Beauty

What is beauty?  When doing a Google search of "beautiful", the images that came onto my screen were those of women.  Some were brides, most were models, all were thin with flawless skin, shiny flowing hair and perfect make-up.  When searching the word "beauty" I found images of Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian, among websites for everything from make-up and plastic surgery to diet programs.  What does this say about our culture?  What does this say about where / how you find your beauty?  What does the Bible say?

Psalm 139:14 "I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Proverbs 31:3 "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

What is vanity?  The definition is essentially "excessive pride in ones abilities, accomplishments, appearance, achievements."  Have you ever met a vain person?  I have known some.  Heck, I've been vain.  It is so much easier to trust in your own abilities and accomplishments, but the problem is that when you do so, pride becomes all encompassing.  It is blinding.  It ends up being crippling.  The vain / proud people I've known actually ended up being quite ugly and sad when all was said and done.

It is important for us to be good stewards with what God has given us.  That includes taking care of our body with the proper diet and a reasonable exercise regimen.  There is no reason you can't wear make-up, great shoes and new styles.  The issue is really recognizing that we are a masterpiece in our very being, without anything added or modified. 

Read Psalm 139.  Don't forget that YOU are a masterpiece.