Thursday, July 10, 2008

Can Christians Be Sexy (from Alwynne of Gtalker)

I like this post.... self realization for Christian women to live a set apart life. Thanks Alwynne :-D


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With the popularity of plunging necklines, spaghetti strapped blouses, belly shirts, navel piercings and other such fashion trends, we have to ask ourselves: Can Christians Be Sexy?

First, we have to consider what 'sexy' is and the implications of being considered 'sexy' in today's world. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines it as follows:

sex·y
adj. sex·i·er, sex·i·est
Arousing or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest.

Arousing or tending to arouse sexual desire? :-o - hmm, is this how we want to present ourselves? Maybe not. (And ladies, I apologize - but I guess this post might touch the 'not so conservative' side of you. I know there is a double standard for men and women, but after we acknowledge that fact, we just have to figure out a way to deal with it.) Wink

Here's the thing - so many sins can be traced back to the sexual - fornication, adultery, some forms of covetousness, lust - not to mention the potential addictive and destructive nature of sex. So do we want to dress or act in a way that appeals solely to the sexual desires of the members of the opposite sex? If only to help out our Christian brothers, I'd have to say - probably not.

I know it's tempting to want to be fashionable - as a recent news report revealed, it's harder to find shirts of normal length sometimes than belly shirts. And, yes, while you might be able to wear it, the question is not can you, but should you.

The Bible admonishes that women "…..adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. 1 Titus 2:9-10)" Clearly the emphasis here is for a women to be more modest than flashy and to 'display' her value through the good works with which she occupies herself. In other words, that it's not necessarily about what's on the outside, but what's on the inside.

I like to be as fashionable as well as the next person, but I also realize that, as a Christian, I have to be a model for what is appropriate as a follower of Christ. And that is your duty as well - to model being a Christian - particularly for non-Christians. In this respect, you are a leader - however you dress, whatever you say and whatever you do will be interpreted in light of your professed Christianity. Fair? No. Realistic? Yes.

So - think about it the next time you pull out that color-coordinated, skimpy outfit that you plan to wear on that next outing with your girlfriends. Get dressed and take a good long look in the mirror. And think to yourself - what are my clothes saying about me? What will people think when they see me? Is this how I see myself? Is this how I present myself as God's "princess?"

The choice is up to you, but I humbly suggest that you seriously consider the above questions and make the best decision possible about what you are about to wear. And that's all any of us can do….


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Conclusion: (I got this conclusion from the book)

“Sexual and emotional integrity means that her thoughts, words, emotions, and actions reflect an inner beauty and a sincere love for God, others and herself. This doesn’t mean she is never tempted to think, say, feel, or do something inappropriate, but that she tries diligently to resist these temptations and stands firm in her convictions. She doesn’t use men in an attempt to get her emotional cravings met or entertain sexual or romantic fantasies about men she is not married to.. She doesn’t dress to seek male attention, but she doesn’t limit herself to a wardrobe of ankle-length muumuus, either. She may dress fashionably and look sharp or may even appear sexy, but her motivation isn’t self-seeking or seductive. She presents herself as an attractive woman because she knows she represents God to others.” (Book: Every single woman’s battle by Shannon Ethridge)

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