In a culture that teaches us that outward appearance is the only way to be beautiful, we stand to put to death the lie that body image equals beauty. This week's series is Becoming Beautiful, and that is exactly what we are going to do.
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"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 thing people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but The Lord looks at the heart,'" 1 Samuel 16:7.
We know what the world looks at. But God? He's not concerned with our looks. What He cares about is out hearts. David had the right mindset. After all, he was considered a man after God's own heart.
"Search me God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Se if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way of everlasting," Psalm 139:23-24.
God is the only one who knows our hearts. He knows it even better than we do. He wants to create in us a beautiful heart, but this comes with time.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2.
The word "transform" actually means metamorphosis. When a Caterpillar goes into a cocoon, there is a desperate struggle that takes time. But because of that struggle, there is a marvelous transformation from a Caterpillar into a butterfly. Sometimes we need to be broken so that God can form us into the beautiful woman that he intended us to be.
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of fine 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 fades. Have you ever met a girl that was insanely beautiful appearance-wise, but had the worst attitude? Personally, I wouldn't find that attractive. I'd probably even be a little scared to tell you the truth.
And when it's talking about a gentle and quiet spirit, I've come to believe that it's telling us not to let our minds become so loud that we can't hear the voice of God. Within my busy days I sometimes am completely distracted from God. I stop listening for Him, and let me tell you, my busy day goes downhill the moment I take God out of it.
When He is insanely present in my heart and throughout my day, I become more sensitive to His Spirit and the things He wants me to do and where He wants me to serve Him. Those are the best days.
"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone," (Sam Levenson).
Now look at this image! In my opinion, this is something that is wonderfully beautiful, and I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way. My step-mom has lung cancer and had to go through chemo and radiation. The effects of this erased her hair, eyesbrows and lashes, and bruised her nails. But she is the most beautiful woman I've ever come across!
Everyday after school or work, she'd ask me how I was doing. She's always concerned about others even after a draining process of chemo. She has her heart set on God and others.
Somehow the essence of the heart shines forth from your life. Whether it be with good or bad, is your choice.
