| Sermon Thought by Joy Puvana |
In today’s world, everything seems to revolve around enhancing the external while ignoring the internal. Tremendous effort is poured into perfecting the superficial, often at the expense of nurturing the core. Take the food industry, for example: companies invest heavily in Research and Development, employing food experts who craft that irresistible crunch, extra creaminess, and intense flavors that keep consumers coming back for all the wrong reasons.
The other day, I picked up some beautiful pomegranates and apples—vibrant and flawless on the outside. But when I cut them open at home, I discovered they were rotten on the inside. I had no idea of their inner state when I chose them, deceived by their appearance.
It’s the same with people. We often see an emphasis on enhancing feminine looks while neglecting the nurturing tenderness of motherhood, or focusing on building masculine muscles while ignoring the inner strength, leaving many riddled with anxiety and fear.
In one of his epistles, Peter writes, “Be beautiful inside, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit.” This kind of beauty doesn’t come from external adornment, nor does it fade with age. It is an unfading, unique beauty—a precious beauty secret given by Peter, the true rock. A gentle and quiet spirit comes from a heart that trusts in God.
Yet, instead of seeking this inner beauty, the world is obsessed with outer appearances. This misplaced pursuit has fueled the rise of the billion-dollar cosmetic surgery industry, which capitalizes on the very human desire for external perfection, while the true beauty—timeless and internal—remains overlooked.