Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. – 1 Peter 3:4

Today’s Scripture Reading (February 14, 2015): 1 Peter 3

We place a lot of emphasis on what it is that we look like on the outside. We all face it. Whether or not we get the job of our dreams, or get the promotion that we have worked so hard for, all of this often depends on how it is that we appear on the outside. And the good looks that we perceive is often about symmetry. And whether we look symmetrical is really beyond our control – it is nothing more than an accident of genetics.

There are some things that we can do to make ourselves look better. We can dress appropriately, taking in our age and body type. We can have good habits of cleanliness. But as far as symmetry is concerned, either you are born with it, or you are not – or maybe you need to find a good plastic surgeon. And the last option is sought more often than we might want to believe because, well, we place a lot of emphasis on what is on the outside. Our jobs depend on it.

All of this is true, but we also know that what is on the outside is greatly influenced by what is on the inside. We need to be reminded of just that fact. What is on the inside and what is on the outside are two very different things. Real beauty is always on the inside. There are no end to the examples of beautiful people who seem to have really ugly insides. And there is no surgery that can correct what is missing on the inside. And the reverses is also true – there are innumerable examples of unsymmetrical people that no one noticed because of the incredible beauty that exists on the inside. These people cannot be stopped. They have recognized the secret that beauty starts on the inside – and not on the outside.

Peter’s words are directed at the women of the Christian Church, but the reality is that they didn’t have to be. The words apply to men as much as they do to women. There is something really special and beautiful about a person of character – and one who is marked by quiet humility, and yet at the same time is confidant in who they are. This is truly what makes all of us beautiful. And this beauty always wells up from inside of us, and it is seldom an accident of genetics. This beauty is carefully cultivated and something that we all have control over.  And maybe there is no better day on the calendar, at least in the West, when we need to be reminded of the root of true beauty, than today.

Today is Valentine’s Day. And whether you are with that special someone today, or just longing for them or for someone to share this day with, remember to cultivate the beauty that resides inside of you. Happy Valentine’s Day – and from where I sit, you look amazing.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4 & 5