So Really, What is Beauty?
Good Morning Friends,
A friend of mine, John Steed who also blogs, reminded me that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I am guessing here, that perhaps that is similar to saying that we each experience God in our own way. However I think we also have a responsibility for passing on some values as well. So even though we all are challenged to grasp the essence of what we sense to be beautiful, we need to share experiences of what touches our souls. On the one hand I have to admit that there are proportions and tones and shapes that attract but on the other I realize that capturing beauty is difficult. It slips away like a puff of smoke. Still I believe that there is something additional a play here that is at the core of our being. Maybe that is why I am attracted to those things that convey a message of life. That is why I meditate on God. But let’s face it, as my friend also pointed out, beauty and art are not the same thing at all and I would have to add that at times we fail to see those things that are almost universally considered beautiful for honestly there is a lot of ugly out there drawing attention to itself. In it all I find it interesting how love changes our perspective. So Really,
What is Beauty?
Scripture: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9 (NRSV)
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27 (NRSV)
Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NRSV)
The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8 (NRSV)
Message: Beauty in terms of art usually refers to an interaction between line, color, texture, sound, shape, motion, and size that is pleasing to the senses. We might want to codify it but essentially it is a verb. And what we consider good art is so subjective as to make the phrase pretty much meaningless. Oh we have some agreement but our experience of beauty is tied to our own history. Perhaps a better way to look at this subject is to realize that if we can rejoice in a thing then it in a real way becomes a thing of beauty. Without a doubt, life is beautiful when we can rejoice in it. Sure we can have hard times but we can choose to focus on those things that are good. Here it is not an outward circumstance that defines beauty and controls us, it is an inward joy. We did not make the joy but we can choose to accept it. That is why it is a good thing to rejoice in the Lord. Know that worry can rob us of experiencing beauty. Each day has enough challenges so that we do not have to add to them. So rejoicing in the Lord always, even though this is a difficult if not impossible task, has a way of helping us, even in the attempt to see more beauty. Here our faith is centered on what we value and view of life. Here what we think makes a difference. So friends see the beauty in life, embrace it and enjoy it. And find true beauty in a life that honors Jesus who came so we might have life in abundance.
Pray our anxieties are eased so we might see more beauty. Pray we are anxious for nothing. Pray we seek the Kingdom first. Pray our hearts are at peace. Pray we find beauty in doing God’s will. Pray we realize that we have been fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. Pray we seek and find the truth in enjoying life in a way that glorifies God. Pray therefor we focus our thoughts on what is beautiful to God. Pray that when we see things of spiritual beauty we pass them on to others so their perspective might be turned to rejoice in the Lord.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 