Only Skin Deep?

As Christian women we need to understand the vanity of external beauty and the difference from what this world represents to us in comparison with what our Loving Father in heaven has designed. Vanity is a huge problem that is rampant in society, it is part of the narcissistic culture of "self love". Most women have found themselves falling prey to this at some time or another. But what one must realize is that vanity is sin. The love of beauty is sin. Being overly focused on our outer appearance to the point of control is sin. Vanity is however empty, futile, vain and worthless. It is the pride in appearance. Isaiah 3:16-26 gives us a picture of just what God thinks of vanity...He pours His judgment out!
"16 The LORD says,
"The women of Zion are haughty,
walking along with outstretched necks,
flirting with their eyes,
tripping along with mincing steps,
with ornaments jingling on their ankles.

17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion;
the LORD will make their scalps bald."

18 In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings and bracelets and veils, 20 the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, 21 the signet rings and nose rings, 22 the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses 23 and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.

24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench;
instead of a sash, a rope;
instead of well-dressed hair, baldness;
instead of fine clothing, sackcloth;
instead of beauty, branding.

25 Your men will fall by the sword,
your warriors in battle.

26 The gates of Zion will lament and mourn;
destitute, she will sit on the ground."

So how do we overcome vanity in a "self absorbed" culture?

I. DISCERN THE SIGNS- ask yourself these questions regularly

a. Are you OVERLY concerned about your looks?
b. Are you unable to graciously receive compliments?
c. Are you depressed because you are , "too fat", "too thin"
d. Are you on a quest for thinness that drives you to abuse your body
e. Are you overspending on clothes, makeup etc.
f. Are you constantly comparing yourself to others around you
g. Do you say things to elicit compliments, to fish for them?
h. Do you refuse intimacy with your spouse because you are fat/ugly?
i. Do you apologize for how you look?
j. Are you dressing in a sensual and immodest manner?

II. What does Scripture teach?
a. OT- Beauty is vain "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30, Psalm 4:2
b. NT says a lot about what is to be praised
1. Gentle and quiet spirit 1 Timothy 2:9-10 "ikewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.
2. Adorned with proper clothing and good works 1 Peter 3:3-4 "our adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."
c. If you have a heart that loves God, you will want to please Him
d. True modesty shows how great God is and not how great "she is"
1.Ask Christian men and they will tell you that they wish with all their hearts that they didn't have to capture that thought or struggle. They have to fight often to not resent those that are sinning in immodesty
e. Good works- Acts 9 teaches that that is a servant's heart and that we should adorn ourself with this
f. The world says: Body image problem-low self esteem, but the Bible says women are...
1. Not grateful- 1 Thess 5:16-18
2. Not content- 1 Tim 6:6
3. A lover of self- 2 Tim 3:2, Romans 12:3
4. Lust for beauty- James 1:14-15
5. Fears man and not God- 1 John 2:15-17

III. SO WHAT NOW?
a. Instead of being jealous, be glad- 1 Cor 13:4
b. Learn to accept compliments graciously- Phil 4:8
c. Realize that true beauty lies inside and not out- 1 Peter 3:3-5
d. Look to Sarah as an example- 1 Peter 3:5-6
e. Look to Christ, stay focused on Him- Isaiah 53:3, Psalm 27:4
f. Don't love self but serve God- Romans 12:1

For many of us, it will be a battle that continues on for a long time, but with Christ all things are possible and the more we stay focused on Him and loving Him and serving Him and pleasing Him, the less we will on ourselves.

Ask yourself the question...is my beauty only skin deep??