Inner Beauty vs Outer Beauty

While painting the barn the other day, I got to thinking,  Oh, wait a minute. Maybe I had better back up a little. I can just hear you say. “What is she talking about now and what is she doing painting a barn at her age.” Let me explain.

One of my favorite bible teachers has made the remark quite often, if the barn needs painting, paint it. Its ok to wear makeup and to put on jewelry and care about ones appearance.  Its only when these things become obsessions and get in the way of our love for God that they can become sinful.

Inner beauty is enduring. Outer beauty, on the other hand, can fade very quickly. Some hang on to this outer beauty with a vengeance and the world is all too ready to feed this hunger.

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should reflect the beauty of God’s holiness. Too often we are much more concerned with the out side then we are with the inside.

1Cor 6:19-20  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1Peter 3:3-4  Do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel–

rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

So you see, I was painting the barn. Hum, it seems to take longer these days.