Toy Stories: Barbie — Modest vs. Manipulative - Monday
Today’s Verse
Proverbs 3:7-8
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (ESV)
I’m the kind of person who likes to be prepared. I never leave the house without a jacket or cardigan, I have a water bottle on me at all times, and it’s a daily struggle to zip my little crossbody bag due to the multiple chapsticks (because I might lose one) and over-the-counter medications (because who has time for headaches and dry eyes?!) stuffed inside.
The same goes for my car. In addition to spark plugs and an ice scraper, I always try to keep a good stock of disposable items, like napkins and utensils, for on-the-go meal moments. But occasionally, I forget to restock. Then, the next time I order a to-go salad and don’t receive a fork, I’ll check my glove compartment with full confidence in my preparedness for this moment… only to find NO FORKS. There’s nothing like having to stab kale with a plastic knife to make you appreciate the brilliant design of a fork. No other tool can get the job done quite like it! The person who created that thing knew what they were doing. Good design comes from a good designer.
We’ve officially made it to the halfway point in our Toy Stories series. This week, as we continue our Barbie theme, exploring the concept of modesty and its role in biblical womanhood, I think it’s worth pausing to remember the foundational idea for all our conversations on men, women, and marriage throughout this series. These conversations are all based on the premise that God is our omniscient Creator, meaning He knows all and He made all. Therefore, the world functions at its best when we live into His design and follow His wisdom. That’s the whole reason we’re diving into these topics in ways that may feel awkward and uncomfortable at times, especially in light of how our culture operates. It’s not about promoting a traditional agenda to be old-fashioned and stereotypical. It’s about opening the Word of God and seeking His guidance on how to operate at our best and healthiest, enabling us to live into our purpose within His good design. Simply put, we’re just trying to eat our salad with a fork.
Ladies (and gents), before we tackle modesty, let’s begin this week by acknowledging that the God who created us knows what He’s talking about—even if the world tells us differently, and even if His perspective doesn’t line up with our preferences. His voice is the only one worth listening to and following, and though it may involve some sacrifice, walking in the path of His wisdom will always lead us to healing and refreshment.
APPLICATION
Do you believe wholeheartedly that God’s design is best and worth living into? Name one area of cultural pressure or personal preference that hinders your ability to trust His wisdom.
PRAYER
God, thank you for the way you have created men and women with intentional design and purpose. Reveal any areas where I’ve been resistant to your design, lead me toward a wholehearted acknowledgment and trust of your wisdom, and show me how to surrender to your ways.
