A Biblical Perspective: Is Attention Seeking a Sin?

God made women very beautiful creatures. In fact, He looks at all humanity as beautiful, a masterpiece, a work of art. It is in our very nature to be noticed, recognized, & appreciated. It is not a bad thing to desire recognition & to be seen. We are people, we are alive, our lives matter in the scope of things. I want to think that being acknowledged or noticed is a part of everyday mannerisms. When we walk into a room, we greet whoever is present. We speak to people when we make eye contact.

But I'm afraid that our desire for attention has become an inordinate or excessive problem. Women in particular are easily drawn to an excessive desire for attention. We often alter our look and behavior to be noticed. Let's learn what the Bible says about attention-seeking.

When is Seeking Attention Okay?

Let's start with the good news. It's okay to seek attention for the right reasons. Whatever our expertise, we desire to be recognized for our skill level and education. When going to a job interview, we make sure to be well-groomed and professional so that we stand out from the other applicants. We brush up on our skills, resumes, and personal development because we need the right attention. There are certain desires that we have in life, and so it is a requirement to prepare and position ourselves in a way to be seen by those who can help us reach our goals.

Even in relationships, we carry ourselves a certain way to be pleasing to the eye. Not just in the matter of dress but even in our personality and character. Most people will say, "A woman doesn't need to find a man, she just has to wait," true to an extent,

but a woman needs to get dressed and be presentable enough to be found by him!

He's not going to find her at home. My point is, seeking attention for the right reasons is wisdom. Opportunities don't always find us, but only when we get in a position to be recognized.

Attention-Seeking Examples That are Sinful

Now the bad news is, seeking attention can be an inordinate desire. The Bible talks about "inordinate affections", which are similarly called lust and evil desire. Inordinate means to be excessive, unnatural, without limitation. How far can we go to be seen? We often see in movies that a young secretary looking to get a raise or promotion might undo a few buttons, wear something a little more revealing, to get the boss's attention. Or maybe even manipulate a few people so that they appear more qualified. This is desire gone wild.

Online, we see many young women undressing, poking it out a little further, wearing more makeup, even getting boob and butt jobs to satisfy their inordinate desire for attention. It's a deep longing to be seen, to be loved and liked by strangers who couldn't care less what their name is. Because they have an inordinate desire also to have what they're gawking at. It's vicious.

If you find yourself doing "inordinate" things for attention, then it's time to repent and change your old ways of getting it. Ask yourself:

• What kind of attention are you seeking and why?

• What will it do for you?

• What do you think it will accomplish?

  
  

There's a root to every sin, and searching your heart to answer these questions can reveal what you're really needing. Maybe you didn't get attention growing up, maybe men have rejected you a lot... I know that feeling. If you've come to realize that your need for attention has been sinful, repent, and renew your mind in God's truth.

But God says in Zechariah 2:8, "You are the apple of His eye".

"Don't draw attention to yourselves by the way you look, but adorn your inner beauty which is most precious to God," 1 Peter 3:3-4.

Think on these things. He can change you. If you need accountability and a deep dive into healing your self-worth, our Body Image Detox covers areas like insecurities, fear of opinions, comparison, and even the need for acceptance.