True Beauty

As women we are often caught in the world's grip of discontent and self-indulgence. Society is constantly telling us that we should not be satisfied with who we are. With every click of the television channels, the radio stations, and the turning of pages in popular women's magazines, we find offers for books on the latest diets, articles that reveal the secrets of how to look beautiful in minutes, or how to look like the stars. Television shows like Americas Top Model says that you're beautiful if you're long and lean and can wear the latest fashions by top designers. I think the worst of all may be the cosmetic surgery that allows women to change their body image and their looks with a few months of agonizing pain and bruising.

Ladies, we are drowning in an ocean of propaganda, and some of us don't even know it. However, by the grace and mercy of God, He has given us "THE" one and only guide book to TRUE BEAUTY. In Peter's first epistle, he gives women a solid foundation to the beauty God intends for every believing woman.

Peter tells us that women are to be submissive (to their husbands), chaste, and God-fearing, not focusing on the outward adornments, but making sure that daily, we are especially concentrating on developing reverent Christ-like character, which is a beauty that is incorruptible, a beauty that is gentle and quiet. This is what God deems to be precious and invaluable in His sight. (I Peter 3:4)

So, who are we trying to please? Are we trying to keep up with the latest styles? Are we trying to be the next "Top Model"? Or are we trying to obtain a beauty that is pleasing to God and is so deep in the abyss of our souls, that it flows out through the pours of our being. Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."

Ladies, join with me in striving, today and everyday for a beauty that is deep and everlasting.