Beauty. It means something different to each of us.

I find beauty in the outdoors as I admire the creation around me. Colors, patterns in nature, splashing of waves, views from a mountain, tree covered hiking trails, butterflies and bees, fish in a stream, animals in the forest, birds in the sky, fresh fallen snow, ice formations in winter, bubbling creeks, autumn leaves…I could go on forever!

I find beauty in others based on how they treat those around them – how they love, forgive, show grace, listen, care, and offer genuine friendship. While I may admire a person who has a beautiful face and lovely clothing, I do not deem them as beautiful. To me, beauty of a person is found in their treatment of others; their integrity and character.

The standard of the world says something is beautiful only when it is elaborate, grand (think mansions!), expensive, and bold. It bases beauty of people on if they are thin, well built, have lovely facial features, great hair.

In a world that believes beauty is determined by a set standard based on outward appearances, God says something different.

God created everything. His idea of beauty reaches far and wide. To God, it is all beautiful. He created every color of skin, every culture, every body shape, every facial feature, and every personality type.

He sees the true beauty in each of us. He found each of us worth dying for. He knew that for us to understand our true beauty, we had to first come to Him and become His child.

When we are His, He molds us and remakes us into the person of beauty He intended us to be all along. Not a physical beauty, but a spiritual beauty that attracts those we interact with. This beauty leaves others asking us, “Why are you different? How can you love like that?”

This type of beauty opens the doors for others to meet our Savior, Jesus. It opens the communication lines when others want what we have – an attraction that only Jesus can provide. This attraction is not based on looks, money, or power, but on a gentle and loving spirit that is found in following Christ.

And a person who follows Him, is one of true beauty.

So, if you are a follower of Christ, go be beautiful today. Look for opportunities to introduce others to your beauty regimen – the power of Christ redeeming blood.

If you are searching and do not know Christ, meet Him today. He is only a whisper away. He died for you, even at your ugliest, in your most sinful situation. He loves you. He offers you hope and peace and true lasting beauty.

John 3:16 – “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.“