Spray Tans, Tanning Salons, & Just Basking

Tans are (still) all the rage. The quest for the glow of bronzed skin is an industry unto itself. There's an aura about a dark sun-tan, it signifies many things, but mostly beauty in that tawny brown, glowing flesh. And it matters little anymore whether that outburst of melanin comes from a true tan coming from hours spent on a deck in the backyard, a towel on the beach or a chaise next to the pool. It doesn't matter if comes from just a few minutes a week in a tanning salon, all the same benefits without the hassle of time. And if it doesn't affect melanin at all, but is the kind of tan that's nothing more than whole body cosmetics, that's okay, too!

It's all about the glow.

It was pointed out to me recently that for someone who likes to spend their spare time outdoors (camping, working outside, etc.) that I'm not very tan. It's true. This season, I've not spent the time outside that I would prefer, but the fairness of my skin doesn't truly represent my passion for the outdoors.

But I'm after another type of glow.

Whenever, though, they turn and face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are - face to face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone [like the law]. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, The Message.

This is the glow I seek and it can come only as I spend more and more time face to face with Christ!

O sure there are some who put on this kind of "spiritual tan" thinking that somehow it can come from microwave Christianity in only a few minutes a day, or others who think that a "spray glow" is enough, as long as one looks like they are Godly.

But we know those don't work. In fact we can see right through them. The glow of Christ in us comes not from the skin, but from within. It comes in kindness and mercy; in love and forgiveness; in patience and action. It's evident where people get their spiritual tans...

...basking in the radiance of the Son!

(and I think it's time to roll over!)

Peace ><>
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