Adornments

The book of Esther begins with a Queen named Vashti. The bible describes her as beautiful and lovely to look at. All who gazed upon her would think that she had it all. Royalty, servants, wealth and looks. But we quickly learn that appearances are not always what they seem. Behind her outward beauty and worldly luxuries was a defiant heart that resulted in her being removed from her position as Queen and exiled.

Believe it or not we can all relate with her story. As women we are constantly looking and comparing ourselves with others be it in the check out line at the grocery store, looking at magazine covers, social media posts, at church and even at work.

Our minds wonder how nice it would be if only we had her life, her wealth, her body and her beauty. But often behind the outward appearances is another story.

Our society says that beauty is only skin deep but God says our beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 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.

Every day we decide what to wear, how to do our hair and make up and what jewelry will compliment our outfits. Often our thoughts are of who we will impress by our appearance or who we are afraid of being compared too.

But what if we started asking ourselves, “What adornments am I adding to the inside? Am I dressing for the day with a gentle and quiet spirit? Am I choosing to set my mind on the things of God and see the world and others as He does?”

What a difference that would make in our lives and the lives of others if we saw them as they truly are – His creation. What if we remembered that they too are His beloved daughters. And what if, instead of comparing and judging them we prayed for them to know their true beauty in Him?

Imagine the confidence that it would give you to know that when others looked at you they see the real you. The beautifully and wonderfully made Daughter of the King that you are! No adornment can come close to the inner beauty that is unfading and of great worth in God’s sight.

Be Intentional about adorning your inner beauty

Praises & Prayers

Father, please forgive me for constantly comparing and judging others by their outward appearances. You created each and everyone from Your heart of love and I pray that I will see them as You do. Help me to intentionally work on my inner beauty and developing a right heart and spirit within me. Thank you for Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

1 Peter 3: 3-4

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 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.