All right ladies, I need to address something important.
We compare, and analyze every atom of our person. We often wish we were other people. We usually wish we had more followers/likes on Twitter or Instagram so that we can validate that our life-in-pictures is as interesting as it seems to be on profIle. (Mind you that Jesus only had 12 followers to begin with, so should we really be concerned with something so petty?).
A few years ago I became aware of the importance of liking who I am, as you do, growing older. However, I still found myself saying things like, "Wow, I wish I had her hair.." or "Her figure is to die for".. Now most often times, we say this meaning we wish we could achieve a certain style or toning up the love handles a bit. Unfortunately though, some women are so obsessed with the standards that they completely disregard God's intentions in the first place!
So as I was scrolling through a Tumblr blog one day, I came across this quote, which got the wheels in my head turning..
In the beginning scriptures of Jeremiah, God is speaking to him about his being a prophet. In chapter 1, verse 5, the Lord says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." Even though the scenario is different, the same philosophy can be applied. We are known, sanctified, and full of purpose before we're even thought of! If you're asking me, what's invisible is so much more valuable than what's visual. We have faith in the unseen after all, right (Hebrews 11:1-3)? God doesn't guess, or create based on unknown potential. He doesn't take shots in the dark. He's fully aware of everything that anyone is capable of before they're even conceived! While this is true, He doesn't create evils (i.e. murderers, robbers, etc); He does NOT condone sin. That's what free will was given to us for.. the power to choose. Therefore, choose to be content with yourself because God wants us to enjoy our lives without worry, as long as we do His will ( 1 Timothy 4:12, Matthew 6:25-34)!
With that being said, there is such a thing as being a little too comfortable with yourself. There is a huge misconception that God accepts everyone as long as you love yourself and like what you're doing because your happiness is God's happiness. On the contrary, it's quite the opposite. As previously stated, God doesn't condone sin (Psalm 5:4, Matthew 25:45-49, and so many more), which includes immodesty (1 Timothy 2:9). So, we have to be careful because there can be a fine line that raises question. Our bodies are temples of God, not trophies; and we were bought with a price too high to be sorry that we didn't turn out the way we wanted (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19, 1 Corinthians 6:20). How should we even know what is truly valuable? Souls are the real trophies. Our individual souls are treasured to God and other folks' souls can be jewels in our crown, if we're fishers of men.
Realizing your worth as far as beauty is concerned has to do with knowing the true meaning of beautiful. When searching the definitions of beautiful on Google, two appear that are drastically different by means of interpretation. The first definition reads, "pleasing to the senses or mind aesthetically; attractive" and the other reads, "of a very high standard; excellent; marvelous". If we analyze these for a second we can make a better inference of what the real meaning of beauty is. Things that please senses differ from person to person, making perceptions of beauty completely different. I might think roses are the most appealing, while you might think daisies are. Yet, neither one of our beliefs makes one flower better than the other, and each is still a plant. One the other hand, some things are undeniably stunning. Even though it's still arguable, it would be hard for me to believe someone would not marvel at a sunset overlooking Santorini, Greece. That being said Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is deceitful, beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." A woman who does God's will is undeniably beautiful.
Women, ladies, girls of all ages... Rejoice in your God given "beauty"! Praise the Lord in knowing you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14)! ☻
*****all references/citations taken from the Word of God*****
With love,
Mary Lin
