O Be Careful, Little Eyes...

(Hope you enjoy my Saturday articles. Please comment and let me know what you think!)

Around every corner, we are faced with a barrage of images. Some images are positive. It is inspiring to see a beautiful piece of art or to watch a movie that uplifts and encourages us. But we may find ourselves watching television shows and movies, or looking at things on the Internet, that do not help us in our walk with God, but rather hinder it. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” How can we meditate on things that are good and pure when we are filling our minds with things that are negative and unacceptable to God?

Also, as women, it is important that we are not causing anyone else to stumble with their eyes by the way that we dress. Romans 14:21 says, “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.” Although we are not ultimately responsible for the soul of another, we will be held accountable if we cause another to stumble in their walk with God by the way that we dress or act or talk. I Timothy 2:9 says “…in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety (appropriateness) and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.” God put in us the ability to appreciate beauty. It is good for us to feel good about the way we look and to take care of our bodies. But we have to do this within the confines of God’s will for us. More importantly, we must seek to be beautiful on the inside. Inner beauty is the only kind that counts with God and the only kind that lasts.

April