In today's society, most women feel pressured to maintain a picture-perfect image, which causes us to emphasize our outer appearance. We ensure every social media post captures angles that showcase a perfect life. However, I don’t want to reach the end of my life and realize I’ve got it all wrong.
Appearance
I used to believe having a good appearance meant wearing expensive clothes and looking your best at all times, but as I went through life experiences, I slowly realized that there is more to our appearance than just how we look or what we wear. Who we are at the core and what’s within shapes our appearance.
As I was reading my bible, a verse God used to renew my mind is 1 Peter 3:3-4 which states, “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
I haven’t always been aware of this, but our appearance is related to our conduct. I’ve studied beautiful women who conducted themselves with such elegance and grace, which made them more beautiful. Then, I studied beautiful women who operated with such pride and arrogance, which made their beauty distasteful. The important lesson I’ve learned from this observation is humility is much more appealing than pride. Humility has a beauty that pride cannot replicate. Learning this has inspired the woman I am becoming.
A woman of a gentle and quiet spirit is a woman who carries a humility that changes people's lives. Because of her willing heart, she submits herself to God’s will and uses The Word of God as a stepping stone for her path. So, in all she does, wisdom and honor follow. Her conduct is with consideration and kindness. She is delightful and is a pleasure to have around. And when no one is watching, she dresses with integrity and righteousness. Because of her holiness, she exemplifies Christ. Oh, what an extraordinary appearance of a woman like this.
As much as we aim for perfection in our outer appearance, it is our inner appearance that invites the favor of God in our lives. Before God Sent Samuel to anoint David, he said, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Most people say when you look good, you feel good, but I firmly believe that when you do good, you feel good.
Linda Smith