Let’s talk about something that’s tough for a lot of us—aging. Yep, that inevitable process that brings wrinkles, gray hair, and laugh lines we didn’t ask for. If you’ve ever struggled with the mirror reflecting back more years than you feel on the inside, you’re not alone. Today, we’re diving deep into beauty, Botox, fillers, and what the Bible has to say about it all.
The Cultural Obsession with Beauty
We live in a culture obsessed with looking young. You’ve seen it: the creams, the injectables, the treatments that promise to smooth out every line and erase any sign that we’ve lived beyond 30. And we’re buying into it—literally. Did you know the beauty industry made over $528 billion in revenue last year alone? That’s a lot of money spent trying to slow down the aging process.
Botox and fillers are leading the charge in the non-surgical cosmetic world. The average age for Botox injections is 43, but more and more women in their 20s are getting “prejuvenation” treatments to prevent fine lines before they even show up. And I get it—there’s pressure to stay youthful.
But here’s the thing: culture’s definition of beauty is constantly changing. One decade it’s big hair and hot pink blush, and the next, it’s dewy skin and minimalist makeup. Trends come and go, but God’s definition of beauty? It’s timeless.
What the Bible Says About Beauty
If you’re thinking, “Oh no, she’s about to drop the Proverbs 31:30 verse on me, isn’t she?”—you’re right! Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”
That word “passing” or “fleeting” reminds us that beauty fades. It doesn’t last. And deep down, we know this is true. If you’ve ever seen an old movie, you’ve probably noticed that even the most glamorous stars eventually aged. But the Bible points us toward a kind of beauty that doesn’t fade—the beauty of a woman who fears the Lord.
Ageless vs. Timeless
One of the things I’ve shared at women’s events lately is the difference between being ageless and being timeless. Our culture promotes the idea that beauty means looking ageless—stopping the clock, reversing the wrinkles, and keeping up with the 20-somethings. But the Bible calls us to be timeless—to cultivate an inner beauty that lasts.
When God created Eve, she was both ageless and timeless. But after the fall, aging became part of life. Eve couldn’t hold on to her youthful beauty forever, but she left a legacy that outlived her. And that’s what we see with the Proverbs 31 woman. She wasn’t praised for her looks but for her character and faith. She was timeless.
God’s Definition of Beauty
God doesn’t define beauty the way we do. We tend to focus on the outward, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Think about the people God called beautiful in the Bible—Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Daniel. None of them were praised for their looks. They were praised for their faith, obedience, and willingness to serve God.
Even the women who are remembered for their beauty—like Rebekah—had flaws that overshadowed their physical appearance. True beauty, according to God, is found in a life lived for Him.
Finding the Balance
Now, does that mean we shouldn’t care about how we look? Not at all! The challenge of the Christian life is finding balance. We don’t want to be so focused on our appearance that we neglect our inner person, but we also don’t want to ignore self-care entirely.
In 1 Peter 3:3-4, Peter encouraged women to focus on the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit rather than just outward adornment. He wasn’t saying, “Don’t wear makeup” or “Don’t braid your hair.” He was saying, “Don’t let your outward appearance be your only focus.”
Here’s what I’ve learned through all of this:
- It’s OK to struggle with aging. Some days are harder than others. But remember, getting older is a gift. Proverbs says gray hair is a crown of glory earned through a life well-lived (Proverbs 16:31).
- Your loved ones see beyond your wrinkles. My boys don’t care about my Botox (or lack thereof). They love me for who I am, not how I look.
- True beauty comes from within. 2 Corinthians 4:16 reminds us, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” We can’t stop the aging process, but we can focus on becoming more like Christ.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, beauty is fleeting. We won’t be remembered for how we looked, but we can be remembered for how we lived—for the way we loved and served God and others. You will never be ageless. And as much as your esthetician wishes she could, she’ll never find a facial that can accompish that fete. But a woman who fears the Lord will be timeless.
Get your FREE Scripture memory cards and sign up for my monthly Worldview In 3 Minutes Newsletter (FYI: I only send one email per month because I won’t annoy you 😉)
Listen to this podcast episode.
Watch this YouTube video.
Leave a Reply