"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious" - 1 Peter 3:4

We are so used to seeing ourselves in a mirror. By looking in a mirror we can see if our hair looks messy or if our make up looks just right. We have learned to trust what the mirror tells us. We are so used to trusting it that often we find ourselves giving it the right to tell us if we are beautiful. However, when it comes to true beauty, the mirror (or a picture or the scale for that matter), is not a reliable source

So, if we can't use a mirror to see our true beauty, how can we?!?

The bible says in James 1:23 that the Word of God is like a mirror. When we look into the Word of God and see what God has to say, and how beautifully unique He created each one of us, it is then that we can begin to see our true identity. The Word of God has so many awesome things to say about who we are as children of God! When we receive them by faith and act on them, they truly will begin to renew the image we have of ourselves on the inside, and begin to shine on the outside as well!

Yes, we certainly should take care of our bodies through balanced healthy eating and exercise! These things were given to us by God for our good, and to help our bodies function properly! And yes, we can often feel better about ourselves by getting dressed and fixing our hair, ect., but that is not what defines our worth and beauty.

When we look in the mirror and find flaws, God reminds us in the ‘true mirror’ that “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” (Songs of Solomon 4:7).

His Word also says that He “formed my inward parts; He covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:12-14)

When we look to the mirror to define our beauty, there will always be a chance to find a flaw or short coming. Instead, let's make the choice to go to God's Word to find our value and worth. After all, this is the mirror that is true, because it was written by God, and He calls us beautiful.

Prayer: “Lord, help me to remember that what the mirror shows is not what you find beautiful. You look at my inward parts and find true beauty. You formed me before I was even born, and you find no spot, flaw, or blemish in me. Help me to see myself the way you see me. Help me not to judge myself according to the standards of this world, but show me in my identity and worth in you. In Jesus name, Amen.”