July 9
Honoring God
with Our Choices
"I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."
1 Timothy 2:9-10, NIrV
Rita had always enjoyed the summer. The warm breeze, the sun-kissed days, and the chance to show off her wardrobe. Every summer, she would wear the latest trendy outfits, shorts, and dresses that she knew would catch people's attention. She liked the feeling of being admired. It gave her a sense of confidence, but sometimes it made her uncomfortable when she noticed the way some men would stare, or the comments that were sometimes made behind her back.
One day, as Rita was getting ready for a beach trip, she picked out her usual bikini. It was small, barely there, and she knew it would certainly turn heads. But as she looked at herself in the mirror, something inside her shifted. The thrill of attention didn’t feel as satisfying as it used to. In fact, it left her with a sense of emptiness.
On her way to the beach, Rita thought about how she wanted to be seen. Was she simply a body for others to admire? Was her worth tied to how others looked at her, or was it rooted in something deeper—something more eternal? She recalled a conversation she had recently had with her friend Claire, who had spoken about how true beauty comes from within, from having a heart that seeks to honor God in all things, even in how we present ourselves.
Rita hesitated. Should she change into something more modest? What would people think? But deep down, she felt a tug in her heart to do something different. She prayed quietly, asking God to guide her, to help her see herself as He sees her, and to help her live in a way that honors Him.
When she arrived at the beach, Rita surprised herself by reaching into her bag and pulling out a more modest swimsuit. It covered more of her body and was comfortable, but she felt a sense of peace when she put it on. As she walked along the shore, she noticed a different kind of attention—people weren’t staring, but rather, they were smiling kindly and chatting with her as an equal. Rita felt free.
That day, Rita realized that modesty wasn’t just about what she wore—it was about how she presented herself to the world. It was about honoring God in all things, even in the way she dressed, and reflecting His love and grace through her actions. She understood that true beauty doesn’t come from flashy clothes or attention-seeking outfits, but from good deeds and a humble heart.
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that my worth is not found in what I wear or how others perceive me.
Help me to honor You with my choices, both inside and out.
Teach me to reflect Your love and grace through my actions, my words, and even the way I present myself to the world.
I pray for the strength to embrace humility and to always seek Your will, knowing that true beauty comes from a heart that seeks You.
Thank You for Your guidance, and for loving me just as I am.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
