Overview
When physical beauty, intelligence, athletic ability, or talent is the basis for self-esteem, the average person can have feelings of inferiority, emptiness, longing, and worthlessness. Shea M. Gregory, in an article for TODAY'S CHRISTIAN WOMAN, humorously shared her struggles with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. She ultimately realized her value was not based on physical appearance, but on God's love and sacrifice for her. This, in turn, helped her to focus on the inner beauty that God develops in his children, rather than the outward appearance seen by man.
Upon what should our self-worth be based? What gives us value as human beings? How can we focus on inner beauty in a culture seemingly obsessed with physical beauty? Is it possible to find our worth in God alone?
Table of Contents
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 4:1–17; 1 Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 139:1–18; Isaiah 43:1–4; Romans 5:8, 8:37–39
LEADER'S GUIDE
• Identify the Current Issue
• Discover the Eternal Principles
—Teaching point one: God affirms us by loving us unconditionally.
—Teaching point two: God made us, and all his works are wonderful.
—Teaching point three: God does not focus on our earthy bodies, which are temporal and quickly wither and fade, but on our souls, which are eternal.
—Teaching point four: Fear of failure, lack of confidence, and procrastination are all by-products of low self-worth that can keep us from accomplishing God's will in our lives.
• Apply Your Findings
• Additional Resources
ARTICLE FROM TODAY'S CHRISTIAN WOMAN
• Pretty Woman, by Shea M. Gregory (September/October 1997, 11 printed pages)
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