, further reinforcing their disordered thoughts and behaviors.
The Inner Man and the Outer Man
The interplay between the inner and outer man can significantly impact our lives, often leading to a downward spiral of negative self-perception and self-harm. The inner man refers to our minds, hearts, thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and self-perception, while the outer man pertains to our physical bodies, our health, and the damage we cause to our bodies. If the inner man is not healthy, it can cause us to harm the outer man. And as we do damage to our outer man, this makes us more insecure in our inner man. And the cycle continues.
Breaking the Downward Spiral
The constant exposure to carefully curated images and narratives in our world today breeds a culture of comparison and perfectionism. Individuals with poor body image or eating disorders may obsessively compare themselves to others, striving to achieve an idealized body shape or weight. The pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards, coupled with the fear of judgment and criticism, intensifies the psychological distress experienced by those already struggling with disordered eating patterns. Body image is a complex and deeply ingrained aspect of our lives, influenced by media, social norms, and cultural expectations. The unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media can have detrimental effects on individuals' mental and emotional well-being. However, there is hope.
Like all biblical counseling, our purpose is to help renew the minds of our counselees through the hope and healing of the Word of God. Our goal is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) and to put on “the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator, to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Colossians 3:9-10; Ephesians 4:22-24). Scripture provides a powerful and transformative perspective on how God views us as individuals. Embracing and internalizing these truths can renew our minds, reshape our perception of ourselves, and anchor our intrinsic value and worth in Him alone.
Here are some powerful passages that reveal God's perspective on our identity:
Verses for study
Genesis 1:27: "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." We are created in the image of God, reflecting His likeness. God affirms our inherent worth and value, emphasizing that every person possesses a divine imprint, regardless of their physical appearance.
Psalm 139:14: "I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well." This beautiful Psalm declares that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God Himself. Our bodies, intricately designed by Him, are a testament to His craftsmanship. Recognizing this truth allows us to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of our individual physical forms.
1 Samuel 16:7b: "For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." While humans often judge based on external appearances, God looks beyond the surface. He sees the depths of our hearts, our character, and our intentions. Our worth is not determined by society's standards of beauty, but rather by the condition of our hearts before God.
Isaiah 43:1: "But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!'" God's words to Israel reflect His personal and intimate connection with His people. We, too, can find comfort in knowing that God has redeemed us and called us by name. We belong to Him, and our worth is deeply rooted in being His beloved children.
Matthew 10:29-31: "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Jesus reassures us of our immeasurable value in the eyes of God. He uses the analogy of sparrows, insignificant creatures in the eyes of the world, to emphasize that we, as His beloved children, hold infinitely greater worth. God's attentive care extends even to the smallest details of our lives, underscoring His deep love for us.
John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly." Jesus contrasts His own purpose with the intentions of the thief, referring to Satan. Jesus declares that He came to give abundant life, while Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Satan, as the enemy of our souls, works tirelessly to undermine our well-being and distort our self-perception. Satan aims to keep our focus solely on external appearance, leading to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and self-harm. Our hope lies in recognizing Jesus' role as our Savior and the giver of abundant life. Through a personal relationship with Him, we can find healing, restoration, and a renewed perspective on our worth. By anchoring our identity in Christ and aligning our thoughts with His truth, we can combat the lies of Satan and reject the destructive paths he sets before us.
Romans 8:37-39: "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing can separate us from the love of God! Our worth is not contingent on external circumstances or worldly opinions. We are secure in His unconditional love, which empowers us to overcome any challenges we face, including struggles with body image.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We belong to God, and our bodies should be honored and treated with respect. Our purpose is to glorify Him, not conform to worldly standards or pursue external validation.
Ephesians 2:10: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." We are God's workmanship, masterpieces crafted by His hand. We are created with purpose and for a specific plan that aligns with His will. Recognizing our purpose in Christ can shift our focus from external appearance to the impact we can make in the world around us.
Understanding and internalizing these truths from Scripture can transform our perspective on body image. Instead of seeking validation and worth from societal standards, we can rest in the knowledge that our true value lies in being created by God, bearing His image, and having a purpose in His plan. This understanding frees us from the bondage of comparison and self-doubt, allowing us to embrace our uniqueness and live out our God-given identities with confidence and gratitude. As we renew our minds with God's truth, we can find peace and fulfillment in our relationship with Him, knowing that we are deeply loved, accepted, and cherished just as we are.
Questions to answer with our counselee
Talk to me about your struggle with body image or your eating disorder.
How long has this been a struggle for you?
Is there anything you can point to that started this pattern of thinking or behaving?
How has your struggle with body image or an eating disorder affected your perception of yourself and your relationship with others?
How has your body image or eating disorder affected your relationship with God?
In what ways has comparison with others played a role in your struggles? How can we shift your focus to God's purpose for your life?
