He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (Ecc 3:11)
We continually search. Reason: this is not our home! In all the things we do for the Lord (our services to His glory) - we are still longing for satisfaction. You see, God has set a glimpse of eternity within us. Like a homing pigeon, we strive for and continue forward waiting for that day when we finally make it home!
As we grow older, we look in the mirror (some of us, anyway) and see the toll that time has taken on us. We see the gray hairs, the lines on our faces, the thinning skin and watch as the muscles of our body begin to slowly lose their firmness (unless, of course, you are obsessed with body building and appearances). Some become overly depressed when a birthday approaches, taking on the characteristics of a deranged lunatic - sobbing and ranting about getting old. Some spend their money for face lifts, eye lifts, tummy tucks, liver spot removal and other assorted goodies. I've always found a good eyeliner, some blush and a little mascara is more than enough for me. I don't need to look young anymore. I am young on the inside! I am new on the inside. One day, I will be perfect!
Each day brings us closer to our death. For some, it will be today, for others, tomorrow - most of us have a bit of travel before that day arrives. On that day, our judgment day, we will stand before the greatest power in the universe and answer for our lives. Fortunately, we have a great defense attorney - with every sin we've ever committed, with every infraction of God's law, He will show the nail scarred hands, the pierced side and the marks where a crown of thorns once was placed. We will receive a verdict of "not guilty" - even though we are not worthy!
There is nothing wrong with a good cardio walk, we are to keep our bodies in good condition. They are a temple for the Holy Spirit. There is also nothing wrong with a little moisturizer, it keeps the skin healthy and just the mere act of rubbing it in, stimulates the skin cells and circulation. Good hygiene is important! To become so overly concerned - vanity - is where the problem lies.
Remember that the time you spend in front of that mirror, the hours you spend exercising and "perfecting" your body, is time that you could be spending with God. Get to know Him. That body you work so hard to keep young, will eventually fail you and you will die. That soul that you neglect, the part of you that belongs to the Father in Heaven, is what's important! Nourish that - exercise that!!! That will never fail you! That is what will go on into eternity (be it heaven or hell).
Make time for Jesus. Make time for the Word of God. Find the beauty within you - deep in your soul. Stop searching and trying to beautify the exterior...worry about the interior! Vanity is a sin in itself. Step away from the mirror long enough to examine what cannot be seen by anyone other than you and God...
