Soul Kitchen

I have to be in a bathing suit around a whole bunch of people. I have been so stressed about finding the right shaver that would not leave me with any bikini rashes so I would feel more comfortable walking around in front of others. I have invested in several different shavers to try different techniques over the last couple weeks to prepare for this day. The other day I tried one that left my inner thighs absolutely raw and so sore that I could barely walk. Any clothing that touched my skin was excrutiating. It was awful!

I was lying in bed thinking about how this search for the "perfect" shaver has consumed me. I was praying and asking God to take the pain on my legs away so I could walk comfortably in my own home. I have been so consumed by this desire to not have a rash and wanted the "perfect" look in a bathing suit. I was quite convicted in my pursuit of Jesus. Just a couple weeks ago I talked about how we can take so much time as women preparing ourselves for the day and how much time do we take for Jesus in the morning? Now, here I am allowing myself to be consumed once again by my appearance in the quest for the perfect shaver.

Do I pursue Jesus and allow myself to be consumed by Him and how he walked? What is my life's testimony saying to others? How much time am I putting into my heart and making it as in tune with Jesus? This shaver situation has so distracted me.... all over the fact that I need to be seen in a bathing suit around other people.

Isn't it easy as a woman to do this? We do this so often, changing our clothing, asking our spouse or friends for an opinion. We want to know if it might make us look slightly bigger than we want to be perceived. We choose a favourite shirt that makes us feel better about ourselves and save it for when we need to go out so we look put together. There are so many quirky things us women do all in the name of appearance and perception.

Unfortunately we do live in a superficial world where people do judge on appearance. We would all love to say that we are not in the majority, and that we all look beyond what's on the outside, but virtually all of us are influenced by appearances.

It's important to keep our appearance in perspective. God tells us in the Bible that it is important to present ourselves as nicely as possible, but not to go to extremes. It is important that we remain aware of why we do the things we do to look good.

Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Proverbs 31:30 - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

I asked myself and will ask you.... do I focus on my appearance, weight, clothing and makeup more than I do on God? Does my focus on my appearance take my eyes off of Jesus?

I've been convicted.... even though there's nothing wrong with wanting to find the "perfect" shaver, my priorities have been in the wrong order. I've allowed this to take my eyes off Jesus and consume me. As women (and men) we need to take a closer look at our heart and actions, rather than our appearance and presentation.