How Do Others See You?

There is so much pressure for people to conform to the image that the world dictates for you. So often for women, this image is one that makes them into objects for men to look at. If the women dress provocatively and then think that they should be taken seriously, we have a problem. Some have embraced this attention and use it to manipulate others. Even though they may succeed, it usually doesn’t come with honest respect. It may sound like I am disrespecting women, but it is exactly the opposite. Because I respect women, I want to see them respect for who they are, and not by their appearance, which can be fleeting. We read in 1 Timothy 2, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”...he is strong in the strength of the Lord, and his heart is to be filled with gratitude. The passage goes on to say, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” The gist of this passage speaks to men as well. The beauty that God is indicating here is not turning heads because of the “sexy” outfit that is worn, but the beauty that radiated from within. The world doesn’t understand the respect that men and women should give each other... and God. There is a beauty from how one is dressed, the jewelry that is worn, and the makeup that creates an unrealistic image and often hides the heart. There is many a man that is distracted by a woman’s appearance and it may put thoughts in his heart that shouldn’t be there. A godly woman should not desire to be in the heart of another man unless it is her husband, just as a husband's desire should be in his wife alone. What I have seen is that many women are more concerned with their outward appearance than the beauty of who she really is. I heard someone say today that some people should eat makeup so that they are pretty on the inside, and not just on the outside. In this world filled with hate, we should be more concerned about the purity of the heart over what the world desires. Heavenly Father, help all of us to see that our beauty and identity are not in our outward appearance, but in complete surrender to You. Amen