So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day (2 Corinthians 4:16 RSV).

I saw a story recently about a booming business nowadays: cosmetic surgery. The piece documented the amazing high percentage of people who had been operated on to correct not abnormalities, 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 godliness 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 got a "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).