Something Better Than Cosmetics

AFTER referring to "outward aids" that woman used as beauty enhancers, the apostle Peter  advised:  "Instead, your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greater value in God's sight." -1 Peter 3:3, 4, Today's English Version. 

Interestingly, when the apostle wrote of such external adornment, he used a form of the Greek word ko'smos, which is also the root of the English word"cosmetic" meaning "making for beauty esp[ecially] of the complexion." Was Peter imposing on Christian women a prohibition relative to the use of make-up and other similar beauty aids?  There is nothing in God's Word that suggests that. Rather, it allows for personal decision on this matter, so a degree of variation in taste can be expected.  

However, if the application of makeup is overdone, (which a lot of women do, to the extent of looking like some on street corner selling their personal assets, if you know what I mean) or done to a degree the disturbs many others, what message is conveyed.  (No guess work there! Tramp, to put it politely.)  Is it not one of harshness, brashness, gaudiness, ostentation, or narcissism?  Indeed, it can cheapen a woman's appearance,  (not to mention some of the clothes some women wear) possibly giving the wrong impression as to moral character. (You think?)  -Compare Ezekiel 23:36-42.

Note:  If a woman feels the true need of makeup, then it should be done tastefully like a  natural complexion, as if you are not wearing any at all. Believe me you will see the difference and I believe will get more compliments from men. If a man likes makeup overdone, then there is something wrong with him and is not being truthful to you.)  

In recognition of this, a woman "professing  to reverence God" will endeavor, if she chooses to apply cosmetics, to have her face reveal the signatures of soundness of mind, gentleness, kindness, and modesty. Such qualities will enhance her grace and charm. In fact, whether she chooses to wear makeup or not, she will manifest a dignity and inner beauty.  This will reflect her knowledge that, as Peter's words quoted above imply, there is something better than cosmetics. -1 Timothy 2:9, 10. 

Note: Ladies, please do not let society tell you how to eat, dress, put on makeup, buy your clothes or anything else, because they are just doing this to make these businesses rich off of you.  Like God said, beauty should come from within, meaning having a good personality.  For some, who do not have a nice personality, all the makeup in the world is not going to help them be beautiful either way.  I have seen it for myself in some women.  Think about that.  When I was  a little younger, I did not like to wear makeup, but I did for a short time for my boyfriend. I wore my makeup lightly and like naturally  and men would tell me I was either beautiful or very pretty.  That was before I found God. Now,   I just want to please him, because at the of the day, that is the person you really want to please the most, because he can do more for you and will be the judge in the end  when the time comes. Society's judgment doesn't count.  Be true to yourself, always. Okay? 

Next time: Where Can You Find Inner Peace? - Can Your Find Inner Peace>

From the Watchtower magazine, 1999