Inner Beauty

Read

I Peter 3:3-4, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, 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.”

Think

A supermodel, a perfect “10,” considered beautiful by cultural standards, makes fun of other people’s appearance.

Unadorned by makeup or trendy fashion, a young woman volunteers in a nursing home and is beloved by all she encounters.

Which of the two is most beautiful? Is it true that beauty is only skin deep? By society’s standards, the supermodel may win this beauty contest. But in God’s kingdom, beauty is as beauty does — He judges not by outward appearance but by attitudes of the heart. The selfless servant will always outshine the most outwardly adorned ten times out of ten. This is the “unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” that we should strive to attain.

Such a spirit doesn’t scream, “Look at me!” It says, “Look to Jesus.” Such beauty cannot be attained with the help of fashion experts or stylists; it’s only found through the presence of Christ in us. The more evident He is in our lives, the more beauty-full we become. Others are drawn to the difference they see in us; the peace and power of God at work within our lives becomes a beacon of light and a megaphone to those still searching for purpose and hope.

Therefore, adorn yourself with inward beauty, the gentle and quiet spirit that comes from reverence to Christ and holy living! Do so, and be blessed as you are dressed in God’s best and pointing others toward life transformation and eternal life.

Act

Spend a few moments meditating on what it means to be “beauty-full” by the presence of God’s spirit alive in you. Consider how you can point others to Christ by adorning yourself with a “gentle and quiet spirit.”

Pray

Heavenly Father, Help me be humble and direct others toward You with a “gentle and quiet spirit.” I understand that true and lasting beauty is found by knowing Christ. Amen.