Hey, teens, young ladies, women really of any age…I just had a thought…
This weekend is the second year that Tim and I have hosted a slew of teen boys in our new home for a youth church event.  After the group, of eleven tenth grade boys, two college age boys, and two grown men, left for the day’s activities, I finished cleaning the kitchen and did a quick vacuum over the main floor. It was while vacuuming that I had this thought…
These young gentlemen (an eclectic group of boys who have diverse personalities) have displayed nothing but respect for us and our home. Their parents should be proud. And I wondered if since I keep our home neat, yet warm and livable, clean, yet not perfectly dusted, comfortable, and not stuffy, if these boys keep things clean and are respectful because of the example I’ve set by the upkeep.
Stay with me…
If our home was a hot mess, they may treat it as a hot mess.
Since our home is presented as a respectable home, they respect it.
Are you starting to get the picture yet?
Yes…I’m confident that this group have parents who desire for their children to show respect to others and in a place that doesn’t belong to them, yet…due to the upkeep of our home…respect is easily displayed.
Now, girls…how do you present YOURSELF?
I pray that you will keep yourself neat, warm, clean, and comfortable to be around.  I pray that you will show yourself respect so that the boy you date will display the same characteristic.  Just like those boys showed respect to a home that wasn’t their own, your body isn’t theirs either.  If you are a Christian, your body is not your own.
You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit that you received from God and that lives in you. You don’t own yourselves. ²⁰ God paid a very high price to make you his. So honor God with your body.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Dress modestly.  (Click here to read two articles on “Modest is Hottest”)
Present yourself with dignity.
Love yourself.
Show respect to others.
This actually works both ways…Boys, how do you present yourselves?
Now, some of you may say, “Mrs. Stephanie, respect and dignity for my body has long gone.  It’s too late for me.  I’m tainted.”
My reply would be “Sweet Child, look what 1 John 1:9 says, ‘But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.’  All you must do is confess your uncleanness, and God WILL forgive you.  He said He would, and God does NOT lie. Trust God. He desires what is best for you. Your dear Heavenly Daddy will clean you up and make you new.” (Are you ready for a scrub down?)
Thought over…yet still one to ponder on as you present yourself.
Have a fabulous day.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
 
(The above photo are the 10th grade boys who stayed this past weekend at our home. Two college young men are missing. Oh, my handsome gentlemen, Cole, is the fourth person from the left, with the hat on, in the back row.)

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