Have you sought God's perspective on your body and how He uniquely created you?
What do you believe about your worth and value in God's eyes?
Are there any specific Bible verses or stories that resonate with you in relation to body image and self-worth?
How do you perceive God's love and grace in the midst of your struggles with body image or eating disorders?
Are there any spiritual practices or disciplines that you find helpful in cultivating a healthier self-image and understanding of God's design for your body?
How can we integrate Biblical principles and truths into your journey of healing and recovery?
How can we pray together and seek God's guidance and strength in overcoming these challenges?
Stories to consider
Mary Magdalene
The story of Mary Magdalene is a beautiful illustration of how Jesus' care and perception of her transformed how she saw herself and broke the cycle of destructive behavior. Mary Magdalene is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, and her encounter with Jesus is particularly significant. Before encountering Jesus, Mary Magdalene was known to have been possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2). This condition likely left her isolated, tormented, and struggling with her identity. However, when Jesus came into her life, everything changed.
Jesus demonstrated His love and acceptance towards Mary, treating her with dignity and compassion. In Luke 8:2, it is mentioned that Jesus had cast out the seven demons from her. This act of deliverance not only freed her from spiritual bondage but also had a profound impact on her perception of herself. Mary Magdalene became one of Jesus' devoted followers and supporters, accompanying Him during His ministry. She witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and experienced His love firsthand. Jesus saw her not as someone defined by her past or possessed by demons, but as a person worthy of redemption, grace, and a purpose-filled life.
Perhaps one of the most significant moments in Mary’s life was her encounter with Jesus after His crucifixion. In John 20, we read about how she went to the tomb early in the morning and found it empty. She was distraught and weeping, but her encounter with the risen Christ transformed her sorrow into joy. When she mistook Jesus for the gardener, He called her by name. In that moment, her eyes were opened, and she recognized her beloved Savior. Jesus' personal care for her, speaking her name, shattered any doubts or insecurities she may have had. In that encounter, Jesus affirmed her worth, validated her purpose, and reassured her of His unending love.
Mary’s transformation is evident in her response. Filled with joy and gratitude, she became the first witness to the resurrection and carried the news to the disciples, proclaiming, "I have seen the Lord!" (John 20:18). Her encounter with Jesus not only changed her perception of herself but also ignited a passion within her to share the good news with others.
Mary Magdalene's story serves as a powerful example of how Jesus' care and perception can transform our own self-perception. When we encounter Jesus and embrace His love and acceptance, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes, struggles, or destructive behaviors. His transformative power brings healing, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Like Mary Magdalene, we can find hope, significance, and freedom in Jesus. Through His love and grace, our perception of ourselves can be reshaped, leading us away from destructive behaviors and towards a life that honors and glorifies Him.
Put off | Put on
"to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph. 4:22-24 ESV)
Put off: Satan; temptation; sin; slavery; false teachers; idols; selfishness; anger; gossip; misdirected identity; foolishness; pride; blaming God; guilt and shame
Put on: God; repentance of my sin or forgiveness of another’s sin; Jesus; repentance unto salvation; Holy Spirit; sanctification; fruit; spiritual disciplines; healthy emotions
Article: The Dichotomist View of Mankind by Bryan Carlson
“Dichotomy refers to man being made up of two parts—a material part and an immaterial part” (Faith notes 102).
The dichotomist view of mankind is a doctrine that views humanity as consisting of two distinct parts: the body and the soul—or spirit—used interchangeably (John 12:27, 13:21; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 3:19; Revelation 6:9, 20:4). “Scripture does not seem to support a distinction between soul and spirit. There does not seem to be a satisfactory answer to the questions…’What can the spirit do that the soul cannot do? What can the soul do that the spirit cannot do’” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, 477, notes p. 103). “Then the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). “Although there were two steps to the act of creating, the result was a single, unitary living person. To be sure, the particles of earth provided the material, while God’s breath effected life. Material and immaterial combined to produce a single entity” (Ryrie 103). The body is the physical aspect of humanity and is subject to corruption, decay, and death. The soul or spirit, on the other hand, is the non-physical aspect of humanity and is immortal and incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 4:16 encourages us to “not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
With regard to biblical counseling, the dichotomist view of mankind has several implications for understanding the inner and outer man:
First, it is important to understand and address both physical and spiritual needs. Since human beings consist of both a physical and a spiritual component, biblical counseling must address both aspects of a person's being. This means that counseling should not focus primarily on behavioral changes but address underlying heart issues that may be contributing to the problem. Matthew 10:28 says, "And do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” There are serious consequences to not addressing the heart with my counselee.
Second, we must focus with our counselees on the value of cultivating the inner man—their spiritual nature. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul writes, "though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Biblical counseling should encourage people to focus on developing their spiritual life through prayer, studying the Bible, and participating in fellowship with other Believers. When a person's inner man is strengthened, they are better able to withstand the challenges of life.
