THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/PHYSICAL BEAUTY

A healthy attitude toward physical beauty can mean the difference between happiness and unhappiness.

Why do we appreciate beauty?

In ways that are still a mystery, the human brain perceives beauty.   The Bible does not explain how this happens, but it does reveal why we have an aesthetic sense:  God endowed us with his attributes (Genesis 1:27;  Ecclesiastes 3:11)  He also created the highly complex human body, giving it amazing form and function. In that regard, an ancient songwriter said:  "I praise you [God] because in an awe-inspiring way I am wonderfully made." -Psalm 139:14. 

Today, though, attitudes toward beauty are often unbalanced-a trend promoted by the fashion industry and the popular media.  According to the book Body image, a number of studies in Western cultures  "suggest that body image is the single most important factor in person's overall self-image."   Such a narrow focus, however, can mean ignoring something far more important-and individual's heart. -1 Samuel 16:7.  

Hand in hand with the focus on the body is growing overemphasis on sexuality, especially that of women.  "Virtually every media form studied," says a 2007 American Psychological Association (APA) report, "provides ample evidence of the sexualization of  women."  The Bible firmly encourages us to avoid being influenced by such trends-and for good reason! -Colossians 3:4, 6. 

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/PHYSICAL BEAUTY - Why is it wise to have a balanced view

From the Awake! magazine