Gray hairs creeping in and weight creeping on has reminded me the aging process continues on. Though we may try to hide signs of aging, there is not much that stops it from happening. We know that in most cases with age, beauty fades. Our world puts such value on outward beauty, most will go to great lengths to look young and beautiful for as long as possible. But what about inner beauty? Does it fade with time? Taking a peek on the internet, I thought I would do a search to see who people would consider beautiful because of their inner beauty.

Not surprisingly, Mother Teresa was at the top of the list. She spent her life promoting world peace and selflessly helping the poor, sick, orphaned and dying. Also listed, and again with no surprise, was Princess Diana. To me, she was one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, but coupled with her outward beauty was a true inner beauty. It flowed out of her as she met with the sick and poor, even hugging AIDS-inflicted children. She felt it her job to go out, meet people, and love them.

While others were on the list, I skipped to the bottom to Audrey Hepburn. I have enjoyed watching her in many classics over the years. Glamorous, yet she seemed so down to earth. Long ago, I saw this quote from her, and after finding it again, I thought I would share it with you.

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

What struck me with her thoughts was the fact that she lived in a world of glamour, but even then, she knew it was fleeting. She knew that true beauty came from within and continues to grow. It would not fade like outward beauty if properly cared for.

So, what about this inner beauty? What do we do to develop those qualities in our hearts, so that even on our messiest of days, someone will look at us and see beauty shining through?

While I do not know if Mother Teresa, Princess Diana or Audrey Hepburn ever gave their hearts to Jesus, I do know that true, lasting inner beauty comes because of a relationship with Jesus. In accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts and begins the work of sanctification. He works to make us more like Jesus. In describing the Proverbs 31 Woman, beauty is described as vain or worthless. It is the heart of a woman that draws attention, a heart that belongs to Jesus.

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

A woman or person who fears the Lord seeks and honors Him above all else. Outward beauty is not the highest value, but rather becoming more like Jesus. As your heart is transformed, inner beauty flows out. Paul shows us some of the qualities we are to put on.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

Have a heart of compassion, kindness, grace, humility. Put others above yourself, offer forgiveness, and show them love. In other words, be like Christ. Treat others in the same manner as you have been treated by the Lord Jesus.

The key? Spend time with Him. Growth comes as you know God through His Word and in conversations with Him. As your life is filled with Jesus, the beauty of Him flows through you, a beauty that will not fade away with the passing of time.

Do you want to be considered beautiful? Focus on the beauty that does not fade with time. Time spent with the Father changes your heart and allows others to see the beauty of our Savior – a beauty that intensifies with time and will never fade away.

Outer beauty may draw others to you, but let the inner beauty be what shines brighter. Inner beauty will keep them and show them Jesus.

In His Love,

Susan