Have you ever noticed, most people work a lot harder on their outside looks than they do on their heart? They take care of their hair, make-up, get their nails done, try to stay fit. But are you taking care of what’s inside, as well?

When people talk about beauty, what comes into your mind? Good looks, honorable intentions, a big brain? They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and certainly each of us finds beauty in different characteristics.

For myself, I pick role models from the Bible when I am trying to find a good example. Because if you want something, you find someone else who has it and you do what they do. When I think of beauty, I always consider Esther.

And not only because she was described as beautiful, a lot of women in the Bible were said to be pretty. The Persian queen, Vashti, was considered gorgeous. But she dishonored her husband and ended up dethroned!

Esther was far from perfect, she was orphaned, exiled and raised by her uncle. While Mordecai raised her as his own daughter, Esther could have used her past as an excuse. But she respected her uncle’s authority. She was obedient and honorable! “Esther had not yet made known her kindred or her people, even as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther did what Mordecai told her as she had done when under his care.” (Esther 2:20)

Esther was beautiful and she had an AWESOME heart. She honored authority and was obedient; she was humble and took wise counsel. She BOLDLY stood for what was right – even in the face of evil.

If you are looking for a model for beauty I encourage you to focus less on your exterior, and put more focus on increasing your inner spiritual beauty, too. When Esther worked consistently on both, she became a powerful political figure and even became the queen after Vashti!

Because of Esther’s obedience and honor, God gave her favor. Vashti was dethroned for rebellion, dishonor and disrespect, despite her uncommonly striking good looks. Meanwhile Esther was promoted.

“For rebellion is as the sin of divination. And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.” (I Samuel 15:23)

One thing you need to realize, is that your life is not your own. Every decision you make affects others and reflects on others. “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling.” (Ephesians 4:1) Are you making yourself worthy of your calling? Worthy of the destiny reserved exclusively for you? Leave your comments for me below and don’t forget to share today’s message with your circle of influence!

If you’re looking to build your faith and work on beauty from the inside-out make sure to join us for The Dani Johnson Show bright and early at 7 am, or on demand at your own convenience! You can tune in to the show on either your TV or radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right here on our website.

In great faith,

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