Inner Beauty
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
I’ve always been fascinated by how everyone looks so uniquely different, yet we all strive to look more or less the same. Fashion, hair, fitness, and make up trends all shift to whatever is the current definition of “beautiful” at any given moment.
Isn’t that crazy!? Our society has taught us to base our thoughts on who we think is beautiful on something as fleeting as how someone looks with hair curled, lipstick on, and stylish clothes. Those material things come and go – but a good heart is there to stay.
The Bible tells us in more ways than one about the importance of having a wholesome heart, spirit, and inner beauty. But I think 1 Peter 3:3-4 says it best, “It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from inside you – the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. That beauty will never disappear. And it is worth much to God.”
We’ve always heard that “it’s the inside that counts,” but it’s really true! The last sentence of verse 4 tells us that our inner beauty and gentle spirit are what truly matter to God. It isn’t the expensive clothes or fancy make up; it’s our hearts that He yearns for.
That is why I have always loved the Queen’s Ball section of the Senior Celebration of camp. It isn’t like so many of the beauty pageants or even Prom and Homecoming courts at home. It’s based on the inner beauty of the girls you have gotten to know through your years at camp. Isn’t that how more of life should be?!
1 Samuel 16:7 even reminds us that God doesn’t focus on our appearances. “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Try every day to make your heart the most beautiful thing about you. We do this by, of course, praising God! Other ways are to not focus on materialistic things; but rather kindness, friendships, and joy.
In the end, there is no bigger truth than this: “No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart.” I know it’s hard not to get caught up in the glamor and beauty of today’s culture, but you are worth so much more than the make up on your face and the way you wear your hair.
Just remember that God is only focused on your inner beauty. That’s where your worth lies, not in your jean size. The only beauty you should worry about is that big, stunning heart of yours!