In this day and age, beauty is defined in countless ways. The bases for these definitions can come from various lengths and perspectives. It is also being projected and expressed through different modes such as television and media, personal appearance, fashion trends, language to mention a few. With all the complexities of defining beauty, how does a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints define and portray beauty?

Remember who you are

In Genesis, we learn that we were created after the image of God. Knowing this absolute truth gives Latter-day Saints confidence in their beauty in whatever form they were physically created. Regardless of skin, hair color, race, height, social status and other attributes that can be linked to beauty, there is no mistaking of the fact that “[we] are gods, children of the most High.” (Psalm 82:6) This divine knowledge that we the offspring of an Eternal God—a God perfect and most powerful beyond comprehension—should give us a strong backbone to feel beautiful because everyone on this earth was born with innate beauty coming from the creator of beauty both in heaven and on earth. Everything created by God since the beginning is created with indescribable beauty and we are one of those masterpieces he created. This truth must be well planted in our hearts that we may all feel confidently beautiful even when the world says otherwise.

Receive His image in your countenances

The 5th chapter of the Book of Alma poses the question, “Have ye received his image in your countenances?” (Alma 5:14) Receiving the countenance of God is probably one of the most beautiful aspects of beauty a person can receive—a beauty that cannot be painted or surgically manipulated. This blessing is a result of righteousness, faith and obedience to the laws of heaven. This deep beauty shines from the inside out that radiates glow and brightness way beyond what the world consider as beautiful.

Look into the mirror of eternity

If we remain faithful unto the end and have proven worthy to return to Heavenly Father’s presence, we learn in the 10th chapter of the Book of Moroni in the Book of Mormon that we are promised that we will be perfected by the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ. (Moroni 10:32) This is an absolute truth of beauty for what more can be more beautiful than being perfect like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This is an eternal beauty that has been promised to us by our loving Heavenly Father.

Seek, develop and share the best gifts

As children of the Eternal Father, we were given gifts to bless our lives and to bless the lives of our fellow travelers in our earthly journey. In the 46th section of Doctrine and Covenants, we are taught that “to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God…to some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.” (Doctrine & Covenants 46:11-12) In the same section is an account of some of these gifts.

13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
21 And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
22 And to others it is given to prophesy;
23 And to others the discerning of spirits.
24 And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.

These gifts need to be sought diligently, developed valiantly and used according to the will of the Great Giver of all these gifts. Seeking and developing these gifts means seeking and developing eternal beauty that cannot be purchased nor washed off. After seeking and developing these gifts, sharing it to other people is a great portrayal of beauty. A singer can sing to bring out the beauty of using clean language on song lyrics, a painter can paint a masterpiece for an art gallery to remind people to appreciate the beauty of nature, and a dressmaker can make clothing to express the beauty of modesty. These examples among many others are portraying beauty.

Beauty has its many forms and among these forms, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints see beauty as something that does not wear out, something that cannot be bought over the counter, something that cannot be corrupted by moth and the trends of this world. Beauty is godly attractiveness.