I was reading recently that Beauty is a $532 billion industry and based on certain trends, is rapidly moving upward. This is really not surprising especially since we are constantly being bombarded by advertisements designed to lure women into believing that we always need to buy something else to get the perfect look or the perfect “glow”.  We need the right skin care line, the latest makeup line and clothing to enhance our various body types. The down-side to all this is that many women are struggling with low self esteem because they believe that somehow they don’t measure up. Today I feel led to remind my sisters about the type of beauty that truly matters. 

The Bible is not silent on how we ought to carry ourselves as Kingdom women, with modesty being the hallmark. Admittedly modesty can vary based on culture and personal taste but in essence, most of us as women get that inner nudge from the Holy Spirit  when we put on something that misses the mark.  

 In 1 Peter 3:1-4 we read in part “…Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

Although the text is addressed to wives and is dealing primarily with the issue of submission,  I believe there is something for all of us as women as it relates to true beauty. Here, the distinction is made between the outer self (physical body) and the inner self (the spirit), followed by the fact that beauty for the Godly woman should not be measured by her outward adornment, namely; expensive clothing, elaborate hairstyles, costly jewelry etc. This is NOT an indication that there is anything sinful about nice clothes, jewelry or hairstyles. However, the point being made is that these things are superficial and fading.  The Godly woman’s true beauty is found in the inner self, in the form of a gentle and quiet spirit. It is with the inner self that we have the ability to love, show kindness and compassion, humility and submission, and it is these qualities that make us truly beautiful.   

As women we love to look and feel beautiful but we have to be careful lest we be lured away by the world’s standard.  We ought to carry ourselves well, but we remember that  outer beauty is fleeting. It is the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that is unfading and is of great worth in the sight of God.

Shalom!