How can we honor God by valuing beauty as seen in Song of Solomon 5:11? Celebrating Beauty in Songs 5:11 “His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven.” The bride lovingly describes her husband’s appearance, treating every physical detail as precious. Scripture affirms that tangible, visible beauty is worthy of notice and praise because it originates with God Himself. Beauty as a Reflection of the Creator Genesis 1:31 — “And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good.” • A perfect Creator crafts a good and beautiful creation; honoring beauty honors the Artist. Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” • Creation’s beauty functions as a continual doxology, calling believers to join in praise. Philippians 4:8 — “Whatever is lovely… think on these things.” • Valuing loveliness aligns thoughts with divine priorities. Practical Ways to Honor God by Valuing Beauty – Offer spontaneous praise when confronted with beauty, whether in nature, art, or people. – Receive beauty with thanksgiving, echoing 1 Timothy 4:4; gratitude redirects admiration back to God. – Celebrate marital attraction openly and faithfully, as the Song models, affirming God’s design for romance. – Practice stewardship of personal appearance without vanity, treating the body as “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). – Cultivate artistic skills—music, painting, craftsmanship—as acts of worship, mirroring the excellence of Exodus 31:1-5. – Speak words that highlight God-given dignity in others, replacing flattery with sincere commendation. Keeping Beauty in Proper Perspective – Guard the heart from idolatry; beauty is a signpost, not the destination (Romans 1:25). – Balance external appreciation with internal character, heeding 1 Peter 3:3-4 on unfading inner beauty. – Reject cultural distortion that divorces beauty from holiness; true attractiveness includes purity and virtue. – Remember that Christ is the ultimate Bridegroom whose glory surpasses every human ideal (Revelation 1:13-16). Living Out a Theology of Beauty – Observe creation daily, letting wonder rise into worship. – Encourage spouses, family, and friends with affirmations that recognize God’s handiwork in them. – Fill homes and churches with music, art, and decor that elevate the mind to God. – Serve the needy, restoring dignity and beauty where sin and brokenness have marred God’s image. Conclusion Delighting in the gold-like splendor and raven-black hair of Songs 5:11 affirms that visible beauty is a divine gift. When believers acknowledge, steward, and celebrate that beauty, they echo the bride’s song, magnify the Creator, and point all glory back to the One who makes everything lovely in its time. |
    |