Our definition of beauty is shaped by many things. By the age of 5, we have our definitions in place. We look around and see beauty in different places for different reasons. We may stop for a moment and marvel at a sunrise. A sweet melody can elicit a wonderful memory. A new friendship can be a beautiful thing. Physical attractiveness in another person, or a horse running across a green pasture can stop us in our tracks. Cars and houses can be considered things of beauty.
What we define as beautiful isn't as important as the appreciation of it. Taking the time to appreciate beauty is something that God asks us to do. Recognizing His handy work and giving credit to Him can play a big part in how we perceive both beauty and ugliness.
We all know people who are beautiful on the outside and ugly on the inside. After a few encounters, the individual no longer looks quite as attractive and eventually their company is not pleasurable. Of course we are all attracted to physically beautiful things, however, we must stop to take into consideration what that beauty represents. ( Satan loves to use beautiful things to keep us apart from God.) Our desire to own and control beautiful possessions can overthrow common sense and perspective. We place too much importance on the wrong things...
We spend large amounts time and money trying to improve our own physical appearance, when really, our self worth has nothing to do with what we look like. God created us in His image, therefore we are beautiful. It really is that simple! Jesus was the most beautiful person ever created. Crowds were drawn to Him everywhere He went, and no doubt He radiated light and goodness. He was dirty from walking for hours at a time, and there is no evidence that he stopped to comb his hair before speaking, yet He was attractive.
Today, when your mind gets full of judgements about physical appearance, pray this prayer:
Lord, You created me with a beautiful person in mind! Allow the Holy Spirit to work within me, and refresh my inner loveliness so that others may see it. Help me to dismiss my earthly ideas of what my appearance should be like so that I may focus on serving you to the best of my ability. I know that is what ultimately makes a person beautiful, just like Jesus! AMEN
Proverbs 19:22
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