Just a Thought: Outward beauty will fade with age. There is no denying that outward beauty is one thing that causes us to look at and be attracted to people. But outward beauty fades with age. Some may age better than others, but we all get older. And, when we get older, we change. This is why inward beauty is so important! I have known some very good-looking people who were very ugly on the inside. Believe me when I tell you, you can be a knockout on the outside. But, if you are ugly on the inside, it is a real turn off. Having said all that, you were attracted to something in your spouse. Something caught your eye and drew you to them. This is the topic of this passage in the song of songs. The Song of Solomon is one of the most neglected books of the Bible. Young preachers are advised not to use it until they are older. The Jews would not permit their young men to read it until they were at least thirty years old. Even though, the Jews called it “the holy of holies of scripture.” And, out of over one thousand songs that Solomon wrote, this is the best one. The song of songs he called it. The truth is this book sets forth the heart of a satisfied husband and a devoted wife who are clearly physically and lovingly attracted to one another. My friend, if all you have to go on in your marriage is physical beauty, you’re in trouble. You’re in trouble because soon enough that will be gone. However, if you are truly physically and lovingly attracted to your spouse you understand the maturing love in marriage and message of this book. The lovers found complete delight in each other. He speaks of her in such beautiful terms as he thinks of her. “How beautiful you are and how pleasing, O love, with your delights!” (Song 7:6) We are all getting older (even if you’re young right now). How important it is for us to find complete delight and satisfaction in our own spouse. How important is it for us to delight one another and find delight in each other. When was the last time you recounted and complimented your spouse on all the things about him or her that bring you delight? How important it is to remind ourselves and our spouse of all the things that attracted us to them when we met. And, how those things have grown into many more over the years. This is important for us. And it is really meaningful for them. As I look back at our journey, I can tell you our looks have changed. If she had married me for my hair, well, it’s gone! Many things physically have changed for both of us over the years. But I try to never miss an opportunity to tell my wife how beautiful she is to me and how happy I am to have her by my side every day in this life. Outward beauty will fade with age. So, don’t forget to use every opportunity you can to tell your spouse about all the things that make them beautiful to you. This is good for you and great for them! Go ahead, start working on that list.
