In one sense, caring about how we look is good. Nobody usually wants to look ugly or unapproachable, so we do what we can to make ourselves presentable. However, we can become so preoccupied by it that we are not only in danger of neglecting our character, but we also look down on others who don't live up to our standards.
Christians, never forget this: God looks at the heart. Looks aren't everything; especially in the American culture we focus so much on looks and first impressions that we can miss out on valuable relationships and chances to witness just because of our preconcieved ideas about how people should look. Looking good isn't bad! We just have to make sure that it doesn't become a reason to neglect or ignore somebody. Are you hurting others because of your preoccupation with looks? Are you neglecting people you should be loving just because they don't look as good as you think they ought to? These are thought processes that we should avoid.
Looks also can become so important that we put it above our own health. Let me tell you this: God does not want that! Let's see what the Bible has to say:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
That's right. If you are born again, you are God's property. You gave yourself to Him when you accepted Jesus into your life. You might say, "Well, that stinks! I want control!" We all want control, but when we think that we can do a better job of owning ourselves than God can, then we get messed up. God loves us so much more than anybody on earth ever has or ever will and He has the best in store for you and me. We just have to surrender to Him and everything will be okay. He will bring that special someone into your life someday and they will love you for how God made you.
God has a very different idea of beauty than we do -- especially the feminine side of beauty. Too often, the top of a man's want-list for a lover is good looks. Women have caught on to the trend and spend their time on their hair, their make-up and even sometimes take it as far as plastic surgery. The fault isn't exclusive to males or females -- it's simply a preoccupation with looks from both sides of the equation. Girls, do you want to be beautiful? Let your heart become beautiful. Guys, do you want to be strong? Fall in love with Jesus and He'll give you His strength.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing-- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
2 Corinthians 2:10
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Still haven't accepted Jesus? Still have no idea what it means to be born again? God doesn't want you to be trapped in a world that's preoccupied with the outside. He wants your heart to be right - more than that - He wants your heart to be right with Him. He loves you so much that He was willing to give up His only Son to die a horrible death on the cross. He loves you so much that He didn't leave His Son in the tomb, but raised Him up on the 3rd day to show that He has the power to give you new life, to give you citizenship in heaven. Please, accept the love of God that's been shown through Christ. Tell Him, "Lord, I need You. I've been wrong before. I've messed up. Please forgive me. I put my trust in everything that Your Son did. I accept Your invitation to heaven. Please come into my life and make me a new creature." Now that you've accepted Christ it's time to live for Him. It's time to let Him change you from the inside out. It's time to begin the adventure that it is to serve Him. Now go and tell others about the great things that God has done for you.