He Beautifies

Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face. 'Why do you do that, mommy?' he asked. 'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue. 'What's the matter?' asked Little Johnny. 'Giving up?' This humorous story reminds me of reality.  Beauty is something everyone desires.  Some work hard focusing on the outward. They buy nice clothes, shoes, expensive make-up, and flashy jewelry trying to achieve satisfaction.  Others turn their attention inwardly purchasing self-help books, going to therapists, seminars and engage in various mental exercises in an effort to achieve the ultimate sense of approval. While this search transpires daily in the natural it also applies even more so to the spiritual.  There are those who work incessantly trying to achieve spiritual perfection in an effort to please themselves and God. They engage in bible reading, prayer, works, attend church and conferences trying to crown themselves with approval.  However, Isaiah says “But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” The prophet of old was saying, “You’re ugly and you will always be ugly as long as you try to beautify yourself.” If that be true what is the believer’s hope? Are we to be left in our deplorable state searching for the unachievable?  No way! The Psalmist gives the answer. “For the Lord takes pleasure in his people, He will beautify the meek with salvation.” In essence the goal everyone wants to reach is that state of pristine righteousness which gives us the look of acceptance. But how does that happen? Paul describes it like this; “For he made him to be sin who knew no sin; that we might become the  righteousness of God in him. Jesus experienced all the ugliness that could ever be passed onto an individual and in exchange gave beauty. As a consequence, if you want to become beautiful naturally, emotionally, and spiritually stop trying to do it on your own and accept what has already been done.  We have all been graced by the one who through his work on the cross beautifies.