“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”—1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)
On the 19th I will be 57. I have lines and wrinkles that filters can’t hide. Initially, I was hesitant to post a video on Instagram or YouTube. I didn’t like the way I looked or sounded. I felt like I was too old to be putting myself out there like that. Thankfully, my sister-in-law who was helping and encouraging me with the social media stuff, got me to snap out of that. She told me; those are the things that make you who you are….that’s what people want to see.
God created me to look and sound, just as I am. It must have grieved His heart to hear me view myself through the lens of the world that shouts, Perfection. Our bodies were made by our Creator who loves us and knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139 ). His desire is for people to see the love of Jesus flowing out of us not making sure we are dressed in the latest fashion trends.
I’m not going to lie; I struggle in this area. I like shopping for cute clothes. I go to the gym to stay in shape. I have a regular beauty regimen. These aren’t bad things, but if I spend more time getting ready in the morning than spending time with God, my priorities are definitely not in the right place. Yes, our bodies are God’s temple, and we should take care of what God has given us, but He doesn’t want us obsessing over it.
In the world we live in, focusing on self is encouraged. Look at social media…all of the selfies, getting the perfect photo, how many likes or comments the post gets. At first, I was guilty of it. Now, I am humbled if anyone watches my YouTube channel. Would I be thrilled if I got thousands of views? Of course, I would. I am human. But you know what would warm my heart the most? Seeing that others were interested in listening to someone encouraging them to share the love of Jesus.
I can’t think of anywhere in scripture where it mentions the physical body descriptions of a woman. We don’t read about Ruth, Rahab or Mary’s perfect bodies or what size clothes they wore. What stands out to us is their faith and obedience to God, not their flawless beauty.
Growing older and watching our outer bodies, age, doesn’t keep God from using us. Every day He renews us on the inside. While I may not be as young and perky as I once was, I wouldn’t trade this body or wrinkles for my younger me. As I have grown and matured in my faith, I feel as if I have so much more to pour out into the lives of others. Beauty truly does come from within our hearts. God still has work for me to do, people to serve and lives to shape.
Father God,
Forgive me when I don’t embrace how You have fearfully and wonderfully made me. Help me to focus on who I am in Christ. I am a daughter of the King Most High, who loves me so much, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell inside of my body, a temple of the Lord. Continue to renew my heart each day. Use me to serve You in all I do this week. It is in the name of Jesus Christ that I pray these things. Amen.
December Verse
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6
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