Most days my job is rather mundane. I stare at the computer screen for hours at a time trying to control my unruly inbox. But occasionally, my job is over-the-top exciting and downright glamorous! Like when I emceed Mary Kassian and Nancy Leigh DeMoss' True Woman 101 video series. I got some new clothes, gorgeous curls, and—of all things—fake eyelashes!
We filmed for hours, but it was over all too soon. The next morning, I felt a bit like Cinderella must have felt when her coach turned back into a pumpkin and her gown returned to rags. Glamorous Paula was normal Paula once again (sigh).
Ironically, one of the video scripts I had recorded the day before popped into my mind right then:
Deep down, women want to look and feel attractive. You'll find plenty of women who would be thrilled to get a makeover for their cosmetics, hairstyle, or wardrobes, but probably not nearly as many who would welcome getting a makeover for their attitudes and thoughts. That's a shame, because ultimately, the way a woman looks on the outside isn't nearly as important as the appearance of her heart.
Ouch! Curls fall, skin wrinkles, clothes get stained. God's right, of course, when He says, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting" (Prov. 31:30).
That's why I really do want to spend more time working on my inner beauty than my outer beauty this year. Especially when I remember that Jesus chose to set His love on me and rescue me when there was NOTHING glamorous about me or His mission! "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28).
AND...because Jesus rose from the grave after paying my sin-debt and defeating death, I, too, get to look forward to a brand-new, flawless body!
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body (1 Cor. 15:42–44).
So how about it, girls? Will you spend more time working on your inner beauty or your outer beauty this year? It's your choice, but think hard about it. One kind of beauty will only last this side of the grave; the other will last far on into forever!
