BEAUTY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Peter 3:3–4
Supporting Texts: Psalm 45:11; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Proverbs 31:30; Isaiah 61:3; 2 Corinthians 4:16
INTRODUCTION:
In the world today, beauty is often defined by outward appearance, trends, and what is seen on the surface. Yet, the Bible presents beauty in a very different light. It reveals that true beauty transcends the physical and finds its source in God, manifesting through character, righteousness, and the inner qualities that glorify Him.
Beauty, in the biblical sense, refers to a combination of qualities that are pleasing to God and others. It encompasses spiritual virtues like purity, holiness, humility, and godliness. While the world celebrates external features, God values beauty that reflects His nature, especially the beauty of a heart that is surrendered to Him.
In this study, we will explore what true beauty is, focusing on both internal and external aspects, and how believers are called to live a life that reflects God’s beauty. We will also learn how beauty should ultimately point others to Christ.
1. THE DEFINITION OF TRUE BEAUTY
Before we delve deeper, let us define what beauty truly means from a biblical perspective.
a) Beauty is God-Defined
Beauty, according to the Bible, is not just outward appearance but a reflection of God's nature. It’s defined by God's standards, not human or cultural norms.
b) The Beauty of Holiness
Holiness is often described as beautiful in the Scriptures. God's holiness is pure and perfect, and His children are called to embody this holiness (Psalm 29:2).
c) Inner Beauty Reflects Christ
True beauty comes from within. It is the beauty of a spirit that aligns with God’s will, living out His virtues like kindness, gentleness, and patience.
d) Beauty is an Act of Worship
When we reflect God’s beauty, we are ultimately offering Him worship with our lives. The beauty of a person’s character brings honour to God (1 Peter 3:3–4).
e) Biblical Example:
Queen Esther was outwardly beautiful, but her true beauty lay in her courage, wisdom, and submission to God’s will, which brought her favour with the king (Esther 2:17).
2. GOD CREATES ALL BEAUTY
God is the origin of all beauty in the world.
a) God Created Beautiful Things
From the grandeur of the heavens to the intricate details of nature, everything that is beautiful is a reflection of God’s creative power (Genesis 1:31).
b) Beauty in Creation Points to the Creator
As we behold the beauty of creation, we should be reminded of the Creator who designed it. Creation is a testimony to God’s glory (Psalm 19:1).
c) The Divine Beauty of Christ
Jesus is described as being beautiful in His person and His actions. His compassion, love, and sacrifice are manifestations of divine beauty (Isaiah 53:2).
d) God's Beauty is Incomparable
No human beauty compares to God’s glory. The Bible calls us to worship Him in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 96:9).
e) Biblical Example:
The transfiguration of Jesus revealed His divine glory and beauty in a way that His disciples had never seen before (Matthew 17:1–2).
3. INNER BEAUTY IS WHAT GOD VALUES MOST
Outward beauty is fleeting, but inner beauty, which is rooted in a godly character, is eternal.
a) True Beauty is the Heart's Condition
The Bible teaches that true beauty comes from the heart, which should be filled with godliness, humility, and love (1 Peter 3:3–4).
b) The Beauty of a Gentle Spirit
A meek and quiet spirit is considered more beautiful to God than elaborate adornment (1 Peter 3:4).
c) Character is More Important Than Appearance
God’s focus is on the heart, not the outward appearance. Proverbs 31:30 tells us that beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
d) Spiritual Beauty Leads to Favour
The beauty of a person’s spirit attracts God’s favour, just as it did with Esther. God looks for those whose hearts are pure and who walk in integrity (Psalm 51:10).
e) Biblical Example:
Ruth’s beauty was not just physical, but her loyalty, character, and faith led to her receiving the favour of Boaz (Ruth 3:10–11).
4. THE DANGER OF WORLDLY BEAUTY
Worldly standards of beauty can be deceptive and fleeting, leading believers away from godliness.
a) Vanity of External Beauty
While physical beauty may be admired by others, it is temporary and fades with time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
b) Worldly Beauty Encourages Pride
The emphasis on outward beauty can lead to pride and self-reliance, distracting us from God’s true purpose for our lives (Isaiah 3:16–24).
c) God Desires a Humble Heart Over External Adornment
God prefers a humble heart over elaborate outward adornment. In the New Testament, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for being more focused on external appearances than the state of their hearts (Matthew 23:25–28).
d) Worldly Beauty Is a Distraction
Focusing too much on our appearance can divert our attention away from what really matters—our relationship with God and serving others (Luke 12:27–28).
e) Biblical Example:
King Saul was a man of great stature and outward beauty, but his heart was not aligned with God’s will, which led to his downfall (1 Samuel 9:2; 1 Samuel 15:10–23).
5. ETERNAL BEAUTY THROUGH CHRIST
Christ is the source of eternal beauty, and believers are called to reflect His glory.
a) Christ’s Beauty Transforms Us
As we grow in Christ, we are transformed into His likeness, which is the most glorious beauty (2 Corinthians 3:18).
b) The Beauty of Holiness
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are made holy and beautiful in God’s eyes. This beauty is not ours by nature but is given to us through Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
c) Eternal Beauty in Heaven
The beauty of heaven far surpasses anything on earth, and it is a place where the righteousness of Christ will be fully revealed (Revelation 21:18–21).
d) Reflecting Christ’s Beauty on Earth
As we are being conformed to Christ's image, we are called to reflect His beauty through our lives. This beauty will attract others to the gospel.
e) Biblical Example:
Moses’ face shone with the glory of God after he met with God on the mountain, illustrating the transformation that occurs when we encounter God’s beauty (Exodus 34:29–35).
CONCLUSION:
True beauty is far more than just external appearance; it is a reflection of a heart that is fully devoted to God. The beauty of the believer comes from within, from a life surrendered to Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This beauty draws others to the kingdom of God, as it points them to the source of all true beauty — Jesus Christ.
Let us strive to cultivate a beauty that pleases God, one that reflects His holiness, love, and righteousness. While the world may focus on physical appearance, let us remember that our true beauty lies in the transformation of our hearts through Christ.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to see and appreciate beauty the way You see it.
2. Father, transform my inner beauty and align my character with Your will.
3. I renounce every form of pride and vanity in my life in Jesus’ name.
4. May my life reflect the beauty of holiness and draw others to You.
5. Let Your beauty shine through me in all I do.
