"HIMs" of Worthiness
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (Galations 6: 4-5 NLT)
I don't know about you but I struggle with comparing myself to others. It's not just a "beauty" (pretty enough, tall enough, thin enough) comparison, but also comparing myself with what others have or are accomplishing in their lives (good enough, smart enough, dynamic enough). Can anyone else relate?
Proverbs 14:30 - "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer to the bones." How do I have peaceful heart?
I know without doubt that these whispers of all the "not-enoughs" are from the enemy, not from God. When these doubts creep into my thinking I must combat them with God's Truth. His Word. I Samuel 16:7 says, "...the LORD does not look at the things man looks at, man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Ezekiel 16:14 - "And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD. (emphasis mine)
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Then the whispers of the Holy Spirit are not crowded out by my doubts and fears (and well, let's call a spade a spade - pride). Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tell me so!! Oh how He loves you and me.. he gave his life! What more could he give...! Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me! And yes, tears of joy and acceptance are running down my face. You know, sometimes you just have to get that out.
There may be times when we would do, give, or spend anything just to have beauty or be noticed as beautiful. We watch TV, commercials, and read magazines for advice. We go on numerous fad diets. We try to dress sexier or show more skin than is necessary. All of this for the sake of being noticed and accepted. None of this brings value, no matter how hard we try. The TRUTH is God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to die for us - No one is ever going to love you or me that much, regardless of how we dress or how successful we think we are!! Lord Jesus, please forgive me for not listening to you. I have been listening to the world and trying way too hard. Now Lord, empty all that junk out of my spirit and replace it with your Truth and your Spirit. Also Lord, help me to forgive myself. Amen.
Now, a few modesty rules called the 5 B's of Beauty:
1. Be yourself. Dress in what you love and you know looks good on you.
2. Be colorful. Wear shades that flatter you. (I will talk more about this in another post)
3. Be satisfied with your body. Wear sizes that fit, not too small.
4. Be beautiful. You are beautiful just the way you are! God created you uniquely and beautifully you!
5. Be respectful. Ask yourself if what you are wearing would trip up a guy.
I will leave you today with the song "Beautiful" by Bethany Dillion.
Blessings,
