"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18
What is beauty? The world has its own standards of beauty and it’s mostly motivated by the media. Whatever and whoever mass media portrays as attractive is what the world aspires to look like. When I was growing up thin was in. Now it seems a more curvier body type is more acceptable and deemed attractive. Some are getting plastic surgery, breast implants, butt implants, and other procedures all for the sake of beauty. They often go overboard. One procedure leads to another and another. They are never quite content with what they see in the mirror. Never satisfied with the outside because there’s a void on the inside; Jesus.
True beauty is simply reflecting Jesus. Reflecting His glory by our conduct, character, attitude, and our capacity to love and serve others. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with getting our hair done, putting on makeup, and dressing nice but that’s not what’s important. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing clothes for putting on fine apparel rather let it be the hidden person of the heart with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God.” The inward beauty that’s eternal. The beauty of holiness. The beauty of our Heavenly Father.
You know how women go on makeover shows to get made over with hair, clothes and makeup? Well I’d like to share a few spiritual beauty tips to makeover our inner man from head to toe. Ready? Let’s go!
Head
Hair is all the rage these days. So many different styles, wigs, extensions, and colors. I’m guilty of being just a little too concerned and preoccupied with hair. Instead of me being so overly concerned about what is going on my head, I should be more concerned about what’s going on inside of my head. Renewing my mind, having the mind of Christ, aligning my thoughts with His word. My head crowned with wisdom from above. That’s what’s important and that should be our priority.
We also must be mindful to stop the enemy at the gate of our minds. The enemy will try to flood our minds with lies. If you know somebody is a liar, you know you can’t believe anything they say. The devil is a liar! Don’t believe Him. Only believe what thus says the Lord.
Eyes
I like to fix my eyes with eyeliner, mascara and sometimes on a good day a little eyeshadow. There’s nothing wrong with that but God wants our spiritual eyes fixed on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our eyes must be open to the truths in His word. “We must seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”(Matthew 6:33) We must also be very careful about what we’re looking at on social media, television, and movies. Often negative images can desensitize us. Even worse when we look at these things long enough they can become a thought, and a thought can become an action. An action becomes sin, and that becomes a problem. We must keep the word of God before our eyes. And here’s an extra beauty tip about the eyes; Beautiful eyes are open to see the needs of others.
Ears
I love earrings. My favorite are hoops and I like them big. Although I have downsized with age. But our spiritual ears should be open to the word of God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) To truly hear we must take time out to listen. Jesus said my sheep hear my voice and they follow Me. (John 10:27) This takes getting into the word of God and quieting yourself before Him. Getting so close that you even hear the whispers.
Mouth
Now I have this thing for lipstick and lip gloss. When I tell you that I never, ever need to buy another lipstick or lip gloss I mean it. God is working on me. I am also a “foodie.” I love to eat, especially sweets. I often say to myself, “God didn’t deliver me from alcohol to be bound by a donut.” I’m attempting to be funny here, but in all seriousness, I can be encouraged by Matthew 15:11, “Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Are we building up or tearing down with the things that we are saying? Is God being glorified by what we are speaking? “Life and death and are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Speak life!
Heart
We must be imitators of Christ and have His heart towards others. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8) Our hearts must be pure and this takes a thorough examination of the heart. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Beauty is pain?” Like getting your eyebrows plucked or wearing those high heels. Well attaining inner beauty can be painful as well. Some things that God reveals to you that are hidden in secret chambers of your heart may be painful. Mainly because the truth hurts, but the truth also sets us free.
Jesus was moved with compassion. Jesus wept. Are we weeping for the downtrodden? Are our hearts breaking for the lost? That’s God’s heart. A beautiful heart that He can use for His glory.
Hands
Now I enjoy a nice manicure from time to time. But mainly our hands must be quick to serve. Our hands must be extended open and ready to meet the needs of others. Hands that glorify God are helping hands. Also, beautiful hands are lifted to the heavens giving glory and honor to God.
Feet
Our feet must be shed for the preparation of the gospel of peace. Our steps must be ordered by the Lord and we must always walk by faith.
What to Wear
Now that we’re all made up we need to get dressed. Proverbs 31:25 says, “Strength and honor are her clothing.” How beautiful is that! “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) Breathtaking!
Each day is a process of putting on Christ’s attributes and putting off the flesh so that we may be transformed into God’s image, by the power of the Holy Spirit. All else is vanity. Natural beauty fades. I’m seeing more gray hairs, and a few fine lines on my face. Gravity is kicking in but I can take heart! Inwardly I’m getting renewed day by day. (2Corinthians 4:16) Yes, as I seek God I’m getting more beautiful every passing day on the inside and that is what matters to God. Altogether lovely.
