Beauty Secrets

I grew up in the days when we covered ourselves in baby oil at the beach to make every ray count. At 64, I’m willing to try all kinds of things to reverse the effects of that bad idea. Exfoliating is important in removing the dirty and dead, to reveal the clean and living. And in this we find our spiritual analogy. In Christ, rejuvenation and fresh starts are limitless and always. He provides renewal that brings out the spiritual beauty given us by our King.

Scripture tells us what to exfoliate, spiritually speaking, so that the beauty of Christ can be seen. God finding us beautiful, rather than those around us, should be our goal. Our outward appearance matters, because people have to look at us. But inner beauty is more important. Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us what to remove and what to apply,

“…that you put off, concerning your former conduct,
the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and that you put on the new man which was created according to God,
in true righteousness and holiness.”

Ephesians 4 continues with what to remove: lying, sinning when angry, giving place to the devil, stealing, corrupt words, grieving the Holy Spirit, bitterness, wrath, clamor, and malice.

Then what to apply: truthful speech that builds up and imparts grace, working, sharing with those in need, kindness, tender hearts, forgiving as we were forgiven.

The Word of God provides spiritual beauty secrets more powerful than any product. Lord, help me to apply them. Thank You that your work on the cross has the power to cleanse and reverse the effects of our bad ideas so that Your beauty is seen.