By Miss Robyn G. - 2009 Essay Contest Runner Up
What is true beauty? Well, the world’s definition of beauty is not
at all like God’s type of beauty! The world seems to think that beauty is
looking like the cover of a magazine. 1st Peter 3:3-4 NKJ says: “Do not, let
your adornment be merely outward- arranging of the a hair, wearing gold, or
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 very precious
in the sight of God.” I would much rather NOT look like a star, and have a meek
and quiet spirit, than look like a star, and not have a meek and quiet spirit.
I have nothing against beauty, but we should ultimately be more concerned about
how our heart condition is than what color we should dye our hair this week!
Webster’s 1828 dictionary’s definition of beauty is this: 1. “A
beautiful person, the chief dignity or ornament.” 2. “Joy, gladness, order,
peace, holiness, purity.”
It doesn’t say, “Beauty is looking like a celebrity,” no, but
beauty is a beautiful person or ornament. Did you notice the second definition?
Yes, it basically says that, True beauty is: “Joy, gladness, order, peace,
holiness, purity.” Now, let’s look at the Merriam Webster 1988 version:
Beauty- “Loveliness.” It, says nothing about Joy, love etc, etc!
So, as you can see, the world’s version, and God’s version are clearly two
very, very, very different things! Take for instance the Proverbs 31 woman,
Proverbs 31: 10 says: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far
above rubies.” The Proverbs 31 woman is truly, a virtuous, wise and loving
woman! She may not look like the world’s standard of beauty, but her character
is truly a beautiful woman! Proverbs 31:30 says: “Favor is deceitful, and
beauty is vain, but a woman who feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Once
again I would rather be that Proverbs 31 woman, whose character is greatly to
be praised then a celebrity, who yes, may be pretty, but what about her
character? What about her heart condition? What about her attitude? Yes, I
would much rather be that Proverbs 31 woman! 1st Samuel 16:7 says: “For man
looketh on the out-ward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
So, we have defined and found out that God does not look on the
out-ward appearance, but the heart. However, what are exactly some
characteristics of
True Beauty? Well, here are just a few:
1. A
heart devoted to God.
2. A
heart that cares.
3. A
heart that loves.
4. A
heart that is marked by purity.
5. A heart that serves and many, many more!
Sadly, though in this day and age, most girls are more concerned
about their clothing, hair, how they look, etc, etc, and could care less about
True Beauty. When one day we stand before the King of Kings, and he asks about
True Beauty are you going to be able to say: I served others, I cared, I loved,
I am devoted to you, I kept myself pure, etc, etc??? Or, will we fumble and
say, “Oh, I bought 5 cases of makeup every week, or I ONLY dyed my hair every
Monday.” Really? God, cares more about our hearts and if we have true beauty
than if we “ONLY dyed our hair every Monday.” This world really is a lost and
hurting nation! So, my challenge to you is this: Try, just try for 1 week, how
it is to serve others, love others, care for others, and be devoted to God. And
not think so much about how you look. Now I am not suggesting that you go out
looking like a raga-muffin, no,
not at all! Just try not spending
50 minutes in front of the mirror just to go shopping!
So, let’s try to be more like Jesus and caring more about True
Beauty, than looking like the cover of a magazine.
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