Costly suits, embroiled gowns, fancy jewels and trendy apparels make people look better externally, but hardly anyone can assess the internal beauty that can be observed only by the Creator. Even the great prophet Samuel, when he went to Jesse’ house, miscalculated the one who was to rule Israel, based on external appearance, hence, God corrected him, “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7). God truly desires the beauty inside our hearts and lives as external beauty fades away in the course of time. For Solomon himself confirms this truth in his wise sayings, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting.” (Prov 31:30). Jesus, too, appreciated the blameless life and heart of Nathanael, “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47). It’s not our nationality, educational qualifications, economic well-being, or physical appearance that gives us internal beauty, but our attitudes toward fellow human beings that bring beauty to our being, as James, the apostle, warns, “And you pay special attention to the one who wears the splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this preferable seat! while you tell the poor man, Stand there! or, Sit there on the floor at my feet!” (James 2:3). Let’s strive everyday to add beauty to our lives and those around us. 

Abba, thank you for the gift of life. Let your Spirit help us live pure and blameless, in Jesus’ name, Amen.