Are You a Slave to Fashion? - A Balanced View of Fashion

Ageless Beauty

Self-confidence and satisfaction in life depend on much more than looking good.  "True happiness comes from within," writes Judy Sargent, a former anorexic sufferer.   "It cannot be gleaned from reading  the numbers off of a bathroom scale."  The Bible takes the matter a step further.  "Your beauty,"  wrote the apostle Peter, "should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God's sight." -1 Peter 3:4, Today's English Version.

The ageless beauty to which Peter refers surpasses physical charm because of its permanence and its value in the eyes of God.  Many centuries ago a wise king observed:  "Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; but the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself." -Proverbs 31:30. 

Although physical beauty may attract more attention today, many people still respect the person who displays Christian qualities. The apostle Paul exhorted Christians:  "Clothe yourselves with the new personality, . . .with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, mildness, and long-suffering.' - Colossians 3:10, 12. 

Fashion by its very nature is transient. At best, the latest style can only adorn us for a while. But any good impression we make will quickly be compromised  if our personality does not compliment our appearance.  Remember,"the fruitage of the spirit"-including the qualities of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, and self-control-never goes out of fashion. -Galatians 5:22. 23; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10. 

Next time: Are You a Slave to Fashion -A Balanced View of Fashion / Conclusion of Ageless Beauty

From the Awake! magazine