Prepare Your Heart, Not Your Hair

Day 17

Originally, I was going to write today's challenge about making a physical change that helps you feel beautiful, so you could view yourself the way God does--wonderfully and in His image. You might dress up for a date night, change your hairstyle, buy a pretty outfit or wear make-up in a new way. But then I started searching for verses and my plan fell apart at this piece of scripture found in 1 Peter 3: 3-4: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in Gods sight." Preeeeetty sure God was trying to tell me something! 

When will I understand and accept that my physical appearance is not a factor in God's Kingdom? Our bodies are a vessel to do His work. My focus should be on maintaining this one body's strength and healthiness so I can continue to do God's will and fulfill the purpose He has uniquely designed for me. I'm not saying that we should forego taking care of our appearance, but think about this question: what could happen if we spent as much time preparing our inner selves before we left the house as we do our physical selves? 

40 Day Challenge--Day 17:

Prepare your heart before leaving the house, not your hair. This weekend, I challenge you to not wear make-up or do your hair, and instead, use the time you would typically set aside for your physical appearance to get your inner self ready. Spend those 5, 20, or 60 minutes with God. Ask Him to help you take on the "gentle and quiet spirit," to be a light for His Word, and to seize the opportunities He gives you to spread His love. This weekend, focus on your inner beauty in Christ, not your physical appearance that the world deems so falsely imperative.