Unfading Beauty

 

By Sade Akanni

 Review

“Sanctify them by Thy truth. Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17

This 77 page paperback deals with beauty according to God’s standard. The world’s view on beauty lays strong emphasis on the external, while God’s emphasises the inner man from which the outer will glow. It encourages the reader to employ God’s standard. God for whom we now live as believers, wants to beautify us according to His standards alone.

Chapter 1 opens with a definition of beauty and this is characterised as being external and internal. The author explains that outward beauty is indeed relevant but that as followers of Jesus, we should not nurture this outward beauty at the expense of the inner beauty. Beautiful women in the Bible were examined to illustrate how even this external beauty ought to be used for the glory of the giver of beauty. The prime example was that of Sarah and the Bible praises her inner beauty in 1Pet 3:5-6.

Chapter 2 then does an in-depth exposition of the characteristic of the sort of beauty that God’s people should pursue; a gentle, quiet and submissive spirit in 1Pet 3. The lives of Deborah and Hannah were examined.

Chapter 3 examines the Bible’s view on how to manage the external appearance. The author draws from the Bible in the words of Jesus to the Pharisees on observing the law and ignoring that which God truly seeks; obedience. The author concludes this chapter by stating that the external is not the pre-requisite for possessing the kingdom of God even though the external should not be ignored.

Chapter 4 states that what God desires is that His people will worship Him in spirit and in truth. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees about cleaning the outside of the cup while leaving the inside filthy. It is when the inside, the heart of a person is obedient then the external will reflect this even in appearance/dressing. The author examines the instances in the word of God where He placed a demand on the appearance of His prophet or chosen one. As God calls on us individually, He may place unique demands on our consecration and service to Him. In the case of Aaron, he had to wear a special type of garment to appear before God, but Moses did not need to. God has His purpose for each of our lives and we must be willing to appear as He who loves us wants us to appear.

Chapters 5-7 deal with the provisions of the Law of Moses and that which Jesus demands. These chapters also examine the motive behind our appearance/dressing and modesty in our appearance as people of God. The author warns against falling into the extreme positions of legalism or liberalism.

Chapter 8 examines beauty that is guided and amplified by modesty. We are reminded that as God’s creatures, He has made each one of us beautiful for Himself. Readers are encouraged to trust in God’s standard for dressing/appearance.

Chapter 9 concludes the book by encouraging the reader to seek and invest in the beauty that lasts; the unfading beauty which is of God. As this beauty is of God, we are encouraged to allow God Himself cultivate and beautify our lives. A very gentle yet powerful book, especially for women- whatever the age or culture.

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  "Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth." John 17:17

 

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