{on} beauty

 ^"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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

beauty. that's what this verse is all about. there are those who use this passage to say that godly women ought not spend time, energy, or money on hair, makeup, jewelry or nice clothes. I don't believe that. think of Esther, who underwent beauty preparation for 12 months before she went to see the king. there is nothing wrong with doing your hair nicely, or wearing jewelry, or having nice clothes. what I believe this verse is saying is that that is not what is important. that is not where our focus should be, it is not how we should decide if a woman is beautiful.

true beauty is that of the inner self. I know we hear it all the time, it's pounded into your head if you grow up in the church, 'man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart. it's what's inside that really counts.' but have you really let it sink into your soul?

when people spend fortunes on trying to stay looking young - what does that tell us? outer beauty is temporary. it fades. but your inner beauty, it is unfading. it will last as long as you spend your time working on it.

what is inner beauty? this passage tells us that it is a gentle and quiet spirit. it's the way you hold yourself, the way you reflect the LORD. you don't always need to be the center of attention, because you know you are loved by the One who created all.

we are beautiful for two reasons. one being that we are made in the image of God. the second is this: He loves us. don't you think that the more you come to know and understand and feel that love, the more beautiful you would be?

I believe in trying to look nice. I don't think there's anything wrong with nice clothes, hair, makeup or jewelry. to a point. it should not become our obsession, and it is important that we know it is not what matters most. do you spend more time working on your outer beauty, or your inner beauty?

I challenge you to cultivate a gentle and quiet spirit - for that is beauty that will not fade.

blessings on your day :)
love em