Jesus: What's the matter?
Church: I look horrible.
Jesus: No, you don't.
Church: Whatever. I wear this stupid shirt all the time, even though it makes me look like a cow, my hair won't do anything I want it to, my eyebrows are bushy, my arm fat is jiggling, my skin looks too pale, and don't even tell me you haven't noticed these laugh lines and gray hairs that have been popping up lately. (sighs again) I need new makeup.
Jesus: (gets up and puts His hands on His wife's shoulders) You're beautiful.
Church: Of course You think so. You're my Husband. But You're the only one.
Jesus: Aren't I the only one that matters?
Church: Yes, but...
Jesus: But what?
Church: (choking on her words as she begins to cry) People hate me. I hear them: "Jesus is a cool Guy, but I just can't stand that wife of His."
Jesus: Who says stuff like that?
Church: Everyone.
Jesus: You're exaggerating. Besides, if anyone has a problem with you, they've got a problem with Me, and if that's their attitude, they're missing out on knowing a great couple. Listen, I love you. You're smart, gorgeous, and fun to be with. You're...
Church: I guess I should just stop trying then, huh? I'll stop shaving my legs, quit exercising, start eating whatever I want - maybe I should even take up smoking.
Jesus: Look, I want you to take care of yourself. I want you to live a long, healthy life with Me. And it does make Me feel good when you dress up for Me and do special things to show how much you love Me. But keep it about Me. My love for you is and always will be unconditional. Don't worry about what other people think. Please. I just hate seeing you beat yourself up.
Church: (with tears in her eyes, she turns around, hugs Jesus around the neck, kisses Him, and whispers) I love You.
Jesus: I know you do, sweetheart. Let's go to dinner. And we can get you new makeup if it'll make you feel better.
Church: (laughs) O.K.
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
- Galatians 1:10
Personal note:
When I conceptualized this little dialogue, I intended it to be simply an exploration of some feelings I've been having over the last few years regarding the Church and her self-esteem. A postmodern world has shown us its contempt, and we have listened. We have tried our hardest to make ourselves more appealing. We have improved in some areas and compromised in others. I do not think we should abandon all efforts to grow along with the times in our methods and styles, but I do think that in many cases our attitudes and priorities have been screwed up.
I've had trouble explaining exactly what it is about all this that bothers me, but I think that this marriage example has helped. It has also challenged me. I know I have been part of the problem. Only instead of saying, "We're not pretty enough," I've criticized our body saying things like, "Our self-esteem is so low and our need for popularity so pathetic, it's no wonder people see us as inferior." God has shown me that in this area, I too have been staring at the Church's mirror instead of her Husband. I have also been less than understanding. When my wife "needs" something I consider impractical or unnecessary, I still try to get it for her if I can afford it. Why am I less generous when it comes to church? If the Church decides she wants drastic, possibly dangerous plastic surgery, I will try to stop her from going through with it. But in less extreme situations, I may need to learn to graciously say, "We can get you new makeup if it will make you feel better."
Lord, let us not be so concerned with what others say or with how we feel about our body that we forget Who our Date is.
Amen.
