“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
- Proverbs 31:30
What is beauty? Well, the dictionary defines it as “.... a characteristic of an animal, idea, object, person or place that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction. Beauty is studied as part of aesthetics, culture, social psychology, philosophy, and sociology.”
Beauty has been, and currently is perceived in a complex way; however, it truly shouldn't be. Across the world beauty standards are inconsistent, and throughout history, the expectations of beauty have changed. However, the one true standard of beauty is constant, because God is the creator of beauty and he never changes!
We've been made in the image of God, therefore we are beautiful Just. Like. Him.
On top of that, our beauty isn't rooted in shallow things, and our worth isn't based on our possessions. We are beautiful not because of what we look like, or what we have, but because we belong to the one that created beauty; and he has made us in his image.
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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
True beauty radiates from the inside, it's all about substance. Our outer appearance will never reflect who we really are. But thank God that our substance isn't dictated by our outer appearance, our substance comes from our creator.
Have you ever heard the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?”
Often times this phrase is used to justify upholding certain standards of beauty, and dissuading others. However, the only “beholder” that matters is God, a beholder is simply someone who sees and observes, and I truly believe that the "observations" of people don't hold a candle to God's truth. You see, we will encounter several “beholders” in our lives, but the only “beholder” that matters is the one that holds our life in his hands.
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
- Psalms 139:14
Often times in our society a certain look is categorized as beautiful, however, beauty transcends race, ethnicity, age, and gender. Isn't it amazing that although we all look different, every one of us has been molded in the same image? Wipe away all the insecurities that you may have about your personal appearance, and embrace the beauty that God has given you.
I challenge you to redefine your perception of beauty and align it with God’s word.
STAY INSPIRED!
