006 Hope for Body Image: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Episode Summary:   With summer on its way, you only have to check out at the grocery store to read story after story about how to achieve the perfect bikini body. Comparison is the thief of joy, so looking at those perfect models only serves to make us feel inferior, inadequate, and unworthy. In this episode, we’re discussing the real root behind body image issues, and how to stop comparing yourself to others.   If you’ve ever found yourself comparing your looks or your abilities or your accomplishments, to others, you aren’t alone, and today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about the trap of comparison and how we can find hope despite all the shortcomings we see in ourselves.   In today’s episode, we’re going to talk with Heather Creekmore, author of “Compared to Who: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image”. She shares several tips that she has learned for how to stop comparing yourself to others, and helps us understand where to shift our focus and why, as a key to eliminating comparison and body image issues.     Quotables from the episode:   Stop comparing and start living. Listen how, here. If you ever compare yourself to others, or struggle with body image issues, and want to know how to stop comparing yourself to others, this is an episode you’re going to want to listen to. We as a culture are trained to believe that body image issues are really about our body, but that just isn’t true. We fall for the lie that if we just looked different, we would feel different. The truth is, beauty doesn’t give us freedom, beauty doesn’t give us perfect lives. Only Jesus saves. Body image issues are really an idol. It’s a misplaced worship issue…an idolatry issue. A daily exercise of confession and repentance brings freedom. So every day it’s a matter of saying, “No, I am not going to bow down to the idol of the mirror or the scale anymore.” Comparison feeds body image issues. We look around at others, and compare our imperfections to what we see as perfection in others. Comparison and body image issues often start in elementary school or by middle school or high school where we start looking around at others and realizing we are shaped differently than them. Beauty is subjective and we all have different ideals of what the most beautiful person looks like. That subjectivity makes the goal of trying to look like them elusive. The first step in breaking free of body image issues is seeing that idol, and recognizing it for what it is. Rather than looking in the mirror and trying to find something you like about yourself, tilt the mirror up so that rather than focusing on yourself, you see a reflection of Jesus. The answer to body image issues isn’t loving yourself more. The answer is loving Jesus more. The greatest compliment is when people say they can see Jesus in me. Our God is a God of order, of priorities. He does things in a specific order for a specific reason. We need to figure out where our priorities line up with His. We all have a sin nature. But there is therefore now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. But He wants us to address our sin so we can have hope, joy, and peace. Pay attention to what you are feeding your eyes! That can stir up envy, jealousy, low self-esteem in your heart. Let’s remember to seek to be more like Jesus, rather than comparing ourselves to others.   Scripture References:   Galatians 6:4-5 “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” 1 John 1:9 “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Romans 8:1 “But there is therefore now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”     Recommended Resources:   “Compared to Who: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image” “Counterfeit Gods” by Timothy Keller “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness” by Timothy Keller https://drmichellebengtson.com/dont-let-comparison-steal-your-joy/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/4-steps-toward-conquering-comparison/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/comparison-lies/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/sting-of-comparison/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-overcome-workplace-comparison/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Connect with Heather Creekmore:   Blog: https://comparedtowho.me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comparedtowho/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherCreekmoreblog/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ComparedtoWho Quiz: https://comparedtowho.me/follow-christian-body-image-help/   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: May 20, 2019 (week 21)   Guest: Heather Creekmore, author of Compared to Who? Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.