tiaraWhat is happening in women’s ministry?

Everywhere I turn, everywhere I go, here it is again … this concept of ROYALTY. I’ve never seen so much purple tulle and rhinestone tiaras in my entire life!

Women of Royalty. Who I Am. If the Crown Fits. These conference themes are surfacing everywhere among Christian women (at least everywhere on the Enough Grace Ministries’ calendar). I can’t seem to get away from it. Time and time again, I’m finding myself presenting Scriptural encouragement relating to a woman’s Biblical identity. Is God trying to tell us something?

Repetition was a key teaching strategy for Christ, you know. I’m beginning to believe that this re-occurring theme of royalty is very much worthy of our discussion as Christian women.

Today’s woman is under attack like never before! Yes, adolescent gals have been known to struggle with self-image for decades, but what about the middle-aged or perhaps seasoned women? Are self-esteem issues something that we outgrow when we turn 18?

What about the “I’m a loser” mentality that plagues us in middle school – what happens to it? Does it just instantly go away as we enter young adulthood?

Oh, my friend, I hate to break it to you, but … a woman’s perception of herself is in the crosshairs of our Spiritual Enemy. And engaging the discussion of our worth, as adult women must be deliberately fostered.

Check out these findings:

Eighty percent of women admit to having feelings of insecurity after viewing other women on television and in movies.

Ninety percent of all women want to change at least one aspect of their appearance.

A licensed clinical social worker recently reported that one of the biggest obstacles for older women is low-self esteem, a sense of worthlessness, and poor self-image.

And a recent study of 1,200 British women revealed that appearance-related anxiety persists well into adulthood.

My friend, there is a problem here. Self-identity battles don’t abruptly end with a woman entering adulthood. You and I, as adult women, need a Scriptural mindset when it comes to our worth in Christ (just as much as we needed it during our adolescence).

Do you ever feel like a loser? I know I sure do! Satan loves it when I allow my fleshly thinking to persuade me into believing I’m dumb, awkward, abnormal, and despised. And how ineffective my life becomes for God’s Kingdom when I adopt for myself a flawed self-image!

Oh, my sister, let the Scripture (God’s Love Letter Written to You) remind you of who you are in Christ. I Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (KJV)

I love the simplicity yet the profound impact of God’s Word. How clear and yet how powerful is this passage! Here is God’s plan for us: On those days, and in those moments, that we believe ourselves to be losers, failures, and dummies … we need to remind ourselves of our Divine royalty!

* We are a chosen generation– God chose us to be His daughters. Not out of obligation or regulation – but out of His unconditional love for us. Are we daily basking in that love?

* We are a royal priesthood– Yes! As a follower of Christ, I am a princess – God’s daughter – and you are too, if you are of the faith! We are priests. You see, every time we knock on the door to God’s presence, our Spiritual Daddy says, “Come on in!” Are we acting like royalty?

* We are a holy nation– We are set apart as God’s sacred person to be used by Him. He has a Divine task just for you! Just for me! Are we surrendered to be used by Him?

* We are a peculiar person– The phrasing here means that we are God’s very own possession. And oh, my friend, the great price He paid for us! Are we mindful that we are His and His only?

Praise the Lord for His “pep talks” in Scripture! Please, my friend, let’s keep this reality before us.

We, as God’s women, are royalty … even after the stroke of midnight or when our glass slipper is nowhere to be found! We are royal!

 

Sources: news.agedcareguide.com;lifecenterli.com;confidence coalition.org;people.com