Looking In the Right Mirror
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 3:4
The world’s best fashion designers are concerned with the total look of the models they send down the catwalk. They must have perfect accessories and the right hairstyle, make-up, etc. And it’s the same with God. He created you as a whole person with specific features, personality traits, and emotional strengths. He designed you to be a vibrant, thinking, feeling and fully-functioning human being with your own unique attractiveness. But He endowed you with more than just physical appearance. He gave you talents and spiritual gifts – inner qualities He wants you to develop and use for His purposes. What you are on the inside should determine how you see yourself on the outside. When your looks determine your worth, a few extra pounds can wipe you out; so can magazine covers that trumpet beauty without character. You’re looking in the wrong mirror! The Bible says, ‘Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourself instead with the beauty that comes from within…’ (vv. 3-4). When your self-worth comes from God instead of people, you can wear a $10 outfit from a charity shop or a $1000 one from an up-scale boutique. You are fine either way, because you recognize that your outer appearance doesn’t define who you are, or determine your worth in God’s eyes. Inner beauty can’t be bought, taken off a rack, applied like make-up or put on like a new suit. It’s an ‘inside job’. So look at yourself today in God’s mirror and try to see what He values most: inner beauty.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me gifts that determine my “inner beauty” and my worth in Your Eyes – as you see me through Jesus Christ. Amen