Let the Feminist Mock: Find Your Worth in Christ

There is a real danger for women today. We are witnessing the dual rise of two troubling issues: narcissism and body dysmorphic disorder. These challenges, amplified by social media and cultural expectations, are taking a profound toll on women’s mental, emotional, and spiritual health. While this is not a psychology blog, my heart is burdened to address these challenges in a way that I pray will offer hope, healing, and biblical encouragement. The world offers one expectation and standard—but God offers another. God gives the Christian woman an imperishable identity grounded in His love and grace, as shown in 1 Peter.

Let’s begin by defining our terms. What are these issues, and how do they connect?

Narcissism is an excessive focus on oneself, often marked by an inflated sense of importance and/or entitlement. Imagine entitlement married to grandiosity. Narcissistic people may:

• Crave constant praise: They seek admiration and approval at all costs.
• Lack empathy: They often struggle to care about others’ feelings or needs.
• Feel entitled: They believe they deserve special treatment or privileges.
• Have fragile self-esteem: Despite appearing confident, criticism easily unsettles them.

This isn’t the same as healthy self-confidence. Narcissism is an extreme and harmful mindset that damages relationships and one’s own well-being.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is defined as a persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance—flaws that are often invisible to others. According to one study, it causes “significant distress and impairment.” This disorder can make individuals fixate on their looks, fostering shame and self-doubt.

How do these issues connect to create a unique danger for women? Preoccupation with the self. Self worth, self image, and self obsession. Society often pressures young women to achieve, perform, and ‘change the world’—expectations that can feel both inspiring and exhausting. Sadly, they are often also planting seeds of self grandiosity. Simultaneously, these women are bombarded with curated images of “perfection” on social media. This disconnect between the perfection we see online and the reality we live can leave many women feeling inadequate or ashamed of their appearance. Or worse can even create a disdain for their own appearance and self worth. Tools like filters and constant video calls (e.g., Zoom) magnify the scrutiny of one’s image. For many women, this makes everyday life feel like a stage where they are constantly under scrutiny. Talk about an exhausting and even suffocating way to live.

But here’s the good news: Christian woman, you are of inestimable value to your God. He created you, body and soul. He foreknew you, loved you, and redeemed you at the ultimate cost. The Holy Spirit has sanctified you. Jesus Christ has sprinkled you with His blood. God offers you an identity that is imperishable, rooted in His love and grace. In 1 Peter, we are reminded of a beauty and worth that do not fade, a value that the world can never take away.

Let’s explore these truths further through the lens of 1 Peter chapters 1 and 3.

1. Imperishable Beauty from an Imperishable Inheritance

"…the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4)

"…to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:4)

Peter reminds us that true beauty is “imperishable.” This is the same word for the eternal inheritance God has reserved for you in Christ. Your value comes not from outward adornments but from the hidden person of the heart. Your imperishable beauty is not in braided hair or the latest fashion. Your hair will thin and grey. Your clothes will go out of fashion. But, God’s love gives you a beauty that never fades.

It’s not always easy to see your worth through God’s eyes. But, when you begin to trust that your value is secure in Christ, you can experience a new sense of freedom and confidence. You are free from the endless chase for external validation. It’s natural to want to feel pretty and valued. But know this, God already treasures you. You don’t need to strive for worldly approval because the Creator of the universe delights in you. He has set aside an eternal inheritance just for you.

Do you struggle to accept this? It may be helpful to memorize 1 Peter 3:4 and 1 Peter 1:4. Let these verses serve as daily reminders of your imperishable beauty and value.

Write identity and value reminders with a dry erase marker on the bathroom mirror. Put in your own words about God's treasuring you and the imperishable inheritance he has preserved for you. Seeing these truths daily as you look at yourself in the mirror can help you remember how God sees you and transform how you see yourself.

On days when it feels like your value depends on your appearance or performance, take a deep breath and remember this truth: 'My worth was settled at the cross.' When you feel the temptation to compare yourself to others or to believe you’re not enough, thank God for the love He has poured out on you. Thank God for His unchanging love and the dignified beauty He’s given you through Christ.

