For the love of beauty
"Beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3: 3-4 (NIV)
What makes a woman beautiful? Is it smooth skin, bright eyes or silky hair that makes a woman attractive to others, or is it her inner kindness, sweet spirit, and strength that makes others want to know her? We may say that inner beauty is more important than outward beauty, but do we really believe that?
The answer is found by examining the world in which we live. We are constantly bombarded with perfect models exuding external beauty. T.V. and magazines are constantly telling us that outward beauty is what people love - and we do love it. Not only do we love it, but we desire it as well. Evidence shows that women spend millions of dollars a year on diet supplements, Botox injections, having their teeth whitened, and body parts nipped, tucked and lifted.
As I grow older, I've come to understand that beauty is something we all long for-even Christians. That's because it's a God-given desire. Yet, because we live in a broken world, we seek the good things of God in unhealthy ways. We need to know that truth so we can be set free from the bondage of grasping after something that doesn't exist. No magical treatment or surgery is going to keep our outward beauty from fading. To believe otherwise will only keep us from finding the true beauty we seek, an inner beauty. Proverbs 31:30 says it this way, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
Have you ever known someone that even though they are getting older they are becoming more radiant with beauty? I know such a lady. The love of God has made her beautiful. She knows that God is completely smitten with her. She understands that she is His joy and delight, she shines with the love of God and eagerly shares it with others. She is of course none other than Mrs Ooi.
Someone once said it, anyone can be beautiful.
"The key ingredient is godliness, which expresses itself in her being selfless, a good listener, kind, and caring. For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone."
Understanding the profound truth that God loves us and is with us and then sharing that love with others will transform us from the inside out. The best-kept beauty secrets can be found within a gentle heart, a quiet spirit, and love for God and others. Ladies, you can be one of the most beautiful woman in your community.
Help me remember each day to walk in confidence of who and whose I am so that I can display your unfading beauty that lives within me.
What makes a woman beautiful? Is it smooth skin, bright eyes or silky hair that makes a woman attractive to others, or is it her inner kindness, sweet spirit, and strength that makes others want to know her? We may say that inner beauty is more important than outward beauty, but do we really believe that?
The answer is found by examining the world in which we live. We are constantly bombarded with perfect models exuding external beauty. T.V. and magazines are constantly telling us that outward beauty is what people love - and we do love it. Not only do we love it, but we desire it as well. Evidence shows that women spend millions of dollars a year on diet supplements, Botox injections, having their teeth whitened, and body parts nipped, tucked and lifted.
As I grow older, I've come to understand that beauty is something we all long for-even Christians. That's because it's a God-given desire. Yet, because we live in a broken world, we seek the good things of God in unhealthy ways. We need to know that truth so we can be set free from the bondage of grasping after something that doesn't exist. No magical treatment or surgery is going to keep our outward beauty from fading. To believe otherwise will only keep us from finding the true beauty we seek, an inner beauty. Proverbs 31:30 says it this way, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
Have you ever known someone that even though they are getting older they are becoming more radiant with beauty? I know such a lady. The love of God has made her beautiful. She knows that God is completely smitten with her. She understands that she is His joy and delight, she shines with the love of God and eagerly shares it with others. She is of course none other than Mrs Ooi.
Someone once said it, anyone can be beautiful.
"The key ingredient is godliness, which expresses itself in her being selfless, a good listener, kind, and caring. For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone."
Understanding the profound truth that God loves us and is with us and then sharing that love with others will transform us from the inside out. The best-kept beauty secrets can be found within a gentle heart, a quiet spirit, and love for God and others. Ladies, you can be one of the most beautiful woman in your community.
Help me remember each day to walk in confidence of who and whose I am so that I can display your unfading beauty that lives within me.
1 Comments:
well said! -slimgal
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