Some lessons in beauty and strength while studying the book of Esther:
"While there is nothing wrong with Christian women wanting to look nice, each woman must examine her own motives. Today's world places great emphasis on beauty-exceptionally perfect women stare at us from magazine covers. Christian women, while they can dress nicely and take care of their appearance become all encompassing...
A carefully groomed and well-decorated exterior is artificial and cold without inner beauty. Scripture does not prohibit a woman from wanting to be attractive. Beauty, however, begins inside a person. A gentle, modest, loving character gives a light to the face that cannot be duplicated by the best cosmetics and jewelry in the world. Christian women are not to try to be unattractive; instead, Paul called them to reject the world's standard for attractiveness. A Christian's adornment comes not from what she puts on, but from what she does for others" (Life Application Bible Commentary- 1 &2 Timothy & Titus, quoted in George, 40)
Lessons on beauty:
A Christian woman's appearance should be a complement to her inner spirit and never a hindrance to the kingdom of God. Beauty is more than the outward appearance. For a Christian woman "good hygiene, healthy skin care, appropriate, [modest] attire, and gracious manners are all expected to be a means of presenting an outward appearance that attracts others toward her life and ultimately gives opportunity for sharing a testimony of the Christ who dwells within her".
A woman's countenance is often a mirror of her heart; her inner peace and joy are reflected on her face. A woman's actions and attitudes are often an indication of where her roots are planted (Gal 5:22-23).
True beauty comes from within and is manifested by pure motives and a generous, unselfish spirit toward others. No beauty regimen or stylish clothes can mask an unattractive heart, unkind words, or hurtful actions. As Proverbs 11:22 says, "as a gold ring in a swine's snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion". Women of Israel wore gold rings in their noses the way we wear earrings or finger rings. Pigs were considered unclean animals and thus making the example ludicrous. A gold ring could not beautify a dirty pig. Similarly, a woman's physical beauty can cannot cover her lack of discretion (morals). Outward beauty with indiscreet conduct has no value and turns physical beauty into ugliness.
"Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees, for a man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Proverbs 31:30:
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised"
"It's refreshing to be reminded of God's standards for true beauty. Faith and character, not external appearances, are what's important to God. He cares about your heart, not your hair, or your facial features, or your figure". (George, 23)
Question is, is your heart a heart that finds favor with Him?
Lessons on Strength:
Psalm 9:9:
"The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed. A refuge in times of trouble."
Psalm 18:2:
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 23:4:
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil; for You are with me"
Psalm 46:1:
"God is our refuge and strength; A very present help in trouble."
Maintaining a beautiful character:
Proverbs 22:1:
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold."
Proverbs 11:16:
"A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches"
Proverbs 31: 25:
"Strength and honor are her clothing, she shall rejoice in time to come"
Proverbs 31:10:
"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies."
Proverbs 31:26:
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness"
Proverbs 31:30:
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised"
1 Timothy 2:9-10:
"in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works."
Graciousness- A complement to beauty
"A gracious spirit enhances a woman's demeanor, while a selfish heart tarnishes her appearance and limits her effectiveness." The word "gracious" means "pleasantly kind", "courteous", "characterized by generosity of spirit" according to modern dictionaries. The word "gracious" is used several times to describe God Himself throughout the old testament (Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 111:4). In Proverbs 11:16a, we are told that "A gracious woman retains honor". Here, we see that a gracious woman is described with the quiet victories of a beautiful character, that is honor.
The Bible gives examples of several remarkable, gracious woman. Abigail realized and accepted her husband's weak habits and poised herself before David with respect, kindness, and courtesy. Her gracious spirit eventually ends up freeing her from her marriage to a fool and she's rewarded with a marriage to King David (see 1 Sam. 25:23-42). Ruth, was a quiet woman who was gracious to her mother-in-law (even when Naomi was bitter and full of self-pity) and her perseverance complemented her beauty. Her strong character and gracious manner were eventually rewarded with a devoted husband and offspring that eventually led to the lineage of Jesus (see Ruth 4:13, 17).
Having experienced God's love and forgiveness should increase our sensitivity to one another and lead us to reflect God's Kingdom with our words and actions. Just as God is "ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness" (Neh. 9:17) so should our hearts be as we try to reflect Him, just as Eccl. 10:12 says "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious". As believers we are admonished, "as the elect of God, holy and beloved" to, as Col. 3:12-13 says, "put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another... even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do".
As godly women, our graciousness should be "the fruit of a godly character, springing from a heart committed to the Lord", so that it becomes a tool for drawing others to the Savior and for service to Christ in the Kingdom.
"True beauty and strength believes in the complete oversight of God. We find His beauty as we rest in His providence, and His strength as we count on His providence" (George, 48). "Providence means that the hand of God is in the glove of human events". -John MacArthur
References:
George, Elizabeth. Becoming a Woman of Beauty and Strength. 2001 Harvest House Publishers.
Women's Study Bible, 2nd edition. 2005, 2006 Thomas Nelson, Inc. NKJV
No comments:
Post a Comment