No matter how many clothes I have, I consistently am deceived to think that I literally have nothing to wear. It’s like a mental block. I can look at my clothes, see them, and somehow come up with a reason why every piece of clothing is unacceptable. It becomes a chronic problem at times, and it’s times like these when I just need to sit down and rethink my priorities.
I am not defined by what I wear. God does not see me or define me by the clothes I wear. Sure, I need to be modest. But I need to remember that I am not called to be trendy. I am called to be a woman of love, kindness, and a gentle spirit.
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
For me, self-image and fashion becomes an idol. There is a fine line between enjoying fashion as a hobby and idolizing it. There is also a fine line between noticing imperfections in my body and lifestyle in order to flip those habits to healthy ones and obsessing over details that make me unique, that God designed. In addition, it is important to define health the way that the Bible defines it.
1. I need to take care of myself
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28
2. Health is not defined by outward appearance.
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
3. My earthly body does not last for eternity.
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
4. God will provide for my needs.
“And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.” Genesis 1:29
“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.” Genesis 9:3
God calls me to not focus on my appearance, but to be healthy in things that matter, things that will last for eternity. I do have something to wear. I can adorn myself with the hidden person of my heart — my Jesus whom I love and adore will shine brightly through me all the days of my life.
Question: Did you need this reminder today? Do have something else to add? Share your thoughts below. There are currently clicking here.
Thank you for this reminder, Hannah! I know I’m guilty of obsessing about my body and appearance sometimes, and I tend to forget how much more beautiful it is to be healthy on the inside. I’m working on that!
Thanks for the post! I struggle with this too.
So true! I’ve been thinking about this topic a lot lately and trying to find out how to discuss this with friends of mine. This is a really good approach. Thanks Hannah!
Like most things, positive thinking in our appearances comes from focusing on God! I’m so glad to hear there are others out there who are working on this (or rather, allowing our Potter to mold us!). So encouraging!
Oh I’m so glad you have the courage to talk to your friends about this! It’s so important, and yet so ignored. I usually do not have the courage to discuss modesty/self image etc with my friends (hence I write about it haha!) so props to you and may God bless your efforts!
Thanks for reading and commenting! I find it so encouraging to know that there are other girls (and guys!) who struggle with this…like God says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
So true! I know this one girl who is just so quietly beautiful you immediately feel prettier just standing next to her. But for the life of me, I can’t tell you if she’s really physically pretty. Her inward beauty shines so bright you never get around to considering the outside.
Thanks for that, that really encouraged and helped remind me what I’m here on this earth for; glorifying God, not other people or ourselves!!
thank you for this!
right now I am struggling with this. how to dress or look good when going out or going to church, for e it’s always a challenge to think of something “nice” to wear.
but hey, thanks for the verses, the reminder that the outside appearance doesn’t count what matters is on the inside!
God bless you! 🙂
Hannah, I think it’s great that you are doing this and helping girls (& I’m sure some guys too) realize the importance of focus on our spiritually adornment above our physical one. It was a great blessing to read your blog and see other young people desiring to make a difference for Christ’s sake. Thank you.
Your sister in Christ,
Amanda
So true! If you think about it…Jesus probably wouldn’t have to be physically attractive and yet think of how many people love him!
Thank you! I, too, find it so encouraging to discover like-minded people all over the world who have the same concerns and convictions!
Amen to that, sister!
Hi, Angelica! I know it is so hard to dress up without lowering modesty standards. However, it just takes a little bit of searching, and voila! you find people who have had the same issues and who have taken the next step to change that. I have a list of websites and blogs that sell more modest clothing: http://dancetolifeblog.wordpress.com/princess-modesty/
Hope that helps!
The hilarious thing is that I’m wearing the same shirt for 30 days to raise awareness for a school in inner Kansas City… so my fashion crisis has been totally solved, beyond wondering what on earth to wear with my t-shirt when it gets cold, lol. Seriously, though, great article.
Great article, and so true! I do the same thing! “Oh, those are my church shirts.” “I don’t like that shirt.” I don’t say I have no clothes, but I do say I need more clothes. 🙂 LOL Thanks, Hannah!