The other day someone asked me what makes me feel most “alive.” It’s fun to think about the things that give us the greatest pleasure and fulfillment. But as a set-apart young woman, a better question to ask (and a more Biblical one) would be “what makes me feel most dead to myself and alive in Christ?” The Christian life isn’t about what WE want and what makes US feel good – but about laying down our own agenda and rights in exchange for His life. It’s not an easy life (it leads to the Cross) but it is the most fulfilling existence there is.

I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ

Phil 3:8 NASB

If you’re looking to score some cute, cheap dresses for summer, the AB Studio collection for Kohl’s has some stylish options, and right now when you buy one item you can get one FREE (of equal or lesser value).

Trendy patterns include bold floral, geometric and retro prints, yet all the silhouettes are sweet and simple. I just wish Kohl’s did a better job showcasing the products on their website - awkward dress forms and a clunky zoom feature really make things look drab compared to real life. (Just picture all the dresses above with cute belts - much better, right?)

While I am  all about self-confidence and promoting feeling good about ourselves, I was brought to my knees this week by a harsh truth I have never seen before. There are many popular books and magazines, and I am even guilty of teaching this, that encourage us as young women to realize our beauty and value that we have. It is so true that we are new creations IN CHRIST when we are saved, but I would dare say most of us miss the IN CHRIST part. I was so humbled to think: If any one of us thinks we have something to offer anyone, we are relying on our own strength. The Bible says that all of our works are as filthy rags. We are absolutely nothing alone. The only thing we have that could possibly make us beautiful is God shining through us. In order for God’s glory to radiate out of us, we have to die to ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to say we are humble and meek and seeking God and surrendering our life to Him, but are we really? Do we secretly think we have some unique and cool skills. We are prettier than the other girls in our class, smarter, more athletic or have a better wardrobe so that makes us more desirable? I think we all have some level of pride. We all want to be the best and we want to be recognized for our unique talents and abilities. This is all selfishness. If we are truly seeking God, what we should want is for Christ to be recognized in us. Instead of someone saying, “Wow, you are always so bubbly and smiling,” and us taking the credit for it, we should realize it is God who is shining through. Everything we do should be to bring people closer to knowing the God who is in us. Just think about it for a second. If we all did this th world would be so different. Why do we compete with each other? Because we want to prove we are the best, of course. What if the real competition was who could bring more of God’s glory to earth?