Beauty or the Beast?

Nearly every person has something they would say they don’t like about their body. The cosmetic industry and plastic surgeons make, literally, billions every year on folks who feel so. In 2009, women spent $7 billion on cosmetics in the U.S. and last year  they spent $10 billion on plastic surgery !! There are dieting regimens by the hundreds and how many garage sales did you go to or pass by this year seeing old, not so well used exercise equipment?  All in the quest for that great looking physique or face !

Paul talked about our “bods” in Philippians when he wrote about Christ saying, “Who shall change our vile (ouch!) body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body. . .” (Phil.3:21).    Paul also said to the Corinthians, “For this corruptible (this body we live in now) must put on incorruption (our new body), and this mortal must put on immortality.” (1Cor.15:53).   Then John penned this, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him: for we shall see Him as He is” (1Jn.3:2) !!     Isn’t it exciting to think that  those things you aren’t so happy about will one day be history because of the Lord giving us a new, glorified and eternal body like unto His ?!  And aside from the body how about no more sin nature too ?!! Now I’m not saying  we shouldn’t take care of our bodies. When Paul said bodily exercise profits little he did imply it profits some and as to cosmetics I’m not dead set against women using them, if the barn needs painting, paint it,  pretty please !!  But frankly there’s nothing more inconsistent as a person who has put a lot of emphasis on outward beauty and is miserable on the inside.

I recall in Bible college reciting that passage from 1 Jn.3 that I just cited in a class on prophecy.  It’s a fascinating passage (vss.1-3).  John is enthralled by how much God loves us in being able to be even called a child of God and like us, at times, wonders what his new body will be like when the rapture occurs but in the third verse he says that the prospect of Jesus’ imminent return (that it could happen any time now) did something also for him inside his body: it purified him !!  In other words, if we really believe He could come today, thats way better than cosmetics, the newest diet fad, etc.  because it helps keep me in love with Him and walking with Him promoting an inner beauty that shines through for all to see.  If I’m fixated on Him and His soon return I’m not so caught up in the things of life that are superficial and fleeting.  Yes, Jesus could come today and if He does you WILL like your body, you’ll drop the unwanted pounds, the wrinkles, warts, and even the Mary Kay, ladies !   Let His soon return be in your thoughts today so that you too experience the inner workings John did !! That’s where the real beauty is at !!