Unlocking the Power of Beauty in Our Christian Witness
As we engage with others about our faith, we often encounter tough questions like “What about the problem of evil?” While these questions are important, there’s another aspect that can be just as impactful: beauty. The world around us is full of breathtaking beauty, from the intricate details of creation to the unique qualities of each human being. This beauty stirs within us a deep longing for something more, something eternal.
A Desire for the Divine
Philip Yancey, in one of his books, recounts how he was drawn to God through the simple yet profound beauty of a Monarch butterfly. Before he had given his life to Christ, he felt an overwhelming desire to connect with the creator of such beauty. This experience ultimately helped him recognize the existence of God. As we share our faith with others, we should be aware that they, too, are having experiences of beauty that can awaken a desire for the divine.
The Promise of Splendor
In his book, Beauty Is Your Destiny: How the Promise of Splendor Changes Everything, Philip Graham Ryken explores the theology and practice of beauty. As the president of Wheaton College, Ryken has a deep understanding of the role beauty plays in our Christian witness. He notes that unless we have a personal relationship with God, we have nowhere to direct our praise and adoration. This is where the promise of splendor comes in – the assurance that we can experience beauty forever.
Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder
The Bible teaches us that there is such a thing as objective beauty. When we read Scripture, we’re not just reading for information; we’re also reading for inspiration. The literary qualities of the Bible invite us to experience the beauty of God’s creation and the beauty of His character. As Leland Ryken notes, God has implanted in us a longing for the true, the good, and the beautiful. The Bible speaks to all three of these desires.
Reflecting Beauty in Our Lives
As Christians, we’re called to reflect the beauty of God in our lives. Our outward appearance should convey to the world where our hope is – firmly rooted and established in Jesus. When we prioritize inner beauty and let it shine through our actions and words, we become beacons of hope in a world desperate for meaning and purpose.
By embracing the power of beauty in our Christian witness, we can connect with others on a deeper level and point them to the source of all beauty: our loving God.
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