Third, the dichotomist view of mankind highlights the need for ultimate restoration, which involves the complete healing of both the physical and spiritual aspects of a person's being. This restoration will be fully realized in the future when Christ returns and believers are given new, glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). Until that time, biblical counseling should encourage people to seek both physical and spiritual healing, with the understanding that ultimate restoration is only possible through faith in Christ.
Fourth, it provides a framework for understanding the nature of the human condition and the root causes of many psychological and emotional struggles. For example, recognizing that the soul is the inner man and that it is immortal and incorruptible can help individuals understand that their ultimate hope and peace lies in their relationship with God, rather than in temporal or external factors. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, "may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Fifth, it provides a framework for addressing spiritual issues in counseling. Recognizing that the soul or spirit is the non-physical aspect of humanity can help individuals understand the importance of spiritual growth, encouraging us to work to address issues such as sin, guilt, and shame. Romans 8:10, “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”
The heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9) and must be redeemed. This can and should be resolved biblically. The counselee does not need to see a pastor for the spirit and a psychologist for the soul. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12-16).
Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 102.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 477.
Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology, 223.
Article: The Image of God in Man by Bryan Carlson
“The fact that man is in the image of God means that man is like God and represents God. The image of God in man refers to the aspects of humanity that reflect the character and nature of God. It is a spiritual and moral quality, rather than a physical resemblance, and it encompasses aspects of humanity such as reason, free will, creativity, and the capacity for relationship and community” (Grudem 442).
This doctrine is based on several key passages in the Bible, including Genesis 1:26-27, which says, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 5:1 says, “When God created man, he made him on the likeness of God.” God created a body, but the life—the Spirit—came from God. Man is a spirit being living in a human body (Ezra 1:5; Job 32:8; Psalm 51:12; Prov. 20:27; Isa. 57:16; 1 Cor. 2:11). God also created woman from man and was created with this same spirit. Man was created by God in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-27; 5;1; 1 Cor. 11:7; James 3:9). This is what gives man more worth than the rest of God’s creation. Genesis 9:6 says that if a man sheds another man’s blood, his blood must also be shed for man is created in the likeness of God.
What about the Fall? Sin entered the world through Adam and now is inherent in all men. Man is now conceived in sin (Psalm 51:5) and dies as a result of sin: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). Since all mankind is conceived from Adam and since we have all chosen to sin, man’s natural state is to now be separated from the love of God for all eternity. God’s image was distorted, but not lost (Gen 9:6, James 3:9).
So, what is the “image of God” in man? Many ways in which we image God is done through physical means—God given skills, thinking and creativity, bearing children who bear our image (Gen 5:3). “Even the body is destined to in the end a spiritual body, that is, a body which is completely spirit-controlled, a perfect instrument of the soul” (Berkhof 205). Morally, we have an inner sense of right and wrong. Spiritually, we relate to God and are immortal. Mentally, we possess things rationally, logically, with abstract reasoning, the use of abstract, complex, language (Isaiah 1:18-20). We have an awareness of time—past, present, and the distant future, music, art, literature, technology, and complex emotions. Relationally, we enjoy work, church, family, marriage, fellowship (John 17:20-26). Functionally, “the exercise of dominion over the creation” (Erickson 527); (Psalm 8). (Roy 15).
The image of God in man has significant practical implications for life and Biblical Counseling. First, it provides a foundation for the value and worth of every human being, regardless of their circumstances or background. Second, it provides a framework for understanding the purpose and meaning of life. Recognizing that humanity is created in the image of God can help individuals seek to fulfill their role and purpose in life, as they seek to glorify God and live in accordance with His plans and purposes. “It is only the Christian, then, who can be counseled. Anything short of the effort to bring about the renewal of the divine image in man is an unacceptable goal because likeness (alone) is God’s goal for man. That is why Christian counseling, stressing salvation and sanctification, is adequate” (Adams 120). “The goal of counseling should be to facilitate the restoration of the image of God to its proper functioning in all of the practical ways it has been shattered in the lives of those who come to see a counselor” (Lambert 190).
Our goal is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) and to put on “the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator, to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Colossians 3:9-10; Ephesians 4:22-24). Jesus is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). “He is the image to the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15). Whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:8-9). He is the exact representation of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:49). “When he appears, we shall be like him” (1 John 3:2). One day, when we are glorified, we will be in the perfect likeness of God once again. “We do not get to choose whether we represent God in the world. That is already true of us. The only issue that remains is whether we will acknowledge that fact and respond to it in a way that honors God” (Lambert 189).
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 442-450.
Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, New Com. Ed., 202-210.
Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 517-536.
Don Roy, IBCD, ACBC Theology Exam Study Guide, 15.
Jay Adams, A Theology of Christian Counseling, 118-120.
Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling, 180-213.
