Wednesday, June 13, 2007
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV) Do not let your adornment be merely outward -- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
IN DEFENSE OF . . . TRUE BEAUTY
It's an old proverb, first found in written form in 1613, but it is still said: "Beauty is only skin deep." We don't know who first coined the phrase, nor do we know what his wife thought of the saying, but we understand that the expression means that physical beauty is superficial.
One wonders just how many people would agree with that assessment today! In our American society what matters is how you look on the outside and what fashions you wear. Who determines the standard in our society? Hollywood! After all, the beautiful people live in Hollywood and are on display on the big screen.
So consider for a moment the words given by the Spirit of God to Simon Peter written in his first letter. True beauty in God's sight is not determined by hairstyle, jewelry or whether the latest fashions are worn or not. True beauty in God's sight is a matter of the heart. God doesn't look upon the outward appearance of a human being, but on the heart. Those who trust in Christ are forgiven sinners and beautiful and cherished by God -- whatever the world says about their physical attractiveness.
It often happens that those considered attractive know it and take pride in it, associating only with those of like attractiveness. Others will laugh and poke fun of those not blessed with "their looks."
In opposition to this, Peter reminds us that true beauty in God's sight involves having a gentle spirit, one that is humble, considerate, meek and unassuming. True beauty involves having a quiet, tranquil spirit.
God help us that we not buy into this world's idea of beauty but remember that God looks at the heart. We are beautiful children of God, accepted by Him through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26) however the world sees us. God loves us and cherishes us because of His Son.
