Month Seven – Valuing My Body. Temperance with faith produces modesty.
Today I’m praying for discretion. Discretion is determining what should be done or not done in a particular situation. As someone who has always been a “doer” I have the tendency to act and I’m learning a lot of this action is based on what I think is best and what should be done. This is the hurdle of pride I must overcome.
Month Seven – Valuing My Body. Temperance with faith produces modesty.
I’ve spent a lot of time in my life thinking about what I wanted to wear and the image I wanted to uphold. A lot of energy and effort has gone into finding the right outfit, earrings, shoes or purse. As a Christian, I need to ask “What am I saying by what I am wearing? In other words, what am I “packaging” and advertising? What am I trying to draw attention to?” If my intent is to show off my body and draw attention to myself, especially in a sexual way, and pique the curiosity of another, then I have violated modesty, and the virtues of humility, studiousness, and modesty in dress and behavior.
Month Seven – Valuing My Body. Temperance with faith produces modesty.
We are called to walk the right road in life, one of truth and virtue. Patience is an important virtue in our journey as it helps us not give into our impulses and resist temptation. Whether it be in thoughts, emotions or actions, my faith helps me take a modest approach to life.
Month Seven – Valuing My Body. Temperance with faith produces modesty.
A cosmic notion of the Christ competes with and excludes no one, but includes everyone and everything (Acts 10:15, 34). In this understanding of Christianity’s message, the Creator’s love and presence are grounded in the created world, and any mental distinction between “natural” and “supernatural” falls apart.
Month Seven – Valuing My Body. Temperance with faith produces modesty.
What does conversion look like for you in your daily life? Conversion is the simple action of turning to God in thought and action as the only enduring good. It is the simple act of humility where I attach myself to God and live according to His plan rather than mine. Realizing that my faith fuels the action of my body bringing divine presence in the world.
Month Seven – Valuing My Body. Temperance with faith produces modesty.
We are not meant to go it alone. As humans we are incapable of living fully in the light of God‘s goodness but we can constantly seek this goal. But never fear, God has thought of everything and His goal is to bring us closer to Him. The Holy Spirit that lives within us shows us the way.
Month Seven – Valuing My Body. Temperance with faith produces modesty.
The other morning as I was packing for a trip, I was grateful for the person who invented the zipper. I was cramming a week’s worth of clothes in a carry-on suitcase along with the twister splash and water balloon toys I got for my two grandsons. Of course it was bursting at the seams. When the zipper separated, rather than panic I was grateful. I was marveling at how such a simple invention can keep everything tucked neatly inside a small box.
Month Seven – Valuing My Body. Temperance with faith produces modesty.
What is the disposition of your heart towards God? How often do you contemplate this question? Are you going through the motions, following God’s rules out of obligation or are you drawn to living them through love?