There is increasing pressure to look beautiful at any cost. That pressure seems to be especially high on single people. It is sold as a requirement for those looking for love. The media peddles its image of beauty and asks you to pay for the latest look.
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If you are too large – liposuction and diet pills.
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If you wear glasses – laser surgery.
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If you have bad skin – chemical face peel.
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If you have crooked teeth – porcelain veneers.
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If you have short hair – hair extensions.
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If you have wrinkles – botox injections.
What you look like does not define who you are!
What you look like does not define who you are! Don't confuse how you look with who you are. Click To Tweet
The list could go on. Many of us are falling into the trap of confusing how we look with who we are. This breeds insecurity and low self esteem and this has an impact on our relationships. Self criticism can be so strong that we are unable to truly hear and believe the words “I love you”. We hear them through a filter that tells us that the words must be a lie or sarcastic.
The Bible has a lot to say about beauty.The culture then was not so different than today, you just have to look at the book of Esther to discover they too had their beauty treatments, perfumes and cosmetics.
True Beauty
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery 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 (New International Version)”
God looks at us and is not fooled by what He sees on the outside, people aren’t fooled either. The clothes, make-up, jewellery are not wrong in themselves, but it should not be our emphasis. ‘Make-over’ programs deal with the superficial and may boost someone’s self confidence but God wants us to have His ‘Make-over’. He wants to ‘Make-over’ our inner-selves, our spirits. When we allow God to deal with our insecurities, our perceptions and our character then we will become truly beautiful people.
Below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her “beauty-tips”. It was read at her funeral years later. It outlines that true beauty is found in good character.
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 beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone…
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,
Reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,
You will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;
One for helping yourself and the other for helping others.
The Bible says it this way:
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV).
It is possible to change but the most important change you can make is within, you don’t have to stay the way you are. This verse talks about putting off your old self, the old nature, and our old habits like taking off an old coat. It is time for a ‘Make-over’ ask God to help you, to give you a new attitude, to make you more like Him. These may not be the beauty tips you expected but they will be the ones that will have most impact on your life.
by Lainey Hitchman