In today’s society, the outer appearance and materialistic objects reign supreme when it comes to choosing whom to date or even approach. There is definitely an abundance of pretty sistas on the campus of Prairie View A&M University. As well, females can say there are some good-looking brothas. There is even an abundance of beautiful hearts and wonderful personalities in those individuals who may not be viewed by society as good-looking. A question that many have asked is why do people choose the outer beauty of a person who has an ugly attitude and personality over those with wonderful attributes?People choose the outer beauty over a person’s heart and personality because of trust and pride. By Webster’s definition, pride is justifiable self-respect or to indulge (as oneself) in pride. Actually, being proud of how you look is very acceptable. The problem comes when one believes that others are below them in physical appearance. The Bible says that pride defiles a man (Mark 7:20, 22) and hardens the mind (Daniel 5:20).
Webster defines trust as assured reliance on the character, strength, or truth of someone or something. Many people choose outer over inner because they are not being honest with themselves. Many, and I mean many, have felt the desire to approach or even date a person with a beautiful heart but not that good-looking by society’s standard. But some subject themselves to the opinions of others rather than their own gut feeling. For whomever this pertains to, how can you have trust in others or even a relationship if you cannot be honest with yourself? The only thing these people have is fear. Yes, fear. They fear what their friends and others will think about them. The Bible states that trust will keep you from fear (Psalms 56:11, Isaiah 12:2, Hebrews 13:6).
What God Says About Beauty?
Even though we as society train our eyes to look at someone’s physical appearance, God looks into the heart. “…For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) We, as a society, believe that an ugly (offensive to the sight) face with a beautiful heart is unattractive.
God has blessed many with jaw-dropping beauty. But even this type of blessing can harm and corrupt a person. “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor….” (Ezekiel 28:17) Do not let the physical beauty God has given overshadow your reasoning and decisions you make in life.
In the long run physical beauty will fade with age while inner beauty matures. 1 Peter 3: 3-5 basically tells us “not to be concerned with the outward beauty that relies on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or nice looking clothes (brand-name). Let us be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
Words From The Heart
Many of us have heard or seen the phrases “things are not always what they seem,” “beauty is only skin deep,” and “handsome is as handsome does.” Some of us fail to adhere to what these quotes are emphasizing. There is nothing wrong with wanting a great looking person, but don’t lose the desire to look past all that to see how that person is on the inside.
God sends us people that we need to fit or complement us, as far as relationships are concerned. When people go shopping for clothes, they choose items that fit their body or fit their tastes. Everyone in this world is not going to appeal to your preferences or expectations. But even our preferences shouldn’t overshadow how we feel on the inside about someone. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you find someone who has grown on you that you know brings happiness to your life, why not give that person an opportunity. Chemistry and attraction plays a part in our decisions as well, but how can you have chemistry or be attracted to someone if you do not open your mind to the possibility.
Anyone tired of being mistreated relationship after relationship, search the inside of that person. Tired of being verbally abused or even physically beaten, search the inside before you get into a relationship with that person. In the end, the love you have for a person remains because of inner beauty.