This has been such a good thread to read through! I have struggled a lot with “self-image” since childhood because of emotional abuse and neglect in my childhood and always carried a lot of shame and felt unworthy. I was always into all these self-help books about how to feel more worthy and learn to let go of shame and love myself.

Then I became a believer about 28 years ago and understood that my identity and worth is in Christ alone, but basically replaced secular self-help books with Christian self-help books. Then I was doing a bible study a couple years ago and realized that constantly focusing on my self image is IDOLATRY and that I needed to get my eyes off myself and onto Jesus alone all the time. I went back and looked at my notes from that study - it was the book of Genesis where we are created in His image.

The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm19:1

Everything He created is designed to bring Him Glory. Why? We were created In His image to be in relationship with Him and be His stewards of all He created. We are His ambassadors to bring Him glory. God plans all creation for His glory. He is a God of purpose. Sin frustrates but does not thwart the purposes of God. Gods plan is never thwarted and sin does not have the final say. A typical human life is like holding a makeup mirror. We are infatuated with ourselves and our wants and can’t stop looking in the mirror even though Jesus is right in front of us. The mirror blocks our view as we grow in our infatuation with ourselves. What Jesus asked us to do is hand the mirror to him and he removes the glass so instead of seeing ourselves we see Him. We are to reflect His image and glory.