2. Redeemed by Precious Blood, Not Gold

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel." (1 Peter 3:3)

"Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, …but with the precious blood of Christ." (1 Peter 1:18–19)

In Peter’s time, women sought to demonstrate their value through extravagant adornments of Gold. Just like today. But Peter points to something infinitely greater. You were redeemed, not with gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Your worth is not tied to your appearance or possessions but to the unfathomable love God demonstrated on the cross.

When you feel tempted to think your value comes from what you wear or how you look, remind yourself: “My worth was settled at the cross.” Christ valued you so much that He gave His life for you. No amount of gold or external beauty could ever surpass that. You don't need to be on the look out for the jewelry that will make you stand out. Even when you don’t feel like you stand out to others, remember this: You already stand out to God. You were fearfully and wonderfully made. He has made you and made you beautiful.

3. Holy Conduct Rooted in a Holy Calling

"When they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear." (1 Peter 3:2)
"…in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience." (1 Peter 1:2)

"…but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." (1 Peter 1:15)

Your conduct flows from who God has declared you to be. You’ve been set apart as holy by the Holy Spirit. Now God calls you to live out that identity through respect, purity, and reverence.

It can be hard to resist the pressure to conform to the world’s standards. But, God invites and empowers you to live out a deeper, more meaningful identity in Him. You belong to God. Let His holiness guide you as you navigate relationships, work, and daily challenges. Your reverence of God and obedience to God drives your holy conduct.

You are not ordinary or common. Dear christian woman God has set you apart for a sacred use. You were called to be a salt and a light. Keep your saltiness. Be a savor unto life. Let your light shine before others. Your inner beauty of knowing who you are in Christ Jesus will shine forth with dignity.

4. Precious in God’s Sight: Chosen and Loved

"The incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4)

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." (1 Peter 1:2)

You are precious in God’s sight, chosen by Him before the foundation of the world. He loves you with an everlasting love that frees you from the need to seek approval from others.

Rest in the knowledge that you are infinitely valuable to God. Let His love define your worth, not the constantly changing standards of the world. 

When you see yourself as God does - precious, chosen, and loved - you can live confidently and joyfully in that identity. This comes from abiding in Christ and is lived out in a confident gentle and quit spirit.

5. Living Hope in Submission

"For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands." (1 Peter 3:5)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who…has begotten us again to a living hope." (1 Peter 1:3)

Submission isn’t about losing your voice or value. A meek and quiet spirit isn’t about weakness. It’s a reflection of your trust in God and Christlike humility, which can bring peace and strength to your marriage.

In today’s world, concepts like submission may feel countercultural or even misunderstood, but God’s design is one of dignity, strength, and joy in Him. Your feminist neighbor may think you are a fool (and that this entire article is mansplaining). Let them think what they may.

You, Christian woman, have a dignity, a confidence, a strength, and a joy that are untouchable. You are beloved in Christ. Your hope is in God. You need not strive for the counterfeit grandiosity this world tries to peddle to you. You can have an inner confidence and strength that comes from knowing God loved you so much that He gave his own Son for you.

Let your living hope in Christ give you the confidence to demonstrate faith through your attitude and actions. When your hope is anchored in God’s love, you can reflect His grace and strength even in challenging circumstances.

For more on what biblical submission is—and what it is not—you can listen or watch the sermon here: What BiblicalSubmission Is and Is Not.

Conclusion

Beloved woman of God, you are chosen and precious in God’s sight. Your worth is secure in Christ. Your worth is not in what you do, how you look, or who notices you, but in the God who redeemed you, set you apart, and calls you His own. Your beauty is imperishable. Your identity is unshakable. Your value has already been determined by God’s immeasurable love.

May God transform how you view yourself and how you live each day. Let these truths transform how you live, love, and serve in your marriage and beyond. When the world’s standards weigh heavy, look to God’s Word and remember: you are precious, chosen, and loved. As you abide in Christ, may your life reflect His attitude toward you and actions for you. May you bring glory to Him. You were reborn for this: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.