As women, we have this pressure to be beautiful physically. To be the best dressed and have the most flawless makeup out on the market. We aspire to be perfect in appearance yet there is one thing we are neglecting… the beauty on the inside of our souls.
No matter how enticing things may seem, they will never truly fulfill us. Even that highly edited selfie we take with the perfect background and cute fake pose that gets 100,000 likes on Instagram is temporary. Our lives can quickly spiral out of control if we have our eyes fixed on the wrong things.
Let’s be real, some girls are flat out hideous on the inside but appear beautiful by the world’s standards. Have you heard the old saying, “you can put lipstick on a pig but it’s still a pig?” It’s true when it comes to matters of the soul also.
Some girls look so pretty but are hateful, negative, disrespectful, selfish, arrogant, and don’t care about others. These girls are consumed with having the latest makeup line, buying big label items, and are willing to step on anyone who gets in their way to get it.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t try to look our best or that we can’t have nice things. It’s important to have some self-respect in how we look and there’s nothing wrong with having nice things. The problem comes when we strive after those things at the expense of our souls.
Our beauty on the outside literally begins to fade as we age. Not only that but popularity fades after time. No one stays on top forever and do you know why? Because life is temporary. Our lives and bodies are temporary but our souls are eternal. That’s why it’s crucial that we become more concerned with our souls.
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised,” Proverbs 31:30
The verse above sounds beautiful but what does it even mean? Fearing the Lord isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. It means if you love the Lord, you will follow what He says. You will become more like Him and follow where He leads. Part of doing that is also loving others as you love yourself. For more on this see The Only Time Fear Means True Love.
Just because we aren’t a star athlete, actress, or millionaire doesn’t mean that our lives don’t matter. I don’t care if you scrub toilets for a living or stay at home. Your life is significant and you can impact many souls. The secret is in how we live our everyday lives.
God created us on purpose with specific gifts and talents to be used. You have gifts that can truly help others if you use them. See my last post on 5 Ways To Unlock Your Potential. You can have an effect on the generations to come after you by using your gifts.
Having a beautiful soul doesn’t mean that we can’t be successful. In fact, you’ll be more successful and get way more out of life. I don’t know about you but I want to live my best life now. I also want to help others find hope and to be inspired to go after their dreams.
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” –John Wooden
This sounds cheesy but we need to start spreading hope one smile at a time. Just acknowledging someone’s existence and smiling at them can go along way. Not only that but we need to start spreading hope through our words and actions. Start speaking life and encouragement into others.
Reflection
This week ask yourself 3 questions as you’re going about your business.
- Am I ignoring the needs of others around me?
- Is what I’m striving toward going to last beyond this life?
- Will enough ever really be enough?
We aren’t promised tomorrow and it’s crucial that we start living our best lives today. Let’s start focusing on what truly matters in life. Realize that true success and satisfaction doesn’t come in the form of job titles, social status, or dollar figures.
A Prayer For You
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have been focused on the wrong things. I want to love You and others better. Show me how to reach my full potential in You without losing my soul in the process. I don’t want to waste any more time and I want to live my best life now. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Stay hopeful!
For more on what a Proverbs 31 woman is and how to become one, see 7 Ways To Become A Proverbs 31 Woman.