Beauty. It’s absolutely everywhere in our culture, isn’t it? We idolize beautiful women, or at least, those we consider beautiful according to superficial standards. Take a look at celebrities like  Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Women who are famous for good looks, sexuality, and materialism…but not much else.

A Beautiful Lie

Even Taylor Swift, a talented songwriter and singer, is losing fans because of her newfound focus on vengeance and victimization in her songs. But what ever happened to grace, values, or class? Is Hollywood and social media portraying an accurate depiction of beauty?

Ladies, we’ve been robbed. We live in a culture that says it’s wrong to be feminine or modest. We are told that beauty is in our looks and sexuality. Sin is outwardly celebrated while truth and morality is reviled.

Now that we understand the lies we’ve been fed about beauty, it’s time to uncover the truth.

The Beauty Within

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the 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. (1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV)

For some reason, a lot of people read these verses and believe that it is wrong for women to wear beautiful clothes or jewelry. That’s not true at all. Peter tells us not to let our beauty be merely from outside things.

Biblical femininity goes way deeper than frilly dresses or lipstick. It’s about gentleness, strength, dignity, purity, modesty, kindness, and compassion. These attributes aren’t raved about in the latest pop song, but they are eternal qualities that never lose their beauty.

It’s fun to be a girl–to dress up and wear makeup and jewelry. But that is not where we should base our worth. You may not have the body type or complexion that pop-culture says is beautiful, but that’s not what God thinks.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14 NIV)

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, sees women as beautiful both inside and out. He created your body, spirit, and soul. He knows what you look like, your talents and weaknesses, and your personality.

And guess what? God is absolutely crazy about you.

A Beauty That Never Fades 

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30 NIV)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Every culture has a different interpretation of what is beautiful on the outside. And with all of the trends on social media, it’s almost impossible to keep up.

But what happens when we grow older? Because we won’t stay twenty forever, and our physical features may stop being “on trend.” What happens when we ditch the charm and sensuality the world pressures us to mold ourselves into?

Close your eyes and think of a woman in your life that you love. What makes her beautiful? Is it her body shape or makeup? Or is it something deeper? Perhaps it’s her kindness, humor, or intellect. Maybe it’s her selflessness or inner strength.

Although we may not always see our outer beauty, a woman of faith and good character will always shine. No one can resist a kind smile or loving demeanor. The beauty that comes from our good deeds and acts of compassion toward humanity outweigh that of any runway model.

A woman who knows her worth in Jesus will exude a confidence that can never be shaken. It’s okay to be the way God created you to be. And it’s okay to look beautiful–inside and out.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

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