Beauty Matters
“And all of us, with unveiled faces, reflecting like bright mirrors the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same likeness, from one degree of radiant holiness to another, even as derived from the Lord the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18—WEYMOUTH
I got a call today from a friend with a skin care business that has an “anti-aging” line of products. Why she’s calling me, I wonder…ha!
So I got to thinking, what makes a woman beautiful? Poor Eleanor Rigby, who “picked up a face that she kept in a jar by the door” never figured it out. Make no mistake, external beauty matters: what we wear, the style of our hair, the shade of lipstick—for God created nature beautiful, as well as functional.
But it’s the adorning of our hearts that should occupy our thoughts. Five minutes at the cosmetic counter won’t fix this. Only as we behold our Savior and His loveliness that we can be “made over” and this takes a life time!
3 comments
Joy | July 2, 2010
Hello Cathe! I'm Joy, a neophyte missionary. This is my first visit to your site and already I am so blessed. I hope you don't mind if I post some of your articles on FB...of course, I wouldn't fail to give due credits to you =)
Your ministry is very helpful in terms of spiritual health and nourishment for women like me who serve God in the field. As a single lady, I only have God to cling to when I'm in the field.
God bless you and may you continue on with this great ministry.
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Gail Sims | July 6, 2010
I am just terrible about aging, and I use those anti-aging products. I never thought of them as being wrong. I must reconsider this and pray about it. I would like for you all to pray for me.
Thank You
Jo | July 7, 2010
Hello Gail,
I wouldn't worry about the use of anti-aging products, they are not wrong. God cares more about our inward person than our outward person. What Cathe is trying to convey is that our adornment should be our good works, not primarily our wearing of makeup, jewelry, or hairstyles or the use of anti-aging creams as this article comments. Therefore it's okay to do what we need to pretty-up the outside of our bodies, but that should not be our primary focus as women of God. I have heard Greg say, "If the barn needs painting, paint it", meaning it's okay to pretty yourself on the outside, just don't forget to "pretty up" the inside with our good works.
I hope that helps you, God Bless You!
JO
rebecca | July 9, 2010
I like your answer JO! It is only when the concern for the outside is put first that it can become a problem.
I just turned 50 and can honestly say I am exercising for health reasons, not just to look better.
It takes time, prayer, and growth to balance it all!
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RebekaahB | July 21, 2010
I look at aging as a sign of maturity. If we were to be young looking without a blemish here or a wrinkle there...God would have created us to stay that way. Aging is a sign of wisdom, and knowledge, just like white or gray hair. I appreciate every single one of them. Jo is right, it is your inward beauty that counts! Stand strong and be proud of those wrinkles or aging signs. Besides, the older you look, the more respect others will treat you with...in most cases. I am thankful to be able to just say I am upright and breathing daily. Don't fret those aging dilemmas that society says are wrong. That is of the world, not of God's plan! I feel that we should pray for most everything we need, not what we want. He gives us what we need and that includes aging signs! God created you to be the unique you. You were born naked and so shall we leave that way. Don't forget why you're putting on make-up or using creams and what nots. Is it for you, for others, or is it God pleasing? HE said come as you are. That is what matters most. Don't get me wrong, I like my make up and nice clothes here and there, but think about this: When we are called home will it really matter if I have ten more wrinkles than I'd like or if my lipstick doesn't match the dress my family may clothe me in? What? Will I wake up and say, "Oh honey, you gave me the wrong shade! Will you fix it so I can be on my way and go home now, after all, HE is waiting?" NO! God bless us all if all we do is worry about what Hollywood labels as wrong...I concern myself with what the true HOLYwood says is right!
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