As a leader, I've heard stories from different people whose self-confidence is tied to their self-worth. The problem is, we tend to measure value with what our eyes see.

My college friend Kara (not her real name), is one of the most intelligent people I ever met. Even with high grades and a bubbly character, she still feels unappreciated by the people around her. She used to cry on hallway corners because others belittled her for not being as drop-dead gorgeous as others.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. — Romans 12:2

Marie, on the other hand, is a fine, beautiful lady. With her modelesque looks, people look up to her. But with admiration comes insecurity. Some got jealous and bullied her, which made Marie feel depressed.

And that's when I saw the two sides of the coin.

It's gut-wrenching to see young men and women feel less of themselves, disparaging what impact their unique characters could do because they're too preoccupied by temporary things. Many of us are too busy fixing the way we look to notice the most valuable things one must possess.

I meet lots of gorgeous people everyday. We are living in an era of glittering makeups, five-inch stilettos, and flashy suit and ties. Accounts will tell you that putting makeups and wearing fine clothes boost the confidence of a person. But, should we stop there? Your looks can make people turn their eyes on you, but your crystal-clear, authentic Christian heart will make them stay in your life.

The first step of acceptance is accepting yourself. Want other people to admire you? Admire yourself first. Not just the perfectly imagined self but also the flawed self.

Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious — 1 Peter 3:4

I am so blessed that I have many friends who are not six-feet tall and glamorous, but know how to inspire and touch the lives of many. You know what made them stand out? They all love Jesus. They are, well, some of the most authentic and beautiful people I've seen in this world.

Let your hurt, your insecurity and jealousy die by not feeding them. Focus on our gifts. Use them in building your self-worth. Prove that there's a better you than what the universe sees.

As Mr. Santos, my college professor put it, "Meaning is more important than form. Form is nothing without substance". For me, no amount of beauty products and glamorous clothes could make me feel beautiful without Christ as my beauty cloak.

I love Kara because of her kind heart. And Marie too. I appreciate them, not only because of the ladies they are but because of the wonderful ladies they could be and will be.

Discussion Question: What are some of your qualities and spiritual gifts that you consider "beautiful?" How are you going to use them in advancing the kingdom of the Lord?