In this section of Embrace His Grace, we will seek to present material, including Scriptures, that will help you in maturing as a Christian interested in a deeper walk with God. This will commend your desire, offering assurance that God wants to take you just as far as you are willing through obedience.

This is an article from BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelical Assoc) that will offer you insightful information, especially teenagers or those that have teenagers in your home.

APPEARANCE: Beautiful Soul by Jeni Varnadeau

    OK, so this gorgeous girl walks by all smiling and confident, her head held high. She's got it going on. Great legs, hair flowing in the breeze, cute outfit -- she's got it all. I watch with envy as she grabs the attention of all the guys around her. In the meantime, I'm walking around with my curly hair going every direction, feeling way out of control. I have one go-go boot sagging down my leg like grandma's baggy stockings, junk about to fall out of my stuffed bag, and a messy pile of papers and notebooks about to spill. I quickly feel insignificant compared to the babe-o-rama who just sauntered by. Little moments like this can really mess with your mind. You think, "Why does this girl have it all together? Why can't I look like that? Why can't I get my act together?" Then your mind starts answering the questions for you: "She's probably a dumb blond. If she was half as busy as I was, she wouldn't have time to look that good."

    Automatically we start criticizing others to make ourselves feel better. But if we know that we are highly valued and adored by Christ, and our confidence is in Him, then we don't worry about comparing ourselves to others. Instead we walk around with joy and confidence and a freedom to love and serve others. We can be genuinely excited about others' accomplishments instead of harboring jealousy, envy, and bitterness. This is a full life -- a life that follows Christ's example. The Right Mirror When you are beautiful on the inside -- and that's where your focus lies -- not only do you realize your worth, but you're also beautiful to others. We usually struggle with how we view ourselves because we're looking into the wrong mirror. We see ourselves through eyes of self-criticism, perfectionism, what others think about us, how the media says we should look or by comparing ourselves to others.

     To find your inner beauty, value and worth in God, hold up His mirror to your life and see how much He adores and treasures you. Realizing the depths of His love for us can empower us to live in confidence and joy. His mirror shows us the truth about ourselves and about Him. The only way we're going know this truth is to spend time daily in God's Word. The Bible is my daily food; it refreshes, challenges and encourages me. And man, when I'm feeling low, ugly, fat, dumb, inferior or lonely, I need the Truth to show me that what I feel is not always what's real. His Word has something to say about every single area of our lives -- even inner beauty and self-worth. The Bible says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" (1 Peter 3:3-4, NIV).

     I see three things in these verses we can apply: 1) Trust God Trust and faith are so intertwined. They both lead to a life of obedience, belief in and reliance on God. Faith comes by hearing the message of the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17), so in order to believe and have faith in God, we must dig into His Word on a daily basis. You gotta drag that head outta bed and read it, meditate on it, memorize it, apply it and obey it. As you do this, you will know God and His commands and trust that what He says is true. Trust and faith result in a life of obedience to Christ. 2) Submit This word can scare some people, but submission is an awesome thing. In Ephesians 5:21, we are all commanded to submit to one another. Submit means to serve, obey and be subject to another. Jesus was the ultimate example of becoming a servant to others. After washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) -- a very subservient act -- Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (NIV). We will always have authority in our lives -- the government, our bosses, our parents, and ladies, our husbands (if and when we get married). This is where the girls have it good, cuz guys, the responsibility is on your shoulders! If you mess up in leading us, you're responsible to God. Ladies, as you submit to your future husband, you're obeying Christ. That's freeing for us women! And guys, it's all the more reason to stay in the word and on your knees so that the Holy Spirit is constantly leading you. Following Christ this closely is what God has called us to do, and is true submission. 3) Cultivate a Gentle and Quiet Spirit A gentle and quiet spirit comes from doing the steps above. When we have a submissive spirit, we are gentle and respectful to others, and we're not pushing to get our own way. As we trust in God, we don't worry, and there is a calm and a peace that rules our hearts. These are all characteristics of a gentle and quiet spirit. It means that we are mild, humble, meek, patient, respectful of others, undisturbed, still and peaceable.

     I know that when I trust God with my circumstances, instead of trying to fix and control everything, I have a much more peaceable, humble, gentle and quiet spirit. Apply these principles to your life and you'll find a deep inner joy. Know your precious value as a person and people will be drawn to you because they'll see Jesus in you. Let the Word of God define what beauty is and live, believe, and be lead by that. And that is a thing of beauty.