Dedicated to my wife.
The Collegiate Church of our Lady in Dinant, Belgium has quite a reputable history. Obtaining collegiate status in 934, it survived until 1228, when part of a cliff decided to make it a bull eye. Ouch, that sure hurt!
It was rebuilt in the Gothic style this time, and its interior became even more beautiful. Sadly enough, it was completely destroyed during World War I, and again in World War II. Each time it was reconstructed, its interior beauty became even more pronounced. It can be said of this church that it is quite old, but quite young at the same time, and it still attracts a myriad of tourists each year.
Inner beauty always attracts people, and it always improves as years go by. No wonder the Bible encourages that “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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.” (1Pet 3:3-4, NIV2)
In other words, fake beauty does not attract people. Take, for example, the mature man or woman who gets a face lift. Some succeed quite well, but many turn out like monsters from the deep sea. No pun intended!
Fake beauty will not procure a lasting marriage, but “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” sure will. When we truly care for one another, when we treat our beloved spouse with gentleness, when we avoid quarrels and stop nagging, love prosper and no one would ever be able to break such a loving marriage.
Once married, however, our inner beauty should continue to multiply exponentially, as our character should continue to develop. When we do so, real love will abide and will bind us forever. Others will notice us and sigh for what they don’t have. We can be a blessing to others by encouraging other marriages to develop their inner beauty. It’s never too late, even when a cliff decides to hit us head on!
Inner beauty truly attracts.
Rob Chaffart
(To access the entire “Marriage Bliss” devotional series, please click here.)