1 PETER 3:3–4
Who really came up with the definition of “beauty” anyway? Was it in some magazine? Was it in a book? Was it just established by culture, over time? If it’s from a magazine, it would be constantly changing with the latest fad and style. If it’s from a book, it would differ depending on the author’s opinion, background, and experience. If it’s established by culture, then you have to pick which culture has it right because in some cultures it is beautiful to be plump and in others it is beautiful to be slender. There are so many ideas floating around of what true beauty is. Some people think that a well-rounded woman is the most beautiful of all. Some think that women that have almost no body fat are the true knockouts. Some like women with flat heads or women with feet that are threes inches long. The worldly definition of beauty has many angles and perspectives. But God’s definition of beauty is completely different. It really has nothing to do with appearance, and everything to do with the heart. So many of us compare ourselves to super models or actresses that we see all around us, but we forget the alternate standard set by our God. When Christ becomes the center of our lives, His kind of beauty, true beauty, will shine through us with a radiance that is undeniable. So the next time you catch yourself looking at your “disgusting hair” or your “humongous thighs,” STOP. Turn away from the mirror and look to God to find what true beauty is.
Annie Nickel, 17, Nebraska Christian High School, Cairo, NE
Lord, I want You to be my mirror. Because when
I see myself in You, You see a person I like.