A cross has a special meaning for the Christian woman. It is a reminder of a love so great that it was willing to endure ridicule, humiliation, pain, and even death. The cross — hanging on her bedroom wall or on a chain around her neck — reminds the Christian woman of the amazingly unselfish love of Jesus. The “look” of Jesus’ love is one of humility. The “behavior” of Jesus’ love turns away from self to others.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:1-8).
Not long ago, I was with my husband and several male members of my family at a restaurant. The woman who served our table was wearing a cross necklace which hung deep between her partially-exposed breasts. When the men at my table looked (can I deny that they did?), what do you suppose they saw? The cross — or something else?
The woman who served our table most probably had no intention of being a temptress. She probably gave little if any thought to the partially-exposed look of today’s woman. After all, from kindergarten through high school, girls are encouraged to be comfortable with their bodies. Their “sexuality.” This woman — like many of us — intended no harm. But, perhaps she was uneducated. Perhaps no one cared to explain to her how sin distorts a man’s visual appreciation of a woman’s body. Or, perhaps she did not understand the look and behavior of the cross and her responsibility to lead away from temptation. At that moment, the Christian men of my family were called to turn their eyes away from the woman and, instead, focus on the cross of Jesus. This meant acting like gentlemen who are respectful of women. (A Christian man finds wisdom in Job 31:1; Proverbs 4:14-15; Ephesians 6:10-11; and Luke 11:4).
The world’s look and behavior of love boldly screams: Look at me! God’s look and behavior of love tenderly encourages: Look at the cross! Jesus’ look turned outward toward others. Jesus’ behavior placed the well-being of others ahead of His own.
For a number of years, Judy Hayen and I traveled the country with the purity lifestyle show called Dressing for Life: Secrets of the Great Cover-up. We transported a collection of vintage clothing from Oklahoma City to Chicago to Detroit to help us illustrate what the first Fashion Designer — God — has to say about clothing. On one of our journeys, Judy encouraged me to write a Bible study for girls and their moms to use at home, church, or a girls’ sleepover. A pastor’s wife used portions of the study at volleyball camp. One of the ten lessons is titled “The Look and Behavior of Love.”
Other lessons are:
- Fig Leaves Aren’t Enough
- Jesus Covers Our Shame and Embarrassment
- Embarrassment on a Windy Day
- Worldviews in Conflict
- My Body, My Choice…or Is it?
- Is Clothing a Language?
- Beauty at Any Price?
- Living in the Presence of God
- The Perfect Dress
- Dressing for Life… the Secret is Out!
At this time, the study is available as a reproducible PDF from Lutherans For Life or Concordia Publishing House (#LFLDFLWEB – $12). However, with growing interest, ezerwoman may be encouraged to publish in a different format. Hmmm. What thinkest thou?
Do women need to know why it’s so great — not only to cover-up, but be covered?
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