The beauty of Jesus.

I don't know the exact figures, but the amount spent on cosmetics, in the so-called "developed" world, runs into hundreds of millions of pounds annually.  Many women, and not a few men, will gladly spend a small fortune in order to make themselves look as 'good' as possible - even to the extent of undergoing expensive (and not always risk-free) cosmetic surgery.

This is not, of course, a condemnation of individual make-up - some lippie, a little eye-shadow, and a new hair-do (that's just the men; I don't know enough about women!! lol).  However, the Bible makes clear that real beauty is that of character which is based on "the fear of the LORD" (Prov.31:30).

I read, some time ago, of one dear old saint (in the New Testament sense of the word) who had "permanent waves" in his face.  In other words, he had looked upon the world for so long, with a smile, and with an attitude of tranquillity and goodwill, that those 'smile-lines' were fixed on his expression.  His face had set into an abiding vision of love and contentment.  It's the kind of 'beauty treatment' that the LORD gives to His long-time friends (remember Moses? - see Ex.34:29-35); it's the answer to the prayer that some of us used to sing - "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me".

When one Christian fellowship conducted a survey to discover what had been the most important factor in bringing people into active membership (and, one trusts, into a saving relationship with the Master!), it emerged that, for 60%, it was "personal contact with someone who showed me Jesus".

Wouldn't it be wonderful if those of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus were so open to Him, and so filled with His Spirit, that the light of His countenance would ever be mirrored to others?!

A couple of "one-liners": A loving smile adds a lot to a Christian's face value; 
                                            The best sort of tact in witnessing to Christ, is con-tact!

By the way, by the time this is being read by most folk, my dear wife and I will be en route to France, and our static caravan at Le Chêne du Lac, near Bayas.  This means that posting is likely to be irregular for the next three weeks!  However, do keep accessing the blog - I might even have something interesting to report!