Beauty

I remember a time in my life when everyone couldn’t stop talking about this girl and to be frank, I didn’t get why. I didn’t know her that well and from face value she didn’t seem all that special to me. That was until I got to know her and we became friends, then it all clicked into place. I realised that her kindness and her heart drew people to her. In 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) the LORD says “...The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” God doesn’t judge us at face value and I am so glad for that because I have definitely had some very questionable style choices. Jokes aside though, I’m gradually learning to look at people’s hearts rather than their appearances, however, growing up in a world that has always placed higher value and status on people who fit the beauty standard sometimes conditions us, in a way, to do the same.

I’m sure you’ve heard the analogy of a blind man. If we could all judge each other like a blind man we wouldn’t have the option of judging someone's appearance, but rather their character. However, there is a downside to this… imagine all the miraculous creatures and enchanting sights we would miss seeing. I believe that God made it so that we appreciate each other's beauty, not use it as an indicator of someone’s worth.

Looking in from another perspective, we are all subject to this judgmental world, scrutinizing our looks and clothes. While you’re busy judging others, some are judging you! It can ultimately factor into how you see yourself. You may even feel irrelevant or unworthy. A verse that gets me through these insecurities is Psalms 139:14 (NIV) which says “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This verse reminds me that I was made by the Creator of this intricate universe and the meticulously planned world we live in. He makes beautiful and breathtaking things. Who’s to say that we aren’t as miraculous as all His other creations?

So how can we navigate through these problems? Well, for starters, we should pray to stop judging people based on how they look. Appearance isn’t the ultimate measure for everything that someone has to offer. We should try and look at each other like God does, seeing people’s hearts. When you’re on the receiving end of judgment, remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You were sculpted by God! The Most High. Don’t question your worth because of other people’s opinions of you. And remember that beauty is like an acquired taste. No one can judge you fully from face value, they have to get to know you first. It is your heart that matters and I pray that the Holy Spirit shines through all of us so that we may represent the LORD better and show the true beauty that comes from Him!