Our Concept of Beauty
This morning's news spoke of those who were marketing the eggs and sperm of super-models in order that people may have the opportunity to have beautiful babies. The thinking behind such actions is disturbing because of a misconception about true beauty.
This world has long portrayed the idea that intelligence and success are associated with physical beauty. The influence of the media has done much to sell the world on physical beauty. Some of the largest money-making ventures of our time are those which cater to the whims of a society trying to be attractive. Many experience problems associated with no self-esteem because of the public demand to be physically attractive. I fear we as a whole have lost sight of what real beauty is.
Solomon said, "Grace is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth Jehovah, she is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30). In context, the description of God's "worthy woman" is given ( 31:10-31). God, who looks on one's heart (character), extolls this woman's virtues because of her devotion to God and family: "...her price is far above rubies" (vs. 10). Nothing is said here of this woman's physical appearance.
God teaches that one may be outwardly beautiful but ugly inside: "As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman that is without discretion" (Proverbs 11:22). A farmer who would ring a hog's snout with 24 karat gold would illustrate total disregard for what's appropriate and valuable. So is the one who emphasizes outward appearance to the neglect of godly character. Faithful women are instructed to adorn themselves with "shamefastness and sobriety" rather than place all emphasis on outward decorations (1 Timothy 2:9-10). "And exercise thyself unto godliness, for bodily exercise is profitable for a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
- Dan Richardson
