True Identity

In Esther chapter 1, King Ahasuerus literally attempts to put his wife on display during a feast. He was showing off his wealth and power, and apparently decided that his beautiful queen, like a trophy or prize to be flaunted, should also be brought forth. When she refused, he became furious, probably angry that someone, especially a woman, had dared to disobey him. It seems that in his eyes, she was merely another one of his possessions. Once she refused to do as he pleased, she was of no further use to him. As an example to his kingdom, he divorced her so that all women would hear of Vashti's punishment and remain under the rule of their husbands.

Today, we can still see instances in which men place mere aesthetic, shallow value on women. Sometimes it seems that men see women as just objects to be looked at. They are only bodies and faces, not given true, meaningful worth. How often do we see posters, commercials, and billboards that exploit a woman's sexuality or beauty in order to sell a product? How often do we hear of women struggling to be physically attractive in order to gain attention? Our society has become obsessed with outward appearances, but what about the true identity of a person?

Vashti had more respect for herself than to allow herself to be put on display. Chances are high that she didn't know the God of the universe or look to Him to give her true value, but she was able to grasp the fact that she was more than just "a pretty face." Christian women today should also see our worth as humans and daughters of God. We don't need to be "on display", and we shouldn't let ourselves become mere "objects." How we dress and how we behave can help, even if we cannot control the way others around us may see us.

We are not objects; we are women! God has shown us our worth. And godly men and women will be able to see our value too--the deep, true worth that goes far deeper than the shallow concerns of beauty and attractiveness. No matter what we look like, whether we struggle with the feeling of being "unpretty" or the sense that we are defined only by our beauty, our hearts and souls are precious to God. Our true identity is who we are. Most importantly, our true identity is who we are in Christ.