Shakespeare’s words paint a bleak and unflattering portrait of beauty. Here are other less-than-complimentary words and phrases frequently associated with descriptions of beauty: Temporary. Quickly fading. Only skin deep. Shallow. Trivial. Superficial. Empty. There are numerous others that could be noted.
Growing up, my mother often reminded me that “pretty is as pretty does.” She was sweetly reminding her frequently vain child that real beauty is not external. True beauty is rooted in the heart and demonstrated in words and actions.
In those tender years, I understood, to a limited degree, what she meant, but I had no idea of the truth or depth of her statement.
This past weekend, I had the privilege and joy to spend Friday evening and Saturday with more than sixty uniquely beautiful women. Women from all walks of life and ages from fifteen to ninety-two. Business and medical professionals, ministry leaders, teachers, artists, homemakers, students, retirees, and everything in between.
The socioeconomic backgrounds of each of these women differ. Their life experiences and opportunities, as well as their spiritual heritages, are varied. These women came in all shapes and sizes, with interests, talents, and skills that run the gamut.
And yet, these women, each in her own way, exuded a beauty that was impossible to miss. It showed on their faces, sparkled in their eyes, warmed their smiles, and rang out in their laughter. Yes, indeed. They were—are beautiful.
If passed quickly on the street, heads may or may not have turned. These women are not attention-seekers, not self-promoters, nor packaging themselves for others’ attention.
Their goal is not to impress the world; their primary aim is to please their Lord.
Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not trying to paint a portrait of a meeting room filled with holier-than-thou saints who never falter, never fail, and never disappoint. They are real women who have chosen first and foremost to let the love of God shine through them.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV
Happily, over the years, I have met many like-minded and heart-devoted believers who carry the beauty of their Savior wherever they go – godly women…and god-loving men. It’s true; godly beauty isn’t reserved just for the feminine gender.
True beauty does not rely on facial features; it emanates from the heart. It is a reflection of the beauty of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
True beauty carries the certainty of its identity as a child of God, the comfort of a redeemed and restored relationship with the holy and just God, and the confidence of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
True beauty is careful to keep short accounts with God. That means wrong actions, bad attitudes, and misaligned priorities are quickly acknowledged, confessed, and repented so that the light of Jesus, the source of our beauty, can continue to reflect and shine on through us.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart…. Ecclesiastes 3:11a ESV
The beauty this world offers is temporary, shifting, empty, shallow, and quickly fading. But the beauty that God offers each and every one of His children never fades, and it never dies.
It’s a beauty that grows more vividly the closer we stand to our Savior.
It’s a beauty that extends past the parameters of time. It is an eternal beauty that will one day be perfected when we meet the Source of All Beauty face to face.
…for the name of the LORD your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because He has made you beautiful.” Isaiah 60:9 ESV
Until then, it is a blessing beyond description to fellowship, worship, pray, grow, and serve with believers who are reflecting the beauty of God in thought, word, and deed.
Friend, are you standing close enough to your Savior to reflect His beauty to those around you? The closer you walk with the Savior, the more you will grow in head and heart knowledge of Him, and the more beautiful you will become.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalm 16:6 ESV