Is it asked, “What will most effectually turn my eyes from vanity?” Not the seclusion of contemplative retirement. Not the relinquishment of our lawful connection with the world [“in the world, but not of the world”!]. [It is rather] the transcendent beauty of Jesus unveiled to our eyes, and fixing our hearts.
When you are tempted to any vanity – set the blessed Redeemer before you, consider His example, and ask yourself, “How would Jesus, my Lord and Master, have acted in such a case? Would He have spent His time upon such trifles? Would He have spoken such and such; or done this or the other thing, which I am solicited to do? And shall I give way to that which would be a manifest deviation from His holy example? God forbid!”
Christ Precious.
As for beauty, one of its most potent charms lies in its modest unconsciousness; it is greatly marred when accompanied by vanity.
The Bible warns against vanity (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Our goal in exercise should not be to improve the quality of our bodies so that other people will notice and admire us. Rather, the goal of exercising should be to improve our physical health so we will possess more physical energy that we can devote to spiritual goals.
Got Answers, Question: “Should a Christian exercise? What does the Bible say about health?” Used by Permission.
King Solomon said that beauty is vain; yet some people are so vain as to be proud of their vanity.