Thursday, March 8, 2012

Femininity vs. Sensuality



How many women do you know that are beautiful? What is it that makes them so? Many women diligently seek to attain what the world defines as “feminine sensuality.” By comparing the heart and meaning of femininity and sensuality, we will find that they have strikingly different qualities.


Femininity is (1) the characteristic of women or girls; feminine attire, (2) having quality or characteristics traditionally ascribed to women as sensitivity, delicacy, or prettiness, (3) womanliness. What characteristics are women “traditionally ascribed” to? The Bible begins by telling us in Genesis that God made woman for man to be his helpmeet, because he was alone and needed a companion. Originally woman was created to be quietly submissive, sensitive, and nourishing. Sensuality is defined as (1) arousing or preoccupied with gratification of the senses or appetites; carnal, (2) lacking moral restraints, (3) worldly; materialistic; irreligious. By definition, sensuality denotes a lack of character. True femininity demonstrates character. Being sensual is adorning the fallen nature of our character as a sinner, while being feminine is adorning the image of God in our character as a woman. 


There are many areas in which femininity can be applied, such as speech or attitudes, but one of the most common is dress. Does choosing revealing pants over modesty really uncover anything about our character? There must be a balance: looking appealing is not wrong, but if our low shirt or glamorous hairstyle is the first thing people notice, is Christ being glorified with our body? Although our dress does not decide our character, our character does decides our dress. Too many women today are desiring to attain the honor of femininity, but are relying on the physical and temporal. They eventually become disappointed and regretful. It is natural to be discontent apart from fulfilling God's design. (Note: in submission a woman as a wife should dress according to her husband's taste.)


Femininity and sensuality both involve female beauty, but only one of them is biblical besides in relation to a husband. Truly being feminine is developing a relationship with God and reflecting His holiness. It is an inner, incorruptible beauty. Femininity is irreplaceable; exposing external beauty with indecency will never make up for the lack of inner beauty. Are our lives “preoccupied” with vain attempts to uplift our own image? The woman of God is spirit controlled within and meek without.  Without God, a woman is tossed and turned as to who she should be. The sensual woman does not receive the satisfying promises as those who seek first the Kingdom of God (His will) and His righteousness. 


Knowing the beginning and end of being feminine or sensual, we are thus challenged to daily choose which will characterize us. Drawing the line between femininity and sensuality is not always easy, but if we inquire of God, we can be what He intends us to be as a woman. A woman's beauty is not meant to attract men for the selfish purpose of imposing their weakness by our own power. A woman's beauty is God's blessing for men seeking to honor God's authority over their own lives. Isn't it a joy to know that God created us to be a blessing? Being created in God's image is a human glory, and we should praise God, because through Christ we can be God's children –bearing His likeness. Cherish God's design of your femininity! 


“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.” 
1 Peter 3:3-5

2 comments:

  1. Hi Rachel,
    Just wanted to stop by and say thanks for becoming a follower. I am returning the favor and I really look forward to reading more of your posts. What an encouragement you must be to other young ladies! Keep on keeping on and keep looking up (Titus 2:13).
    Many blessings,
    Lisa

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  2. Good Morning, Lisa!
    I am glad that I happened upon your blog; it is so full of godly beauty and wisdom. Thank you for your encouragement... and I am hoping to try out your latest recipe too!

    In Christ,
    Rachel

    P.S. I notice that you homeschool-- that's great! My mom
    ( http://journeyofgraceat.blogspot.com/ ) also homeschools in our family.

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