What does God have to say about Beauty?
CONVERSATIONS:
When I take a walk in the park, or a drive to the countryside, I’m struck by the beauty of nature. God’s artistry can be seen in the blazing bright colors of a sunset by the beach or an awesome deep blue sky and pastel clouds.
Then there are the wonders of the ocean depths and the amazing varieties of flowers and trees…
“And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. ..” Genesis 2: 9
Even God’s timing is beautiful. He is never hurried but is never late.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. “ Ecclesiastes 3:11
From the very start, God created a beautiful and not just functional world. Clearly God is a lover of beauty.
But the world and Hollywood has its own concept of beauty to the point that it idolizes its’ creations and makes them “gods”.
Let’s see what God says about beauty:
1. Be Discerning. Don’t be easily impressed. A Person’s Outward Appearance is never the indicator of a person’s Character.
In plain language, just because a person looks good on the outside, doesn’t automatically mean he is a good person on the inside.
There are handsome jerks out there too!
Here’s what God told Samuel, when Israel was going crazy over Saul’s height and handsomeness:
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Q. Have you met anyone whose outward appearance didn’t match his inner character?
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2. Do not neglect cultivating a godly, beautiful spirit.
Q. Do you spend more time and effort on improving your outward appearance? How much time and effort do you take to develop your inner character?
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“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 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: 3-4 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31: 30
3. Focus daily on the beauty and favor of the Lord.
It is interesting how “the beauty of the Lord” is also described as the “favor of the Lord” in these verses in Psalm 90:17
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands” (ESV)
“And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us…”(KJV)
“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4
How does God’s standard of beauty differ from social media?
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Q. Which concept of beauty do I expose myself more to?
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PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the Creator and the Author of beauty. Open my eyes to see what is beautiful in your sight. Help me focus my attention on what is really valuable and lovely from your point of view.
Make me a person not just of outward appearance but one with valuable inner qualities of character, honesty, humility and integrity.
Most of all, may I take the time to behold Your glory and the beauty of Your Word on a daily basis, in Jesus Name. Amen.
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