A couple of weeks ago, I started reading a chapter/week of a book entitled Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George. This book is based on teaching women to become like the Proverbs 31 woman. (I encourage every woman to read this!!) It has been wonderful so far and seems to be one of those books that needs to be read during each stage of life because you can gain some new knowledge each time. I definitely wouldn't call it an easy read if you really want it to change your life. It has definitely slapped me in the face a little, but what better reward than being beautiful in God's eyes?
I say that to say this...I'm totally against the "Magic Mike" craze. I apologize if you think it is okay. That's fine, but from my heart I believe God has told me that there is definitely something wrong with this movie. I've seen Channing Tatum movies before so this isn't an anti-Tatum post by all means. I was just caught off guard last week when I saw several girls and women of the faith going to see this movie.
I firmly believe that what you pour into your heart and allow your eyes to see is exactly what is going to come out. I cannot imagine having to tell my husband one day that he can't meet my false expectations that I allowed a movie, TV show, magazine, or another form of media create. That would be devastating. Just the same way, I wouldn't want my future husband to tell me that I can't ever meet his expectations because of what he saw in the media. I definitely believe God can rescue those people and change their hearts, but I would definitely rather go into a marriage without the high expectations that my husband will never meet.
I don't want to seem like I consider myself better than anyone because I didn't go see this movie because I don't think that this particular movie is the only thing that is targeting us. Last night I was tempted to catch up on some shows I used to watch. (I stopped watching them because I didn't want that negative influence in my life) Then, I saw Beautiful in God's Eyes sitting in my room. I was immediately reminded of my quest to become like the Proverbs 31 woman. How hypocritical of me to watch those shows when I'm so against the "Magic Mike" craze. Those shows are no different. They are creating false expectations in the same way. By the grace of God, I was reminded of my quest before I began watching those shows! I didn't really feel the best after being convicted, but then I was reminded that God desires the absolute best for me. MY best is no where near GOD's best! I'm not going to settle and neither should you!
My challenge to you is to say no to the media when you're tempted to watch or look at something you shouldn't. You may feel left out, but you won't have the burden of dealing with false expectations. That is definitely worth it.
