INNER BEAUTY

“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 NLT
~~~~~

America women spend $20 billion annually on cosmetics; $300 million on cosmetic surgery; $33 billion on dietary products. I couldn’t find any numbers on what men spend on bodybuilding, and whatever they feel will make them more attractive, but it must also be an astronomical figure.

Looking our best is important for all of us, but true beauty is more than what meets the eye. There is an INNER BEAUTY which is of greater importance. One of my nieces, who is a genealogist, recently posted some “Old Walker Photos” on Facebook. I could hardly recognize myself in some of those pictures. While people commonly judge us by what meets the eye – "the Lord looks at the heart.” I am wondering, as he looks at our hearts, what character traits does he see in us?

Peter wrote about a “beauty that comes from within.” Paul prayed that God “would empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your heart as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”

According to the scriptures, if we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives, “the Lord—who is the Spirit—will make us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” That is the true INNER BEAUTY which the Lord is looking for!!