I saw a story recently about a booming business nowadays — cosmetic surgery. The piece documented the amazingly high percentage of people who had gone "under the knife" to correct things with their bodies — not abnormalities or dangerous growths, but the natural effects of aging and overeating.

It's kind of sad how much attention we give to the outside — the right weight, the right dab of color on the lips or the eyes, or the right muscle definition. The Bible says real beauty comes from the inward self, from a gentle and quiet spirit. The good nature of godly character never fails; it never washes off or slides down! It never has to be nipped or tucked!

The truth is, most of us would much rather be teamed up with someone who has a good attitude and sweet spirit than someone who's had a good "tummy tuck."

You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (1 Peter 3:4 NLT)