Man's glory is his wealth and beauty—both shall fade. But the glory of the LORD, is the righteous beauty of Christ Jesus (The Word of God), which never fades away.
God's Word Instructs
Isaiah 40:6 (NLT) A voice said, “Shout!” I asked, “What should I shout?” “Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field."
To be certain, man is fickle. Therefore, beauty is subjective. What man considers beautiful one day may be not suit his taste the next. Moreover, what's beautiful to one person may not appeal to another.
James 1:11 (NLT) The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
Like Jesus, I haven't always been homeless. I have experienced the "comforts of life": family, friends, matrimony, career, houses, cars, etc. Yet, all that is external is temporary. But, LOVE, which is the essence of Christ, endures forever. Genuine love for Christ is not about comfort; but rather, commitment. In light of that, jealousy is such a futile thing. Indeed, if those who envied my former physical appearance had understanding, they would've realized that my outer beauty—like everyone else's—was certain to diminish over time. For, 1 Peter 1:24 (NLT) As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But, rather than allowing time to do her perfect work, their interference in that natural process has only provoked God's wrath against the city that indulged them.
"For, I have numbered the hairs on your head."
Therefore, what continues to baffle me in this ongoing situation is why young women would allow themselves to be instructed to compare their "physical attractiveness" to that of an "old homeless woman." That's an insult to their own youth and beauty. If the intent was to evoke jealousy in me, because those who initiated attacks against me themselves succumbed to jealousy, the effort failed. I am simply not the jealous type. I've always been a bit more introspective than that. Moreover, I would never counsel anyone to engage such foolishness. 2 Timothy 3 (NLT) ⁶They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. ⁷(Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) THE TRUTH is simple: "LOVE thy neighbor as thy self." Now that's beautiful.
I was no beauty queen. But, the cup, that these young women have been miscounseled to boast in, I've already drank from.
Now, having transitioned into a more purposeful chapter in my life, my mind is even more focused on inner beauty. And, if they are truly blessed, someday their focus will shift as well. For it is blessed to be hoary haired and full of years. Ultimately, we all must fold up our tents. Therefore, boast in the LORD. His splendor and beauty are truly majestic.
But, why even address such foolishness? Obedience
Revelation 1:19 (NLT) “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen."
But, why even address such foolishness? Obedience
Revelation 1:19 (NLT) “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen."
