Why You Should Seek to Have a Beautiful Heart

What makes a woman beautiful? Is it her flawless skin, dazzling white teeth, or her perfect size-6 figure? Hair is her crowning glory; the Bible even says so. Yet outward appearance distracts from true beauty, a beauty that abides deeper than the eye perceives.

While I was growing up, the pursuit of outward beauty drew me in. As a teen, I sought to make myself beautiful in the eyes of my peers. I was, however, painfully self-conscious in junior high because I had stick-straight blond hair, distinct blobs of freckles across my face, big front teeth, chipmunk cheeks, and a derriere too big in comparison to the rest of me. I held little hope of becoming one of the beautiful women of the world.

In high school, my shape began to evolve. I learned how to manage my hair and apply makeup to cover my freckles. My teeth fit perfectly in my mouth at last, and my booty was lining up proportionately with my frame. I even hung out with beautiful people.

I had noticed that a beautiful woman is looked upon favorably, even before proving who she is inside. When she goes to a job interview, for instance, there’s no doubt she holds an unfair advantage. Her looks can win over someone whose skills and competence surpass hers.

I knew there were many advantages to being outwardly attractive, and I understood the perks. Yet as God’s child, I heard an inner warning alerting me against focusing on outward appearance. I became keenly aware of the world of appearances. God’s Spirit gently warned, Don’t get comfortable.

What Is True Beauty?

Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (NASB). I was hit in the heart by these words, thinking, “The beauty I’ve focused on is vain!” I reminded myself that someday I would be old, and my face would have wrinkles instead of the tight skin I admired in the mirror. My eyes would grow dim and my arms flabby.

God began exposing the futility of seeking outward beauty. He urged me to invest in godliness. Outward beauty is fleeting and superficial; it masks what hides beneath the surface.

God Looks at the Heart

As the prophet Samuel searched for the next king of Israel, he was impressed by Eliab’s appearance. But in 1 Samuel 16:7 God said, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (NIV).

I considered the great women in my life, those I most admired. The rare and precious beauty radiating from them had nothing to do with their looks. It was their hearts of goodness and kindness that drew me in. Their lives were marked by pain, yet each one exhibited an unearthly sense of peace and contentment. The beauty they possessed was deeper than the human eye could see. It was authentic and true, a beauty that lasts for all time.

A Beautiful Heart Satisfies and Stabilizes

God’s description of love originates in the heart. It is beautiful, and it satisfies and stabilizes long-term relationships. First Corinthians 13:4–7 says,”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (NIV).

It took a while for me to look beyond outward beauty. I’m so thankful God alerted me during my younger years, because I am now in the land of wrinkles and sags.

Do I still strive to be outwardly beautiful? Yes, I do. I believe a woman who takes care of herself shows respect and appreciation for the body given her. But as I enter the later years of my life, my heart is set on God. I hope to grow old with wrinkles of laughter lining my face. Though my eyes will surely grow dull, I pray they will always hold the beauty of kindness, acceptance, and love.

Susan Ream is basking in the grace of God. She loves all kinds of people. Being a Mom is her favorite role. She has collected many “kids” throughout the years. Most of her life she has been a pastor’s wife. She cherished that opportunity and proudly supported her devoted husband. She is a mother to three grownups and Nana to eleven extraordinary grandkids. Much of her writing features insights gained through the messes of life. God never wastes a hurt, and He is faithful to work ALL things together for our good. You can follow her on HubPages.

Photograph © Ester Marie Doysabas, used with permission