by �nnalis a �atenaude
I
recently took a trip down the cosmetics acter is cultivated. In 1 Samuel 25, Abigail’s aisle at my local drug store. Planning husband Nabal refuses to pay King David and to run in and out with my usual supplies, his men for their work at tending his sheep. a sales representative foiled my plan Deciding to intercede, Abigail meets an by belabouring the latest trends in the enraged King David on his way to kill Nabal. Abigail recognized David’s intentions and makeup world. She was enthusiastic until she learned my sought to find a resolution. Nowhere in the passage does it mention age. With a disapproving I stopped and her physical appearance or look, she began scolding me for not using the proper remembered what age. Rather, in the message, Discernment of Abigail,” face wash, day cream, night truly makes someone “The Chuck Swindoll says of Abicream, eye cream, or exfoliabeautiful and what gail, “Flowing through her tor, to name a few. should be valued at mind and her emotions is a Red-faced I made my purchases and slunk out of the any age: character. beautiful blend of discernment and wisdom.” store. At home I scoured my Three things we can strive to model from face for fine lines and looked critically at my appearance. Maybe I needed those anti-aging Abigail’s life: products after all. What will others think of • She loved the Lord and followed His commands (1 Samuel 25:32) me if I develop wrinkles? Then I became angry about the obsession our society has • God gave her discernment and wisdom (25:33) placed on staying young and, therefore, beautiful. Beauty ads surround us and glam- • She was humble (25:24) In a world obsessed with youth and physiorize “must have” products and faces. Then I stopped and remembered what truly makes cal appearance, examples like Abigail remind someone beautiful and what should be val- me how living for God creates character with remarkable, unmatched beauty. ued at any age: character. Someone who represents beauty in the Bible is Abigail. She is an example of the Annalisa Patenaude is the Living Bridge Media discernment and wisdom created when char- assistant at Insight for Living Canada.
