“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.”
—1 Peter 3:3 NIV
Throughout the Scriptures we read of women who were described as beautiful and thus considered more desirable to men. Genesis 29:17 says Rachel was “beautiful of form and face,” while her sister, Leah, had “weak” eyes, which resulted in Jacob seeking to marry Rachel and Leah remaining unloved (Gen. 29:31). And Scripture tells us Esther’s beauty caused her to win favor with the king and be chosen as his queen.
Reading accounts like these has caused some women, myself included at one time, to think that without some form of physical beauty, rejection and loneliness would be our lot. Men too may read scriptures about Abraham and Solomon gaining great wealth or Samson having great strength and think their value comes from being strong, handsome, or prosperous.
But in Jeremiah 9:23–24, the Lord speaks a different word to us. He tells us not to boast of wisdom, might, and riches but to boast that we know the One who bestows loving kindness, justice, and righteousness. And in 1 Peter 3:3 we find that our beauty should not come from outer adornment. “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves” (1 Pet. 3:4–5, NIV).
Beloved, to discover true, lasting strength and beauty, reject the idea that your identity, value, and lot in life result from your outward appearance and material success. The Lord says today, “Do not fear rejection and failure, but pursue Me.” You have been bought with the blood of Jesus, and the Lord will not allow you to fail. He will bless you, keep you, and make His beautiful face to shine upon you. As you pursue God to receive Father’s love and beauty, you will most assuredly glow with His glory and strength, and speak with His profound wisdom.
Holy Spirit, shepherd me. Lead me even in the care of my body and what to wear each day. You are the master Artist who created me perfectly. So now, Father, come fill me with Your love and adorn me with Your Spirit so that Your glory, power, and goodness shine from me into this world.
Cynthia Schneider, From Passover to Pentecost (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2021), Used by permission.
