BASIC INSIGHTS ON SELF-ACCEPTANCE

Gods basic purpose in creating us is that we have fellowship

with him through Jesus Christ, and that we experience the full
potential of Christ working in and through these bodies of ours.

The thief comes only to steal and

kill and destroy; I have come that
they may have life, and have it to
the full. John 10:10

Satan is aware of the potential which

God has put within our lives, and he
desires to totally destroy it or at
least partially diminish its potential.
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and
silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble
purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself
from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes,
made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any
good work. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue
righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who
call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Tim 2:20-22

Satans initial method of operation is to get us to

believe that God has cheated or will cheat us out of
that which we should rightfully have.

I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9

The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand
the test and be obedient in everything. 10 If you
forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have
forgiven-if there was anything to forgive-I have
forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 2 Cor 2:810

Before we were born, God prescribed our unchangeable

features in accordance with his plans for our lives.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully

made; your works are wonderful, I know that full
well16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the
days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:14, 16

God is not finished making

us yet.
The LORD will fulfill [his purpose]
for me; your love, O LORD, endures
forever-- do not abandon the works
of your hands. Psalm 138:8

There is no such thing as a universal

ideal in the outward appearance.
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider
his appearance or his height, for I have rejected
him. The LORD does not look at the things man
looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

There is a universal ideal on inward

character qualities.
29 For those God foreknew he also
predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of his Son, that he might be the
firstborn among many brothers. Rom 8:29

Our happiness is not dependent on our outward

beauty but on our ability to experience the
character of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Beatitudes
Mat. 5:3-12

If necessary, God sacrifices

outward beauty to develop inward
qualities, since our happiness is
based on having these qualities.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though
outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly
we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our
light and momentary troubles are achieving
for us an eternal glory that far outweighs
them all. 2 Cor. 4:16,17

Our fulfillment is live comes by

being a unique message on how
to develop the inward qualities of
the Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging
to God, that you may declare the praises of
him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Differences in appearance,
abilities, parentage and social
heritage are Gods special
frames to highlight and amplify
his unique message through us.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will
boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that
Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for
Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in
hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am
weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:9-10

Gods reputation is at stake in

what we do with our appearance,
abilities, parentage, and social
heritage. Exodus 4:11, 12
11 The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his
mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who
gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not
I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will help you speak
and will teach you what to say." Ex 4:11-12