I can’t be considered beautiful in society unless I am acne free, have perfect hair, wear makeup, have name-brand clothing, and weigh ninety-nine pounds. Quite constantly on television and radio commercials, women are encouraged to be themselves; to be unique, and to have confidence in themselves. Yet, I notice the same people who state such are the same people who also state how to act, dress and look in order to be accepted by society.
Let’s look at the world’s view on society (physical). According to the Oxford American Dictionary, the definition of beauty is a combination of qualities; such as shape, color or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses—especially the sight.
As I examine this description of beauty, I believe that this defines the world’s view on beauty after seeing all of the advertisements for makeup, fashion and how to get fit for summer.
Now, let’s look at God’s view on beauty (spiritual). According to the Bible, in 1 Samuel chapter 16, verses 6 and 7, it reads:
“So it was when they came that he [Samuel] looked at Eliab and said, ‘Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him!’
But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
It is implied in this passage that outwardly, Eliab was a very attractive man, but that did not matter to God, because Eliab did not have a good heart.
Proverbs chapter 31, verse 30 reads:
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”
God knows the true definition of beauty, because He created beauty.
So…it’s the heart that makes one beautiful? Why does the heart make someone beautiful?
Proverbs chapter 27 and verse 19 states:
“As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.”
And in Proverbs chapter 23 and verse 7:
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”
What we think reveals who we are, so after reading these verses, what should we concentrate and dedicate our minds to be thinking about in order to be beautiful?
If you turn in your Bible to Philippians chapter 4, verse 8, you will read:
“Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Why? Why should we meditate on such things? So that we may gain Christ.
Philippians 3:8:
“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ…”
And, we, as teenagers, don’t really consider much that one day we will grow old; our hair will turn gray, our skin will wrinkle, and we won’t be able to do the physical things we are able to do now. 1 Peter 1:24 reads:
“The grass withers, and the flower fades away, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.”
Beauty fades away; it is temporary. However, the Word of God, it will last forever. So, do we trust the people of the world, what they say, or what God says?
And yes, this sounds like such a basic question, but truly, do we listen to the world or to God?
If we listen to the world, we will begin to degrade ourselves and ask, “Why can’t I fit in?” or, “Why can’t I be beautiful like the rest of the girls?”
After a while, we begin to tell ourselves, “I am unloved and I am unwanted”, or, “I feel lost”.
I am sure everyone who reads this has experienced one of these four statements at some point or another in their lives, and I know it’s sad. I too, have experienced these statements. But if we listen to God and trust Him, we will find peace and contentment; and we will be uplifting others. No, we won’t always fit in; we are told in 1 Peter 4:16 and Matthew 5:10 that we will suffer as Christians. However, answering the question, “Why can’t I be beautiful like the rest of the girls?”, remember that God created you, and to Him, you are beautiful.
When you feel unloved and unwanted, remember that a man gave His life on the cross for you; John 3:16, Matthew 28, 1 Peter 2:21 and following. He thought you were worth it—you are wanted.
And, lastly, when you feel lost, remember, that as long as you are obeying God’s will, you are found—Luke 19:10 and Luke chapter 15.
Ephesians chapter 6, verses 5 and 6, reads:
“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ, not with eyeservice, as men pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”
We are not living the Christian life to please the people around us, but rather, we are living to do God’s will, from the heart, whole-heartedly. That is our purpose; to live for God and keep His commandments.
So, if you ever look in the mirror and think, “I am not pretty”, or, “I am not loved or wanted”, remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and remember that Christ gave His life for you because He thought you were worth it. To Him, you truly are beautiful.