Article August 20, 1979 Issue

Keeping up appearances

WILLIAM E. MOODY

Constant preening or a preoccupation with fashion and personal grooming can conceal real beauty and grace. Maintaining a natural, normal appearance is certainly appropriate; but the kind of attention that approaches a worship of the physical body needs rethinking. Realizing more of man's true spiritual nature as the beautiful expression of Soul can help free us from an overburdening concern about outward appearances.

Much of today's mass media and commercial advertising promotes an artificial standard or norm for physical beauty and attractiveness. The public spends much time, money, and misdirected energy hoping to get hold of this glamorous ideal; but the standard is unrealistic. Most of us don't measure up to the physical appearance commonly portrayed as beautiful. So the resulting frustration and feelings of inadequacy drive many to a low estimation of their own worth. Still, the come-on continues—and more time and resources are wasted trying to achieve some artificially created "look." To heal this false emphasis on materiality requires surrendering material self-absorption and accepting a more spiritual standard for thinking and living.

Christ Jesus tells us to give up anxious thought-taking about physical appearances—what we "shall put on." He assures us, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:25, 33; As we learn to appreciate the lasting significance and power of his words, we won't let material objects and desires control our happiness and sense of well-being. True beauty is found in the authentic nature of man as the image of God. An awareness of this truth can brighten human character with at least a glint of the real gemstone, enhancing not only the way we appear but also the way others appear to us. The beauty of Christ begins to shine in our life.

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