The Lord said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks,
glancing wantonly with their eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet, (Isaiah 3:16 ESV)
Yourself
Our society is strongly in the mode of encouraging us to “be yourself.” We are urged not to define ourselves by the standards of society, culture, and peer-pressure. But to determine who we believe we are, or wish we are, or dream we are, and stick to that determination.
But…
What started as good advice to “know ourselves” (even way back with Socrates) has instead become an excuse to avoid criticism, Biblical standards, submission to God, and community involvement.
We see these women of Isaiah’s time, not really being true to themselves. When we act superior to our ability or character, we become haughty. When we stretch out our necks, we are attempting to draw attention to ourselves in unnecessary or inappropriate ways. When we glance with wanton eyes, we attempt to shortcut deep relationship, and achieve shallow, easy skin-deep loves.
But the strongest picture is of their feet… mincing (walking as if they were other than what they are) and bell-tinkling (proclaiming LOOK AT ME!!!!!) describe someone who is not actually being true to themselves, but instead are in denial of their created and developed nature.
IF we are true to ourselves, we know our Sin and rebellion against the One True Living God. IF we are true to ourselves, we know the only pathway to improvement, success, and peace is through the Christ who restores us to God Himself. IF we are true to ourselves, we know that we cannot fix ourselves, improve ourselves, or survive long without Jesus.
The people of Isaiah’s time (actually women AND men were guilty of this) painted themselves as other than what they actually were.
Because they did not want God’s help. They did not accept God’s knowledge. They did not hold to God’s standards of truth, beauty, and goodness.
And so they minced.
And so they missed.
The same is true for us, today. God is the ultimate definer. God is the only determiner. God is the only identifier.
And we connect with Him only through Christ Jesus, the redeemer, the fixer, the sanctifier, the Savior.
In Him, we find out who we really are… and who we are going to be. And His understanding is complete, full of understanding, full of love, and full of hope concerning our future.