Godliness is Sexy
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“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti” (Esther 2:17, NKJV).
Once upon a time, I thought tall, dark, and handsome would sweep me off my feet in a sleek car dressed like a GQ model, and we’d live happily ever after.
I bought into the world’s version of romance and ended up heartbroken. I should have known I’d end up alone in a puddle of tears when my dad’s response to meeting my boyfriend was, “He’s not a bad guy, but he’ll never marry you.”
Just two weeks later, I sulked at home with a pint of ice cream and one spoon. Thankfully, a friend rescued me with an invitation to a single’s Bible study.
I’d never attended a service geared specifically to singles, and the experience was eye opening. The pastor opened up the Bible and shared how its principles applied to every area of my life – including who I dated. I soon learned to love God’s Word and decided to surrender my desire for a husband to God while I invested in developing strong friendships with other women and using my gifts to serve at church.
Two years later, one of single’s group leaders teared up as he shared how he’d befriended two men who’d lost their homes and were living on the street. I was impressed by his tenderhearted concern for the hurting victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Today, that guy with the big heart is my husband. We served together during an outreach that Christmas and forged a friendship that blossomed into love. I wanted to marry a gorgeous guy, but God wanted me to partner with a godly man.
As we put on the corrective lenses of God’s Word, we begin to understand what is truly attractive. Physical appearance will fade, but a beautiful character strengthens as couples face the hardships of life together.
We don’t marry just a body, but a whole person comprised of body, soul, and spirit. Esther stood apart from the harem because her greatest beauty emanated from a submissive heart. Likewise, in Song of Solomon, the bride was enamored not only with her lover’s looks, but also by the fragrance of his inner life. She declared that his name was like anointing oil poured out (Song of Solomon 1:3, ESV).
As we grow in wisdom, we learn that godliness is actually pretty sexy.
Let’s Talk: How has growing in wisdom helped re-define your definition of attractiveness? I’d love to hear your love story!
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“Godliness is Sexy” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo and on You Version as part of the reading plan The Secret: How Do You See Love.
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I am sharing “Godliness is Sexy” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Moments of Hope.
Some of the most beautiful people I know wouldn’t be considered pretty by the world’s standards. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, especially when the Spirit is at work. Have a blessed weekend, Lyli!
You’re so blessed with a man like that.
I hope to find someone sexy too…Godly that is. 🙂
Praying that you do. I met my man when I was in my 40’s. Worth the wait. 🙂
“Physical appearance will fade, but a beautiful character strengthens as couples face the hardships of life together.” This is true, Lyli! When I was young I had dreams, too, of tall, blond, dark and handsome, but that was such a shallow dream.
I’m thankful God gave us godly husbands. Sure there are disagreements and hard times, but if we keep our focus on God, we grow stronger through each trial. And let’s not forget the fun times we can have, too!
Blessings to you, Lyli!
Haha. I’m so with you, Lyli. I didn’t like my husband when I first met Him because there was something about Him that was so “different.” I wasn’t saved yet- turns out that “difference” was Godliness and the Lord won me over using that guy. So grateful for it!
The “corrective lenses of God’s Word” – it’s amazing how things look differently from His perspective! Thank you for sharing, Lyli – love this! : )
That particular phrase is the one our pastor is using to describe his series on Song of Solomon — I love it, too. 🙂
Your link stood out in a sea of other link-ups. I wholeheartedly agree that godliness is sexy. If a man has character, that is what will remain long after the looks and muscles have faded. Thankfully, mine is godly and good-looking! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love this, Lyli! It’s so true! I think many if not most of us grew up buying into the ‘sexy/romance’ that the world pushes… I had the same ‘type’ but when the Lord gets a hold of your heart, you begin to see people the way He sees them and beauty and value shifts. For me, about two weeks before I met my husband I had a tarot card reader tell me my soul mate was right around the corner (easy call, ‘pyschic’ –tell a single 20 year old female that ‘the one’ is on his way!) and she told me to make an long, extensive list of characteristics that I was looking for. Can I tell you, God sat down and wrote that list with me because at least half of those 84 things were godly attributes that I didn’t know anything about! But one by one, quickly, I began to check things off while dating my husband! Godliness really is pretty sexy!
Your title caught my eye, Lyli! And I love the things that you have shared here. I thought of these verses when I was reading:
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4, NIV)
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.” (Proverbs 31:30, NLT)
“‘For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.'” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV)
Yes, indeed. Far better to be pleasing in the LORD’s sight than beautiful by the world’s standards.
GOD BLESS!
Love the cross references, Sharon. Thanks for sharing those. A little Scriptural reinforcement is always a good thing. 🙂
Lyli, what a beautiful love story!
I worry that with the women’s movement and all the cultural changes in our country and world, that young women today are even more focused on physical appearance and personal preferences than godly character. I have told more than one woman across my desk they are marrying for the wrong reasons and it may not go well, especially when the man involved is not even a follower of Christ.
I have not always understood these things and made numerous mistakes in my own life, but God has been faithful. I hope I can prevent others from making the same ones I did. I know He will use your post to do the same. Blessings and thanks for hosting!
We are often blinded by our own hearts, right? Praying for God to give us sisters wisdom to choose the path that leads to life and peace.
The love of a faithful man and a faithful God has done so much to shape (and re-shape) my thinking on this topic! Love your post, Lyli!
So true, Lyli! If all young people could understand this before looking for their spouse, so much hurt could be saved. Sexy takes on a whole new look as we grow together!
Thanks, friend, for sharing hope alongside me at #MomentsofHope!
Serving together is definitely a bonding and intimate activity. I’m glad you found your husband among the hurting of Katrina. Beautiful, Lyli! I love watching my husband in action even now; it reminds me why I married him.
First of all, I love your title…very catchy! And such spot on wisdom…thanks for sharing your story. You are blessed:)