Vol.11 No.5

“Look,but don’t touch”
An  ex-model’s testimony
By Gwen Shorter

Let me tell you how God changed me.

During the early ‘70s, New York City, with its hustle, bright lights, and millions of people, was the place to be! For models in the fashion capital of the world, dressing was highly competitive. They must sell clothes and themselves. I knew the power of a fashionable, well-dressed woman, and I wanted to use that power to climb the show business ladder. How exciting, I thought as I hurried from one appointment to another, swinging my portfolio. My motto was, “Look, but don’t touch!” In America, fashion models set the standard for what most women call beauty. Anyone can put clothes on, but models must put it all together to impress and attract.

OBSESSION

To keep my “beauty,” I had jars, bottles, and tubes of concoctions. I spent hundreds of dollars on facial masks, moisturizers, toners, foundations, eye shadow, pencil liner, blush, lipstick, body powder, face powder, perfume, nail polish, polish remover, nail files, expensive hairstyles, false eyelashes, and leg shaving supplies. My manicure and pedicure were perfect.

Dressing up was not complete without jewelry. My jewelry box overflowed with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and rings. I worshiped jewelry!

And I loved shoes! Every time I bought a new dress, I bought new shoes. Just looking at a pair of fancy shoes made my heart speed up with excitement.

I was always checking this and checking that in the mirror. My pampering and primping took about two hours every day. When I emerged to meet the public, I got whistles and cat calls, but my motto was still, “Look, but don’t touch!”

It never occurred to me that I might be tempting and teasing men. The first argument I had with my husband Rick (before we were married), was over the miniskirts and low-cut tops I wore. “If you don’t like it, find someone else!” I frankly told him. And I meant it. Nobody was changing me!

THE MAN WHO CHANGED ME

About 1971, I met Jesus Christ and found everything I ever wanted in life. I did not have to change for Him; His love changed me. I did not know I could have a personal experience with my Saviour and that He loved me so much.

When I realized this, no one had to tell me, “Take off your makeup, jewelry, and sexy clothes.” After I surrendered my life to Jesus, what I thought was beautiful now looked ugly, pretentious, and proud.

When I read Bible texts on jewelry, I began shedding those precious little idols, from head to toe. One day I packed all my miniskirts, pants, and scanty tops and took them to a thrift store. Suddenly, that “colored underwear” I wore to the beach became “strange apparel.” No more nakedness in the name of water, sun, fun, exercise, or recreation.

Why the changes? Because I knew Jesus would not like these things, and I wanted to do everything to please the One who saved me from self-destruction.

I asked the Lord to forgive me. I knew I had caused many men to sin and have lust in their hearts because of the way I dressed. A man’s sexual nature is so sensitive that it can be ignited into a fire by the sight of a half-dressed or seductively dressed female. The short, tight skirt, low-cut blouse, sexy stockings, formfitting sweaters, pants, jeans—all distract the minds of most men to sensual, unholy thoughts. The lingering look, along with sexual desire, can destroy a man—and a woman. My “strange apparel” could have meant the loss of eternal life to many.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Before giving my life to Jesus, I dressed to bring attention to myself. Now, I only want to hide behind Him. I wasted hundreds of dollars and hours trying to make myself beautiful by the world’s standard. Now, I spend those hours studying God’s Word and praying. I realize now that true beauty is having a Christlike character.

Before, I loved showing off my fine clothes and cramming more outfits into an already overflowing closet. I kept pace with the ever-changing fashions. Now, I measure my wardrobe by God’s Word.

Before, I was insecure. I would not let anyone see me without my makeup. Now, I am plain and pleased to be a child of the King. I feel secure because Jesus loves me just the way I am, and this gives me the courage to share my message with all who will listen.

Today, I still like to dress up, but only in Christ’s beautiful robe of righteousness.