Appearance Matters

Author: Sis. Claudean Neath, MSW (Light of the World, Asbury Park, NJ)

Writing Style: Creative Writing

What does it mean to beautify yourself? -(Oxford)

               -Improve the appearance of.

Let me consider beautifying my backyard. Right now it is not very attractive; it has overgrown grass, which feels itchy on my legs. Let me see how I can fix this! I will definitely start by cutting the grass. Wow, that was pretty easy to do, and it’s already starting to look good. Hmmm! How about creating a walkway? Not a bad idea! I think I’ll plant some flowers alongside the fence. Wow, I’m excited already. This backyard is really taking shape, especially since I used the colored tile along the walkway. The patio set looks great and so does the herbs I planted. I wish you could see it; it’s absolutely beautiful.

So, what if we could do this to ourselves as Christians? Esther 2:9 “ She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her beauty treatments and special food…” (NIV).

Cleaning Up Time!

Ladies, while natural hair “is in”, it does not mean it should not be combed. Whatever style you choose, be mindful that hygiene matters, regardless of who is looking.

Also, take pride in what you wear. Your clothing should not be too frumpy or oversized, nor should they be too tight and revealing.  Modest dressing does not allow us to show off our nakedness, and it does not require us to look old fashioned. However, it should exude creativity, style, and sophistication. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 states “Likewise, the women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive clothing, but in the way that is proper for women professing devotion to God, namely, through good works.”

Men should consider getting a haircut and trim/shave/shape-up your beard. Pull those pants up, no one needs to see your underwear. Also, do not wear them too tight because it should reflect men who show modesty based on the Word of God.

Do you know the queen of England and her family’s clothing are carefully planned out? Even the U.S. President’s clothing is prearranged. Why? Because when in public they represent the monarchy and the United States. So who does your appearance represent when in public, God or Satan? How much time and thought did you take in putting your clothing together? Was it done purposefully or as an afterthought? Revelations 1:6 declares “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father….”

As Christians, we SHOULD beautify ourselves as we represent the King of kings.  While we know that the Lord does not look at things the way we see them – as His focus is on developing our inner beauty – the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take pride in how we adorn ourselves. Afterall, we are a part of the most prestigious royal family. 1 Peter 2:9 states “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”  So before you leave your house, check your appearance and represent your Father well!