As we have been traveling on this journey through “you are” statements, I don’t want you to forget the purpose. We focus first on who you are and then on why. It is of such deep importance that you know truth because of the lies that Satan will speak to you.

Last week we saw the truth that you are beautiful. As lovely as that fact is, it is for a far greater purpose than you might think. You are made in His image with the purpose of reflecting Him.

In the Old Testament book of Exodus Moses has the privilege and honor and speaking with Yahweh face to face. When he goes up to Mount Sinai he receives the law for the people. It says in Exodus 34:29, “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” How sweet is that? He was literally shining from being with the Lord.

After you spend time with the Lord, do you shine? Does your joy radiate to those around you? Would people ever have cause to stop and think, “Man. I want what she has!” I sure hope that is true for me. I hope that when people see me, they see the light of Christ.

One of my favorite verses is found in 1 Peter. It says in 3:3-4, “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 and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

Now, I’ll be honest. If you had to describe me in 3 words “quiet” would probably not make the list. In fact, it probably wouldn’t make the Top 10… or 20. I’m just not a quiet kinda girl. I love this verse because it challenges me and encourages me at the same time. It encourages me that my focus should not be on looking good every day. It reminds me that I don’t need to have the nicest clothes, the newest shoes, or the best hairstyle. It’s alright if I don’t wear any make up! My worth is not defined by my outward adornment. My beauty is marked by my inner self.

This is where the challenge comes in! My inner self needs some work, girlfriend. I will be the very first to tell you so! I am comforted by the promise in Philippians 1:6 that says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” He’s not finished with me yet! And He’s not finished with you either. He will not stop the process of making you more like Him. That is reason to rejoice, sweet friends!

There are a couple things I want to be sure to mention in the discussion of letting your inside overcome your outside:

– What are the “outside” things to stay away from?

– What are the “inside” things to look for? Desire? Pursue?

Outside Adornment:

– Clothing: Our clothing should never become a stumbling block to those around us. A stumbling block is anything that causes someone else to sin. When you get dressed in the morning, or when you go shopping for new clothes, be mindful of the things that you are wearing/buying. Make sure that your shorts are long enough, and your tops aren’t cut too low. Be careful when you’re buying bathing suits and dresses. Remember that you have brothers in Christ who are counting on you to help guard their thoughts!

– Make up: Be careful not to use make up to cover who you are, or to change the way you look. Use make up to enhance the features that God gave you!

Inner Self:

– Heart: When we set our hearts on becoming more like Christ the rest of our “inner self” will follow suit. It says in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Make it a priority to spend time in prayer and reading your Bible. This will align your heart with Christ. Your heart is like your storehouse. Whatever is inside will inevitably flow out into your thoughts, words, and actions.

– Thoughts: I truly believe that the battle we are fighting against sin is either won or lost in our minds. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3 Make a conscious effort to dwell on Scripture, to pray throughout your day (as your walking through the mall, or driving to work).

– Words: This is often the hardest for girls! Like I said before, quiet is not the best description of me!! Luke 6:45, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” If your primary focus is setting your heart after Christ, your words will soon follow. Proverbs is a great resource to read to learn about how powerful our words can be. Proverbs 10:11 says, “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life…” Make an effort to let your words bring life to those who are hurting!

Here’s a good test: Do you spend more time in the morning in front of the mirror, or in the Word? Are you spending more time preparing your outside or your inside?

Remember, you are made in His image with the purpose of reflecting Him! Let your INWARD beauty overcome your OUTWARD beauty! 

 

Lord Jesus,

I believe that You have made me beautiful. I want to shine so brightly that others look at me and see You. Please help me to focus more on my inner self instead of my outward adornment. Help me to be a woman after Your heart. I love you.

Amen.