This year, I’m keeping my New Year’s Resolution simple. I want to treat my body as a temple and as an outward expression of Christ in me.
Sounds simple enough, right?
(Insert hysterical/maniacal laughter here)
I’ve recently had a lot of conversations with spiritual peers and elders about beauty. What is it and where can it be found? Why do girls spend their entire lives chasing something so elusive, so viciously? And why are some of the most beautiful people so miserable?
Sometimes I wish life’s big questions had basic answers, like “six” or “your other left.” The question of beauty can be stripped down and resolved to a single answer: Human beings are created in God’s image.
The first woman, Eve, was created in Genesis 2, because even after Adam had looked over every animal in creation, none of them were a suitable helper or companion or partner. He needed a woman, and so that’s what God gave him. Cheesy pastors like to imply she got the title “woman” because she was hot… Whoa-man? Get it? Hyuk hyuk hyuk. …Even still, we have no idea what she looked like. And I guess if no one ever wrote it down, it doesn’t really matter.
See, Eve’s actions mattered a lot more than her appearance.
This morning, my devotions took me to 1 Timothy, which is Paul’s first letter to Timothy and Titus, which is a brief, 3-chapter letter from Paul to (no, don’t tell me, let me guess), TITUS.
In 1 Timothy, there are a lot of instructions on the subject of church leadership and a healthy church. One of those things speaks to women in the church. 1 Timothy 2: 8-10 says:
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” (NIV 1984)
This speaks volumes to me. It’s common knowledge that Paul was old-fashioned. After all, he was a hardcore Jewish official before Damascus. He also didn’t find himself called to marriage. But he had the Lord on his side, and I feel that the above verse is one of the most important for women in the whole Bible.
It’s not about what we hide behind. If we clothe ourselves in good deeds and have grace in our hearts, we are beautiful.
I find that a lot of girls hide behind makeup and clothes to feel pretty, and I’m no exception. I’m constantly looking for a magic cosmetic to fix my skin or the perfect product for my hair.
But what if, one day a week in 2012, we clothed ourselves in good deeds, grace, and joy. No makeup, casual dress. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. If we scrap the outward appearance part, and come as we are, with our eyes and hearts focused on Christ, imagine what could happen.
I don’t know what day I want to do it yet, but one day a week in 2012, that’s what I’m up to. It’s not letting myself go, it’s showcasing something much more important.
Holler if you want to join me.
