“Beauty is Only Skin Deep”

I Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

In 1966, the Temptations, a musical group, recorded “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” which was a hit single.  Each year the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Women in the World” list is published.  To define beauty, it speaks of their hair, nose, eyes, body shape and careers.  Women and men alike spend an inordinate amount of time and money to achieve what the world considers beautiful.  Though it is important to have an attractive appearance, it is not wise to invest all of your energy on outward appearances.  Pride (vanity, self-importance, narcissism) is the result of focusing only on the outward appearance.  Lucifer (Satan) was a seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.  But pride overtook his heart, and sin caused him to be kicked out of heaven.  God sent Samuel to look for a king among Jesse’s sons to replace King Solomon. Samuel focused on their faces and their muscular bodies, but God chose David not because of his outward appearance but because of his heart.  God is looking for those whose beauty originates from the heart and manifest itself on the outside.  Don’t get caught up in what the world defines as beauty, but rather, invest time into those qualities that God is looking for:  love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, sincere faith and humility.  God rejects the proud but gives grace (favor) to the humble.

Scripture References:  Ezekiel 28:13,17; Proverbs 16:5; I Timothy 1:5; James 4:6

Prayer for today:  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  In JESUS name, AMEN.

Photo Credit: Dito Von Teese

Whatever you must do today, there is a grace for that.  Accept the grace and make it a sweatless day.

Love

Dianne