Last week, I wore a pair of boots with heels to work. I'm an elementary school teacher who works in classes all over my building, so there's a great deal of walking involved. By 10:00 a.m. I was on the phone with my husband, begging him to bring me a change of shoes. My poor feet, which had been either barefoot or in tennis shoes for seven months, were miserable. There were aches and pains in places where I didn't even remember I had places. For many days after this unfortunate choice of footwear, my feet continued to hurt.
I remember thinking, why in the world did I do that to myself? I started thinking about all the reasons a woman might wear shoes that hurt her feet and it led me to some spiritual parallels as well. See if you agree.....
1. To be accepted in a group
When my daughter was about to enter middle school, she pleaded with me to buy her some Guess jeans. She insisted that NOBODY would talk to her if she didn't have the right label on her behind. How often do we do something because it's the "in" thing to do? This is most prevalent with teenagers and peer pressure, but many adults fall victim to needing the world's stamp of approval more than the acceptance of God.
The Bible tells us, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2.
In other words - don't worry about being "in fashion", concern yourself with letting God fashion you into His image.
2. To increase height
I am vertically challenged, barely hitting five feet tall. I always say I went into elementary school teaching so I wouldn't have to teach students taller than I, but they start catching up with me toward the end of fourth grade, so I guess that wasn't good planning on my part after all. Adding those extra inches with a pair of shoes can be tempting.
Being taller gives us a feeling of being more in authority. Did you know the average height of our American presidents is 5' 11"? The average height of an American man is 5' 8". Leaders are thought of as being taller and more imposing than those they lead.
Artificially trying to make ourselves taller can cause all kinds of issues with our feet. Trying to force ourselves into positions of authority to which we are not entitled can cause issues also. In the kingdom of God, He holds all authority but gives it to us in the name of Jesus. We can't operate in authority in our own strength.
Acts 19:15 tells the story of seven sons of a priest named Sceva who were attempting to cast out evil spirits in the name of Jesus "who Paul preaches". The evil spirit answered back to them saying,
"Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"
If we walk in humility instead of trying to exalt ourselves in the eyes of those around us, something extraordinary happens. James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."
3. To look good
We all want to look out best, and that goal is fine as long as we don't prioritize our looks over all else in our lives. However, when vanity overwhelms us, it leaves us putting all of our efforts into things that profit nothing in the eternal scheme of things.
1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
When we seek acceptance, power, or physical beauty in the wrong places, we can hurt ourselves, just like those boots which are now in my "give to charity box" did a number on my feet. If we are accepted by God, empowered by God, and made beautiful in His sight, we don't need anything else.
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