Cosas de este Mundo

Today in Sunday School, we studied Doctrine and Covenants chapter 25. Though we didn't cover verse 10,   as I skimmed the chapter,  it struck me today.

And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.

As a woman, the world sells us slick, shiny messages of what we should be to be the "ideal woman." Just look at a magazine rack, or visual media. We're supposed to be thin, buxom,  sexy even wanton painted playthings. The world values our worth based on our outward appearance. 

We,even members of the church, judge each other on our physical appearance, dress, style, or fashion sense. We women might evaluate our worth based on the praise of the world's standards and definitions of our beauty and appeal. We might value the 

Have you ever thought something like this?
Nobody asked me out? I must be ugly, fat, and worthless.

It is easy to be caught up in fashion, trends, shopping, shoes, makeup, weight, hairstyles, or makeup.  It's not bad to want to be presentable and well-groomed.  It's not wrong to want to be healthy.  The problem, I think, is when we place those things above seeking what the Lord desires us to be.


Just remember, God cares about what is our hearts - not our hairstyle. 


Are we more concerned about how we look on the outside as opposed to our internal character? 


We might focus on what the world says is success, what the world says women should be like. Do we focus on the world's standards or the Lord's?  Do we focus on the things of the world to bring peace, which never will happen, or do we seek after things of a better world?


Remember, the Lord uses different measurements of our potential and beauty.  Recall the Lord telling Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, 


But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.


If the Lord looked at my heart, right now, would he see true beauty or would he see ugliness? 


While I may never grace the cover of a magazine, or ever be a "10," by the world's standards, do I have the true qualities of womanhood (manhood too!), according to the things of  a better world?  


Am I spiritual, virtuous, faithful, charitable, kind, or compassionate? These, and many more qualities, are much more important that how well we apply eyeliner, or accessorize an outfit, or even how many handmade crafts we can do on Pinterest. 


Also, do we place maintaining our figure above maintaining our spiritual health? While our physical body may be attractive and appealing,  are we letting our spiritual self suffer and starve?


The Lord is "no respecter of persons," (Acts 10:34), regardless of how tall, thin, blonde, bald, 
or short we are, we are all welcome in His presence based on our hearts and our actions - not our looks. 


Let's stop judging ourselves and each other by the faulty, distorted yardstick of the world.  Let's show compassion to each other, regardless of how well we're dressed, or how stylish our hair looks.  Now, we don't have to wear sack cloth and be barefaced, in my opinion, but I believe when the things of the world become more of a priority or focus in our lives, over our spirituality, that becomes the problem.  


The things of the world will never make us truly happy if we neglect our spirituality or our inner beauty. 

Let's also celebrate the true beauty of one another, for that will bring contentment and peace.  

By focusing on the qualities of true beauty - compassion, kindness, charity, faith - we can make the world a better place. If we stop feeling depressed that we're not a beauty queen, and concern ourselves with charity, imagine the good we can do for our families and friends, and in turn, our communities and nations. Let's be more focused on doing good then looking good.