Beauty isn’t skin deep—not for the believer or for those who don’t know Jesus. A movement to see beauty in women of all shapes and sizes and the call to reject the false standards of entertainment and advertising continues to grow. From marketing campaigns using larger-sized models to local groups teaching young girls to be confident without wearing makeup, the message is clear: You are beautiful and you are powerful . . . simply by being you.
I understand the appeal of these messages. Self-esteem campaigns and inspirational quotes, however, are not the answer. The world isn’t too shy to tell us we’re powerful or even to allow us to believe we’re beautiful. And even though the devil hates us because we’re God’s much-loved children, he isn’t threatened if we have a better self-image.
We draw the battle lines when we believe that our true beauty and our value come as a result of Jesus’ death for us on the cross. The devil doesn’t feel threatened until we believe that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in us (Romans 8:11; Galatians 4:6-7).
When we believe that Jesus gave everything for us in a sacrificial, earth-shattering act of love, we become a direct threat to the kingdom of darkness (Luke 10:19; Colossians 2:13-15). People who know their worth comes from Christ Himself become spiritually powerful. For they’ll spend the rest of their days, every waking breath, looking for ways to love Jesus with their whole lives—body, soul, spirit—even as they reflect His beautiful image (Colossians 1:15).
In Christ, we’re loved and adored by our perfect, loving God (Colossians 1:22). That’s a truth far greater than anything skin-deep (Philippians 3:3; 1 John 4:17).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 20:1-19
More:
Read Colossians 3:1-4 and consider the beauty God has brought to your life.
Next:
What struggle are you facing in regard to your identity? How does God view you and the great value you possess?
Tom Felten on August 25, 2015 at 8:48 am
Regina, I’m reminded of how the sacrifice of Jesus affects every part of our lives—including our identity. When we see what He has done for us, it reveals the great value God has placed on our lives. He loves us and is for us—what an amazing, truly beautiful God!
Regina Franklin on August 25, 2015 at 11:45 am
Thanks, Tom. Knowing our identity in Christ seems like such an accessible concept. Simple in truth though it may be, centering our identity on the work of Christ is the foundation of our life in Christ. Every other role, label, or means of identification has to be secondary.
Mike Wittmer on August 25, 2015 at 9:16 pm
This is powerful, Regina, even for a guy! I needed this reminder, that my true beauty–and worth–come from Jesus. That reminds me of Colossians 2:9-10, which says we have been given fullness in Christ.