First Step To A Good Self-Image

	Teenagers can rarely pass a mirror without checking to see if they look 
o.k.  They shutter at the thought of being excluded for any reason with 
their peers.

	The caring adult can help the young person have a healthy 
self-esteem.  Christian author Tony Campolo suggests two primary emphases 
in directing a child in ways that will foster healthy self esteem:

	Help the youth develop an area where she is special, unusual, and better 
than others.  Some parents have done this by giving kids music lessons, 
some by putting children into drama classes, some by focusing on developing 
children's athletic abilities.  You must be very sensitive to the special 
talents and gifts of the child and then capitalize on them so the child 
develops them to the utmost.  Thus the child feels special, and that 
feeling enables her to have a sense of worth.

	Youth groups at church can help foster opportunities for training in 
leading worship, drama, Bible studies, and small areas of responsibilities 
that can affirm the childs sense of belonging and acceptance.  Children who 
have a hard time with acceptance in public school, find worth in the youth 
group and body of believers.

	A poor self image is not formed overnight.  Neither will it be corrected 
overnight.  The Bible tells us that we are God's workmanship and as His poeima {in the 
Greek}  His poem, His masterpiece, His work of art.  Knowing what the Bible 
teaches about self-worth and knowing God is the first step to a good self-image.