Recently, a very popular gospel artist caused quite a stir among many, especially Christians, when she took promo pictures in a skin-tight dress that accentuated her very, curvaceous body.
When asked about the backlash
she received from wearing the dress, she made the following statement, “I think
that young girls shouldn’t only get sexy images from people who are not
proclaiming Jesus. But I am. And I’m cute too.”
Sexy has become a trendy word
that so many casually throw around. We use it to describe hairstyles, outfits,
music, etc. I've even heard it used to describe certain events and parties for
adults. Everything is about sex and/or being sexy. Scantily clad women are
shown on fast food commercials seductively devouring quarter pound burgers.
There's even a line of popular hair products called, "Big, Sexy
Hair".
I thought about the gospel
artist's response. Yes, it is true our young girls are bombarded with sexy
images from people who are not Christians. But, should they also see Christian
women who should serve as positive role models, projecting sexy images as
well?
Let's look at the definition of the word sexy according to dictionary.com.
Sexy: 1.concerned
predominantly or excessively
with sex; risqué 2. sexually interesting or exciting; radiating
sexuality.
Now, I don't have daughters of
my own. But, I can assure you that I do not want the young girls and young
women that I love and influence to see me projecting an image that is "sexually
interesting" or risqué. I do not want the young girls and women I influence to
see me projecting an image that does not point them towards Christ.
I want to remind older women
of the awesome responsibility we have been given when it comes to the younger
women. Let's go to the book of Titus.
(Titus 2:3-5 NLT)
(3)Similarly, teach the
older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be
heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. (4)These
older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their
children, (5)to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and
to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the
word of God.
It is our responsibility to
live before the young women in a way that honors God. This means that we must
teach them to also honor the bodies He gave them, by exercising discretion and
by projecting a modest image. We must teach younger women, especially in this
oversexed society, that their body truly is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we
must teach them to treat it with great respect. We must also teach them to value
what's on the inside more. To place great care and focus on becoming a woman
who reflects the image of Christ. Lets look at the following statistics:
"The United States cosmetic industry is the largest in the world estimating a total annual revenue of $54.89 billion.' Compare that number with the annual bible sales in America. In the US, annual bible sales are worth between $425 million and $650 million."
Interesting stats, huh? This
should speak volumes to us. What do we value more?
Embrace the young women and girls you influence and love. Teach them the value of being a woman after God's heart, and that we have the responsibility of not projecting a sexy image to the world.
Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! (Proverbs 31:30 AMP)
Remember, we are in this world, but not of this world.
Prayer: Father, help me to be
mindful that I am Your daughter. May everything I do point others to you at all
times. May I present my body to you as a living sacrifice that is holy and
acceptable to you.
* * *
Author: Pamela Bell
Pastor Pamela Bell is a passionate, lover of God, who desires to see God's people walk in the knowledge of who they are in Christ. She resides in Mobile, AL and serves as an Elder at her church, Gulf Coast Christian Center. Pastor Pamela enjoys reading, spending time with friends and all things chocolate.
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