We live in a beauty-obsessed culture; there’s no denying that. In the United States alone, the beauty industry is worth over $100 billion. Just turn on the TV, look at magazines, or watch movies on any platform, and you will inevitably see people with fillers, injections, and plastic surgery.

I must confess that I am not exempt from the desire to look good, and have a daily and nightly 7-step skincare regimen. I even have a favorite makeup product – don’t get me started on the mascara I use that makes my lashes look almost as full as fake lashes. 

I also have one product that I do not like, and plenty of it since I signed up for a “subscribe and save.” It is a shampoo and conditioner set that does not do any of the things it promises. 

Although they are advertised as “Moisture Healing,” they are anything but. The bottles also say they, “Smoothe Frizz, Repair Damage, Prevent Split Ends, Strengthen Fragile Hair, Prevent Heat Damage, and Improve Detangling and Manageability.” 

If the shampoo and conditioner are not “Moisture Healing,” which is the name of the product, they definitely do not do any of the other things. This product was so ineffective that I often had to use a leave-in conditioner and detangler after using this “moisturizing” set. 

All this to say, I had to use the shampoo and conditioner the other day and read the front label that said they did all these fantastic things, knowing they actually do none. In that moment, after I had to put detangler in my hair, I was first thinking about how I will never do another “subscribe and save,” but more importantly, about my life verse, Hebrews 10:23. 

It says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (NIV)

This verse, these 15 words, succinctly describe why we, as Christians, have hope…God is faithful and will always fulfill His promises. Always! 

You see, beauty products and procedures offer very little hope. They only temporarily delay the effects and appearance of aging. Beauty products can’t heal your heart or bring peace to a troubled mind. And they certainly can’t promise eternal life. 

Unlike beauty and skincare products, God does what He says. We can rely on Him. We can look into Scripture and see what He promises; there is no fine print or expiration date. The Word of God will be effective through all seasons of our lives. As we change, age, and mature, it will meet all our needs.

As believers, we get to be light and show others the love of God. We get to be salt, equipped with the joyful knowledge of eternal salvation in a dark world full of temporary things. And in Christ, we are beautiful. It isn’t our skincare products or an amazing mascara that draws people to us – it is God’s presence in our lives. 

Reflection and Discussion:

What makes you feel beautiful?

Do you know that you are beloved by God? 

Has someone ever told you that they can see the love of God in you?