THE BEAUTY WITHIN

It’s been said that “eyes are drawn to very beautiful people.” Comparably, others have also expressed that a person's character is more important than how they look, because beauty is only “skin deep.”

Considering the related, but frictional statements above, can we each define what is beautiful, if “beauty is in the eye of the beholder?” Not necessarily. Granted, there will always be various definitions of beauty. We live in a society where the media constantly shifts the ideology of “eye candy.”

Years ago, being slender with few curves was the attractive body type for supermodels. Now, plump lips and wide hips have ascended to become the desirable standard. While Psalms 139:14 assures us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” countless women (and men) risk their lives seeking approval that is only attainable through Jesus Christ. Let’s be real! The “beauty” yardstick being strictly measured at 36 inches—has passed! Reason being, we have disregarded what God defines as beautiful and adapted to the world’s ever-changing script. “Looking" beautiful has become such an epitome of success that it has evolved to idolatry. Hence, plastic surgeons are more highly sought than primary care physicians. People are more concerned with their physical attributes than with their physical health. The “temple” has been exchanged for a template, created by the world to prevent people from seeking and seeing their “true” beauty.

In 1 Peter 3:3-4, we learn that true “beauty does not come from outward adornments, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, the inner self; the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

God looks beyond the superficial and focuses on our spirituality and morality. Such was the case in 1 Samuel 16. God gave Samuel an important assignment: Go to Bethlehem, to Jesse’s house, and find Israel’s next king. Upon arrival, he laid eyes upon Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab. Samuel was sure he had found the new king (verse 6). After all, Eliab was tall, dark, and handsome. All the attributes needed to rule, right?

Not in God’s eyes. As far as God was concerned, good looks were not a prerequisite to rule and reign. Unimpressed, God advised Samuel to look past the outward appearances. Besides, God had already rejected this particular son. God had his eyes set on someone with a “different” heart (1

— Proverbs 31:30

Samuel 13:14; 16:7). Lest we forget, Israel’s first king, was tall and handsome (1 Samuel 9:2). And we all know how that turned out.

Samuel continued to examine all seven of Jesse’s sons. But he noticed God was not pleased with any of them. God was looking for someone with a faithful heart. And He didn’t find it in any of these. As Samuel’s choices began to diminish, he asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” (1 Samuel 16:11) Reluctantly, Jesse responded “I have a younger son caring for the sheep.” Proof that sometimes our own family members will overlook our worth. But praise be to God Who sees the value in us when others don’t! Which is exactly what happened. They sent for the youngest boy and upon his arrival, the Lord immediately announced, “this is the one” (1 Samuel 16:12). God chose David! He was filthy and flawed. Yet, he was faithful. He was the perfect person for this position because he was “a man after God’s heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).

David’s story reminds us just how impossible it is to determine a person’s level of integrity based on their appearance. Having a perfectly powdered nose won’t conceal a violent temper, no more than a smooth brushed beard can cover up character issues. Nevertheless, God manufactured our heart to function as a moral compass. He uses it to examine our spiritual and moral propensities. Everything we do originates from it (Proverbs 4:23).

2 Chronicles 16:9 explains that God continually searches the earth for people whose heart is perfect towards Him. As He knew David, He knows each of us (Psalm 139). He knows our thoughts, our fears, our flaws, and our future. Yes! Makeup covers our blemishes. Outfits camouflage our flaws. Yet, neither can disguise what lies within the heart. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with looking your best, having a kind heart is far more important to God than lustrous hair. Sure, keep your hair strands in place. But keep your heart aligned as well.

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