Self-Image and Materialism

What comes to mind when you hear the word self-image? The word itself is pretty much self-explanatory - it's how you see yourself. But we hear this word tossed around so often, that it is in danger of becoming just another cliche term used for marketing and pep talks. It has been suggested that poor self-image is at the root of most - if not all - issues in the lives of females. Sounds pretty important, right? This month we'll be addressing a few problems that arise from poor self-image, and next month will be devoted to the truth about who we are and how we should see ourselves. Our self-image should be based on how God sees us. There really is no other adequate foundation on which to base our opinions of ourselves. Fortunately, God has a lot of good things to say about how he sees us. But I don't want to steal Jenny's thunder for next month, so let's move on to this month's issue.

Nevermind. I have one more thing to say. Even if what we discuss during these next weeks doesn't relate to your struggles, it's important that you know about how to deal with them in order to help others. In Hebrews, we are told to encourage one another so that we won't be deceived (Hebrews 3:13). Poor self-image is something we need to help pull our siblings in Christ out of.

Now it's time for this week's topic: materialism. The dictionary defines materialism as "attention or emphasis on material objects, needs, and considerations, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual values." When a person has no conifidence in their own personality, appearance, identity, or what-have-you, they can easily be driven to materialism. They may believe that they can earn respect or comrades through impressive possessions or the right look. When you think about it, this idea doesn't hold much water. Any respect you would earn would be respect for your stuff, not for yourself. Upon realizing this, the person's self-esteem would drop even lower, and they would likely fall into a cycle of trying ineffective ways of raising their self-image.

Their are three main shortcomings of materialism.

• It's impractical.
  It costs a lot of money to keep at the front of fashion and technology to keep the respect that your possessions lend you. No matter how much you have, you'll have to keep accumulating more. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
• It's transient.
  Nothing material lasts. Things break or get lost. Plus, the "friendships" you build based on your stuff will wink out of existence as soon as your stuff leaves. (Luke 12:15-21, Matthew 6:19-21, 1 John 2:17)
• It's distracting.
  Focusing on material things will take your focus away from God, the source of your life, salvation, and true self-image. This separation will hurt both you and God. (Matthew 6:24, Luke 8:14, 1 John 2:15-16)

How should one go about getting rid of materialism? One solution is to "starve" it out. Fast from shopping, media, make-up, or some other material commodity. It will help break bad habits, and you may realize that you prefer life with more simplicity. Come up with your own challenges to bring yourself or others out of a materialistic mindset.

I love you all, and you're in my prayers.

-Maria