Raising our children to honor God with their body.

Raising girls to honor the Lord with their bodies in a society that is so sexually focused is an uphill battle. However, it is a fight that we must persevere through.

We must help our girls see that how they act and dress can have a profound affect on men/boys. Since boys/men are such visual creatures, it is important to help girls not cause them to stumble. Girls should understand the powerful responsibility they hold. The Lord says in 1 Corinthians 6:13b that 'our bodies are not for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body.' As Christians, our bodies are now called to a higher purpose. In Matthew 5:28 it says, 'Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart'. It is imperative that we help them understand that our role as women is to help a man not stumble by not enticing them.

Likewise, it is important for us to help our sons understand that women are to be revered and treated as a precious vessel. That if there are girls/women that cause their thoughts to wonder that they need to confess those thoughts and take them as seriously as if they had committed an immoral act. They also need to be trained on how to avoid and respond to situations that they find themselves tempted in.

Children are having sex as early as late elementary school now. It is important to start developmentally appropriate education with your children about what God teaches about their bodies.

Especially for girls, it is important to help them view their self image as God views them. Helping them plug in early to their identity in Christ will help them be less likely to want to tarnish that image with inappropriate dress and behavior.

The world is very, very clear and loud on this issue. "They aren't enough as they are." We have to be louder and clearer. Especially when they are still young enough to believe us.

Blessings to you all.
Brenda