The Weight of Beauty

Yesterday, as I watched this video, I really began to question why we put so much weight on our outward appearance and why women have such a negative perception of themselves. I mean, sure, I like to look nice! I wear makeup and jewelry and I enjoy shopping for new clothes as much as the next girl. But if I was asked to describe myself /my features, what would I say? Would I be harsh about the way I look? I can almost assuredly say I would point out the dark circles under my eyes, and possibly the accidentally too-short hair cut I was given, and even that my smile slightly leans to one side. I know my weight would play a huge part in how I described myself. Why are those the things that I would point out first? Why have I put so much weight on these areas?

Women have always been hyper sensitive about their looks. In general it is because of what they have been told about themselves or what is being portrayed as beautiful by the culture of their time. Our society puts great value on style, allure and good looks, which has in turn, bred many insecurities into the hearts of women across the world. Consistently, the world implants thoughts and ideas into our minds about the way we should look. Today, with the constant barrage of media and technology, we are more self-aware of our seemingly numerous imperfections than any other time in history! Women are being drawn to eating disorders, over-spending, having surgical procedures, becoming depressed and some have even gone so far as to commit suicide because of the way they look. It is a Tragedy!

We must do something to change the way we perceive ourselves and teach other young women and children what real beauty is. When we look to the Bible for answers of the importance of our outward appearance, we find a very different view of beauty. Simply put, the way the world views beauty is not how God views it at all!

1 Peter 3:3-5  "Do not let your adorning be external- the braiding of the hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of the gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

1 Samuel 16:7  "...For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Proverbs 31:30  "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

I fully realize appearance is important to some degree. People judge us daily by the way we look. However, we need to learn to keep it in perspective. If we want to portray the characteristics of Christ within us we must ask ourselves these questions:

1. Does my focus on my appearance take my eyes off the Lord?
2. Am I portraying characteristics that are becoming of the woman God is calling me to be? 
3. Do I focus more time, energy, and thoughts on my appearance than I am spending with the Lord?

Although we live in a very superficial world, I challenge you to use God's Word as your guide in all circumstances. Does Paul not say in Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect"? Let us look to scripture that tell us how we should present ourselves, not to the world. Let us put less weight on our physical appearance and more weight on the work of Jesus in the transformation of our heart and mind.

1 Timothy 2:9 "likewise women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control...

Have you ever struggled with body image and physical appearance? Share your story!