Vanity

[Yuki-Anne]

I'm gonna come right out and say it, because I think confession is important. I have been discovering lately that I am a really vain, narcissistic person. I'm constantly concerned about my appearance, whether my hair is just right, my clothes are stylish enough. Coming to Japan has been a bad thing for me in that respect; I'm constantly getting weird looks from people, and that makes me even more self-conscious. I've been especially obsessive about losing weight, and it's becoming an unhealthy thing for me (mentally, not physically. Physically my health has never been better, but when I have a mental breakdown from gaining a little bit of weight... well, that's just not healthy). I think I've been using my appearance and weight loss as a way to distract myself from the loneliness, instead of relying on God. I'm constantly focusing on what I love and hate about my body instead of how I can love and serve God better. I've made myself an idol.

This is a really hard thing for me to admit. I need prayer that I can focus on God instead of myself. Also, if you've got any verses that talk about this sort of thing, I'd appreciate that.

[Lynna]

*Hugs* I'll be praying for you!!!

[Tsukuyomi]

I'll be praying as well, Yuki

[Aedin]

I'll definetely pray. I know what most of that is like. I'm not vain, but I hink I can be a bit narcissistic, even though I don't mean to be. Also, various issues keep me from focusing on God, so I totally know most of what you mean.

[freerock1]

Lifting you up, my sister.

Not sure if this is the kind of Scripture you're looking for, but I would encourage you to read through Psalm 139. In particular, I thought about verse 14 for your situation:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

It tells us that we are wonderfully made in God's sight, by Him, but moves the focus from us to Him.

Hopefully this is of some help.

[Kaori]

I need prayer that I can focus on God instead of myself. Also, if you've got any verses that talk about this sort of thing, I'd appreciate that.

You already identified the most important thing I could possibly have said, which is that we as believers all need to fix our eyes upon Christ (cf. Hebrews 12:1-3). I have found that my personal problems tend to fade into the background if I stop and seriously consider Jesus Christ and the magnitude of what he did for us.

There’s also 1 Peter 3:3-4, which I think is a good passage to consider:

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

Will continue to pray for you.

[K. Ayato]

I sometimes struggle with appearance issues myself, especially now, 'cause I'm married. While it is important to look nice and presentable (as opposed to the "just-got-out-of-bed-and-didn't-care-to-look-in-the-mirror" approach), as some here have said, it shouldn't be at such a high priority.

I'm sure you're a very attractive girl with a beautiful personality. Allow God to let that stand out to people more than your physical appearance .

[Kunoichi]

Praying for you and *HUGS* to you! Spiritual maturity in my opinion is not "having it all together" but realizing how much you need God and honestly, how much we are not like Jesus.