Cherishing the Beauty God Created

“The real sin against life is to abuse and destroy beauty, even one’s own — even more, one’s own, for that has been put in our care and we are responsible for its well-being.”— Katherine Anne Porter, Ship of Fools (1962)

There’s something about this quote that stops me in my tracks. It’s the raw truth. It’s not about vanity or appearances—it’s about stewardship. God created beauty, and He entrusted it to us to protect, nurture, and honor. That includes the world around us, the people in our lives, and yes, our own souls and bodies.

Too often, we’re taught that taking care of ourselves is selfish. That rest can wait. That we should always put others first, even if it means running ourselves into the ground. But Scripture tells a different story.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Paul reminds us:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

That verse isn’t just about physical care—it’s about honoring the wholeness of who God made us to be. When we destroy or neglect the beauty He placed within us, whether through negative self-talk, burnout, poor choices, or shame, we dishonor the very Creator who designed us with such intentional love.

Think about how carefully God crafted creation. He painted sunsets that take our breath away. He gave birds songs that lift the morning air. He made the ocean roar and flowers bloom in quiet meadows. Yet out of all His creation, He called us His masterpiece.

Ephesians 2:10 says,

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

If He calls us His handiwork, then caring for ourselves—body, mind, and spirit—isn’t prideful. It’s obedience. It’s acknowledging that His work is good and worth tending to.

Beauty isn’t just what we see in the mirror. It’s the light that shines from within when we’re living in step with God’s will. It’s the peace in our eyes when we’ve learned to forgive. It’s the joy in our laughter when we trust that He holds our future. When we cultivate that kind of beauty, we reflect His glory more than any outward perfection ever could.

Katherine Anne Porter’s words remind us that neglecting ourselves—our health, our heart, our faith—can become a sin against life itself. When we refuse to see the beauty in how God made us, we are, in a sense, denying the goodness of His creation.

So, let’s shift the way we think about self-care. It isn’t indulgence; it’s stewardship. It’s choosing to rest when our bodies need it, feeding our minds with truth instead of comparison, and surrounding ourselves with people and places that lift us closer to Christ.

When we do this, we protect the beauty that God placed in our keeping. We become better parents, spouses, friends, and servants because our wells aren’t empty—we’re drawing from the living water that never runs dry.

Reflection Questions

• In what ways have you neglected the beauty God placed within you?

• What would it look like to honor your body, mind, and spirit as a temple of the Holy Spirit?

• How can you better care for the beauty around you—your home, your relationships, your world?

  
  

Verses to Ponder

• Psalm 139:14 – “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful; I know that full well.”

• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

• Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

• Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

  
  

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beauty You’ve created—in the world, in others, and within me. Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored or mistreated the life You’ve given me. Help me to see myself through Your eyes—worthy, loved, and made with purpose. Teach me to care for my body, mind, and spirit in ways that honor You. Let my life reflect Your glory, inside and out. May I walk in gratitude for the gift of being fearfully and wonderfully made.

In Jesus’ name, amen.