Strive to achieve inner beauty
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit, which is great worth in God's sight.
-- 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
When I was a child my mother frequently spoke the phrase "Pretty is as pretty does." She wanted me to know it was a person's actions that makes them lovely, not their physical appearance.
My mother was not trying to boost my feelings. She was teaching me the Biblical principle that God looks at the inside, not the outside of us. It's the actions we display that matter to him.
My parents did not tolerate misbehavior in public, such as throwing temper tantrums in the grocery store or other places. They made it clear, this was not "ladylike" behavior.
I was taught having good manners was an essential part of life in, as well as outside, the home.
This was to be displayed by saying things such as "please" and "thank you." My parents also taught me a truly beautiful person offers a quick smile and a kind spirit.
Throughout my life, I have encountered others who were beautiful on the outside, but were ugly with their spread of gossip, faultfinding, and bullying behaviors. That's why I strive to remember what it is that makes me a true beauty and a pleasure to God. I believe practicing this knowledge inside of us can open many doors to friendship, blessings, and promotion.
Striving to achieve inner beauty is not always easy when so many others around us have attitudes that are easily offended. That behavior can easily rub us the wrong way if we don't ask God to help us keep our spirits pure.
In the midst of it all, we should try to keep our temper under control, and quickly banish bitter thoughts from our mind. We don't have to be perfect, but continue to work toward being wise and kind each day. For the thing God cares most about is how we carry ourselves.
The precious words written in 1 Peter 3:3-4 are an urgent instruction to male and female alike. I think of it each time I recall my mother's words, "Pretty is as pretty does."
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Invite her to speak to your church group or business or to be your personal coach. Contact her at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.