Ecclesiastes 3:20
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Why do we care so much about looks? I really don’t understand it. We put so much time and effort into our carnal appearances that will inevitably disintegrate. Not to undermine God’s incredible detail and precision, but our bodies are literally pieces of meat that are going to rot, yet we spend countless hours “perfecting” and obsessing over them. What’s worse is that this shameful behavior is most times fueled not by our own desires to look a certain way, but rather the pressure to measure up to a standard of beauty. Why do we buy into this, knowing full well that appearances are of no true importance?
1 Samuel 16:7
…for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
The aspect of a person that ends up revealing their true nature is their life, actions, words, etc. That being said, it would make sense for us to find one’s beauty in these things.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
One’s outward appearance isn’t going to lead people to Christ, brighten someone’s day, or help people in need. We need to stop spending so much time and money on this thing that isn’t even going to last. When we die, people aren’t going to remember us for how we looked. They are going to remember who we were at our core. Instead of focusing on looking a certain way, let’s focus on our hearts, because out of that flow our words and actions. Someone with a pure, loving heart is more attractive to me than someone who is famous and adored just for their (probably partially fake) good looks. Please listen to me when I say that being below a certain weight, looking like a certain model, having this much muscle mass, etc. will never satisfy you. The grass will always be greener, and you will still have flaws. We need to strive to be healthy, not perfect. One’s heart will eventually shine through their face, and one’s heart is what can change lives. Focus on the heart.
phortres 
You have a good point. But in the same way, beauty also has the ability to reflect God’s awesomeness. In the same way, art can also have a similar effect. I wouldn’t go too far with the idea that “one’s outward appearance isn’t going to lead people to Christ/ brighten someone’s day, etc.” I think there are many things that can contradict that.
If I happen to run into a beautiful girl, or I’m blessed enough to experience the beautiful smile of a friend, that can DEFINITELY brighten my day, and can help me connect with God through other people too. Sure, things can go overboard insofar as outward appearances go. But God made our bodies too. And in fact, I’ve read that the Church believes that the body and soul are so closely connected that saying “I have a body” is wrong. We don’t have bodies. We ARE bodies. I know that sounds like something out of a cruddy, main-stream radio song. But God wove our souls so deeply into our bodies that they are just as much a part of who we are as our personalities are. (This relates to why we believe that we will have bodies in heaven.)
The problem, of course, is that we tend to focus too much on our bodies and not enough on our souls or our personalities. There needs to be a healthy balance (which is where the virtue of chastity definitely helps). I approve of promoting that balance, but you needn’t view the body as the problem. Attacking physical appearance won’t necessarily help promote that balance. I don’t think you were saying that the body is the problem, but that’s just something to keep in mind.
Great post, by the way! Sorry for the rant!
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Thank you, and I see your point as well. I think when one negative repeatedly pounds upon my mind, I may have the tendency to go a little heavy on it. I appreciate your input!!
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Haha, I completely understand. I can be a little heavy too sometimes…I think my comment should prove that. You’re welcome!
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I absolutely love this article! It reminded me of “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30. Appearance does not deserve the weight society has given it. All humans exemplify the workmanship of God. Body parts and anatomy of the body is incredible, but the superficial objectification of body image is so heartbreaking. Great work…again! 🙂
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Thank you so much for your kind words, and amen to what you added!!
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