Beauty was God's idea...

I think sometimes for those of us who struggle with sexual temptation we have come to believe that somehow beauty is the enemy. I think this is partly due to the fact that we have so associated beauty with the lies of pornography and other sexual perversions that we can't separate seeing beauty from abusing it. But God is still the creator of all things beautiful. And He has been showing me that there is a reason for beauty.

There is nothing more beautiful than God in His glory. One day we will all see the splendor of His majesty and find ourselves trembling at the sight. For those of us who are saved through faith in Jesus, this experience will be a unique mixture of terrifying fear and inexplicable joy. We will see the essence of God - and it will be beautiful!

All beauty is simply a reflection of God. Therefore, now when I see a beautiful women or a stunning sunset I am reminded that such beauty comes from God. He wants all things beautiful to cause me to bow my knee in worship of Him. God did not create beauty for us to exploit it, but rather to draw us closer to Him. I now realize that I have a choice. But not simply a choice between "doing right" or "doing wrong." I have a choice to either abuse the wonder of God's creative beauty for my selfish lusts or to turn in thanksgiving to the One whose magnificent beauty surpasses all.

I choose gazing upon God. How about you?

Basking in God's beauty,

jonathan