Sermon On A Pulchritudinous World

Onyeuche Godson, a Nigerian-born author, public speaker and teacher once remarked: “Pulchritude cannot make an attitude, unless an attitude is appreciated with a pulchritudinous awareness.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 confirms: “Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear - But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.”

Pulchritude is defined as beauty or attractiveness. It usually refers to the quality or state of a person’s appearance. Although pulchritude is not a particularly alluring word that has seen little use in language, except for humorous effect, to some, it suggests the obverse in meaning. Zadie Smith, an English novelist, essayist and short story writer once remarked: “Pulchritude - beauty where you would least suspect it, hidden in a word that looked like it should signify a belch or a skin infection.”

However, despite this thinking, there is nothing to doubt the integrity or scope of the word. Conceivably, it may represent any type of beauty. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”

Beauty signifies a combination of qualities that please. However, there are many forms that it can take. It has been suggested that beauty could be categorized as: Extravagant, Transgressive, Emergent, Transformative, Ethereal, Intricate and Elemental.

Thus, in its fellowship, it could also be related to the beauty of God’s creation. In the beginning, God made heaven and earth. Colossians 1:16-17 confirms: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

When we look simplistically at the beauty of the world, we may see it from several different perspectives. At first glance, our eyes inform us that it consists primarily of vast amounts of land, sea, sky, stars, a sun and the moon. These are the elements that are visible to sight and provide their own definitive purpose. Unspoilt beautiful scenery can provide a sense of equanimity. Our hearts may feel calm and at peace from the troubles that prevail worldwide. Stress and anxiety can flow from our bodies like the ebbing of a river back into the depths of the sea, while we remain static in a surreal state of mind.

If we seek a relationship with God, this tranquil state of mind may resemble more permanence. With the inbuilt assurance that God can provide love, guidance and protection, we will feel more steadfast within ourselves. 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Beauty, in its many forms, is inherent from God. Just as land is formed of mountains, valleys, trees, plants of varying species and every creature that remains fundamental to life, so God, Himself, is the same. Beauty does not have to be in the eye of the beholder with just an external observation, it should encompass an internal aspect as well. God constantly focuses on our inner beauty. 1 Samuel 16:7 confirms: “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Beauty can create radiance and radiance signifies effulgence. If we can remove the darkness in our lives through the constant power and brilliance of God, then His light will never dim. 1 John 1:5-9 confirms: “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Cecil Frances Alexander wrote the hymn: “All Things Bright And Beautiful” which was published in 1848. It is often sung in many Christian churches and denominations throughout the world. The first verse encapsulates the beauty of God’s world. It states: “All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.”