Your body: A Temple or an Idol?

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service"-Romans 12:1  

In the world we live, there are many women whose bodies have become perpetual idols. Their bodies have become an unrealistic standard for young girls to aspire to, and for men to salivate over. In addition, the gross display of the female body creates in men a false image of the type of body to desire in a wife. The reality is that all women do not have the flat belly and curvaceous hips, but that doesn't mean that women are any less of women. The value and beauty of women are not merely in their physical structure. But then as women, we must understand that the revealing of our naked bodies overshadows our spiritual, educational, and psychological intelligence.  

Many of us have found our identities and pride in the shape of our bodies. Many women are famous for their bodies. They are not known for their intelligence, wisdom, and involvement in projects and initiatives worthwhile. They are simply famous for their bodies! However, true godly beauty and intelligence are not merely superficial. Our beauty and intelligence should be deeply rooted. True beauty grows more radiantly day by day as we submit our hearts at the feet of Christ Jesus! As a young lady, the way you portray yourself to the world is a great determinant of how the world perceives you. If all you showcase on social media outlets are your breasts and hips, and other parts of your body, the world will see you as just that - your body. 

The knowledge of the world of you does not go deeper than the contours of your frame. Is this really what you want to be known as? Your affluence is elevated when you honor God in your attire and dress modestly as His word teaches because God's way is perfect - Psalm 18:30. I want to declare to you that, you are more than just your body young lady. I encourage you to refuse to be labeled as a body part. Don't allow the show of your body to mask your abilities and capabilities. You have the power to change the source of your identity and the world's perception of you and that through what you put on! 

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? It is only through Him that this 'power' can be fully activated and be put in effect. I don't know about you, but I am much more than my body. My identity is not found in my body frame - my identity is in Christ Jesus. I am a daughter of God, infused with grace and wisdom to live the heavenly life. Thus, I have made a decision that my body is firstly God's temple - I am God's dwelling place. The bible verse above tells us that our service should be to God and not man. Our bodies as women should not be objects of lust, but a revelation of God's purity, modesty, cleanliness, and beauty. This then implies that what we put on our body must conform to the characteristics of the God that lives within. 

My clothes must be a representation and symbol of purity - so that when people cast their eyes on me my attire should not cause their minds to wallow in sexual images and desires. People should look at me and be encouraged unto purity and holiness. We should as women lift up a standard! A godly standard of inner and outward godliness! It is about time we come out of the mentality of showcasing our "goods" to the world. A wise woman covers that which is precious. Our bodies are precious and should be encased to reveal its worth. That which you deem worthy and valuable is well preserved and not freely given away to just anyone. Modesty is absolute surrender of one's body to God; with the understanding that crucifixion with Christ implies that we no longer live for our flesh, but that Christ lives within to be revealed daily through our dress. 

Christ must freely have His way in and through us. Modesty is wisdom to serve the One who has given everything to save your soul. What can you not give up for such incomparable and eternal sacrifice? "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God..." 1 Corinthians 3:16,17. A temple is a place of peace. A place of spiritual renewal and inspiration. Ultimately, a place where people's minds are directed to God. An idol is a person or thing that is placed on a pedestal for admiration. It often replaces or competes with God in our lives. An idol as well as contradicts the principles and nature of God. An idol addresses the flesh. Whereas a temple addresses the spirit man. Which category do you fall under? As a young lady is your body an idol causing people to have fleshly desires, or a temple directing people's minds to Christ? 


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I pray you are blessed!
The Modest Lady,
-Charity B.