Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. – 1 Peter 3:3-4
Beauty Defined by God
When we think about jewelry and makeup, it is easy to get lost in societal definitions of beauty. However, we are reminded in the Bible that true beauty is found within. It is not just about what we wear on the outside, but rather the spirit and heart we carry. Our love for God and His creation should shine through our actions and kindness. By focusing on our inner beauty, we can create a more profound reflection of Christ in our lives. We must remember that God values the heart above outward appearances.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. – Proverbs 31:30
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Psalm 139:14
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. – Psalm 139:14
Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. – Isaiah 61:10
Adorning Ourselves with Purity
As we think about jewelry and makeup, we can choose to adorn ourselves in a way that reflects the purity and love of Christ. Our adornment should not lead us away from God but rather towards Him. We need to be conscious of how we present ourselves to the world. By choosing our clothing, accessories, and makeup wisely, we can mirror our commitment to living a life that honors God. Let’s make sure our appearances convey a message that aligns with our faith.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. – 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Proverbs 3:15
She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. – Proverbs 3:15
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5
James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. – James 1:27
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering. – Colossians 3:12
Value in God’s Eyes
The world often places value on material things, like jewelry and makeup that can create an illusion of beauty. However, we should remember that God values us beyond our physical appearance. We are His creation, and we should hold our identity in Christ above all. This helps us appreciate our worth and value as children of God. Knowing how precious we are to God allows us to approach adornment from a different perspective, one that is grounded in love rather than vanity.
Matthew 10:31
Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Matthew 10:31
Luke 12:7
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Luke 12:7
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10
Living in Balance
As Christians, we can enjoy the beauty that jewelry and makeup provide without losing sight of balance in our attitudes and our faith. It is essential to remember that while exterior beauty can enhance our appearance, it should never consume us. Our focus should always return to our relationship with God and how we exhibit His love. By living in balance, we can appreciate the joy of adornment while ensuring that our hearts remain in the rightful place, centered on God’s truth.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. – Ecclesiastes 3:11
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 10:31
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. – Philippians 4:5
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. – James 4:10
The Heart of Generosity
Jewelry and makeup seem to signify materialism in many ways, yet we can flip the script. Our adornment can become an act of generosity when shared with others. By being generous, we highlight the love of Christ. When we choose to use what we have for the benefit of others, we not only display our generous hearts but also provide opportunities for others to see God’s love in us. Let’s embrace the heart of generosity and allow it to lead us in our choices.
2 Corinthians 9:7
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Acts 20:35
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
Proverbs 11:25
The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. – Proverbs 11:25
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. – Luke 6:38
Reflecting the Light of Christ
Ultimately, no matter how we choose to adorn ourselves, our greatest goal should always be to reflect Christ’s light in our lives. Jewelry and makeup can serve as reminders of the beauty found in Christ. Our purpose is to be a beacon of hope and love to others, showing that our true beauty lies within us. Let us embrace the opportunity to point others to Him, shining brightly in a world that has lost sight of the true essence of beauty.
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14
2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 3:18
John 8:12
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7
Philippians 2:15
That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. – Philippians 2:15
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of jewelry and makeup, it is essential to recognize the deeper meaning behind our adornment. True beauty is not just about the external but the love and kindness we carry within. God desires for us to embrace our inner beauty and to shine with His love. While we can enjoy the beauty that accessories offer, let’s focus on living a balanced life that values our relationship with God above all.
In a society that often emphasizes physical appearance, we find comfort in knowing that God looks at the heart and cherishes our true essence. Let us aim to be generous and reflect Christ’s light in all we do. Jewelry and makeup can be fun, but our real treasure lies in how we display God’s love every day.
As we move forward, let’s remind ourselves of the call to reflect Christ’s love and shine our light in this world. For further inspiration, we can explore other biblical topics, such as what the Bible says about funerals or utilize resources available at Bible Repository.