1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves
in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold
or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing
godliness with good works. (NKJV)
Just recently, singer (Rihanna) stirred up a media frenzy
with regards to a dress (I use the term loosely) that she wore to the Guy’s
Choice Awards. The shock and reaction from many brought about all kinds of talk
concerning what was and wasn’t appropriate for stars to wear. Prior to this
controversy, gospel artist, Erica Campbell, from the duo MaryMary stirred up
controversy as well concerning a white dress (even though fully covered) she
had worn on the cover of her most recent CD. Both of these artists are
considered top notch in their own musical genres and yet, the clothing that
they wore, although it went from one extreme to another, stirred up a range of
emotions, gossip, news ratings, and tweets. The question presented was: “What
is appropriate attire?”
Back
in the 80’s and 90’s, Tammy Faye Baker, ex-wife to Pastor Jim Baker, was
well-known for her choice of excessive makeup. She loved her colorful cosmetics
and obviously didn’t mind the world knowing it. Despite the outward display of
color, she seemed to had been a beautiful person with a big heart. However, many people often passed judgement in the media with regards to the way she looked and dressed. Where they right or wrong? Only God knows, but one thing for sure--God judges the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at
his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the
Lord does not see as a man sees; for a man looks at the outward appearance, but
the Lord looks at the heart. (NKJV)
However,
most people, especially Christians may have to beware of the choices in makeup
and clothes that they wear because many tend to condemn, and compare those who
partake in sexy clothing, jewelry, and/or colorful cosmetics to the likes of the Joker in Batman or even the harlot of Revelation. Now, this is a little extreme, but some will make you feel that you are sinning when you wear cosmetics because you obviously look like the Joker (in their eyes). But, what does God have to say about this? Is it wrong to wear cosmetics and jewelry? Jeremiah 4:30 "And when you are plundered, What will you do? Though you clothe yourself in crimson, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain you will make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you; they will seek your life. (NKJV) Now, some may say that this scripture refers to it being a sin for women to wear cosmetics, but what was going on during this time when God had said this? If you read the chapters and verses ahead, you will find that Israel had been disobedient and had fallen back into idolatry and therefore, God was handing down punishment onto Israel for their disobedience and unfaithfulness to Him. This verse was referring to the time that Israel was being punished and reprimanded by God.
Now, some people and/or religions refer to Isaiah 3:16-23 as the scripture which makes it a sin to wear jewelry and cosmetics. (Moreover the Lord says: "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, making a jingling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the crown of the heard of the daughters of Zion, an the lord will uncover their secret parts." In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; The perfume boxes, the charms, and the rings; The nose jewels, the festal apparel, and the mantles; The outer garments, the purses, and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.{NKJV}) Once again, Israel had fallen into idolatry in this text even prior to the one used in Jeremiah and God as a reprimand for the seductive and adulterous ways, told them that He would take these items away from them.
However, does what a person wear really determines their relationship with God? Can you look at a person and see that they are a Christian? Jezebel has been used as a foundation for some religions to say that the outer adornment is a sin in God's eyes.
2 Kings 9:30 Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it: and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window. (NKJV) If you study the context of when this particular verse was written and the things that were taking place during that time, you will find that Jezebel was wicked and had been killing God's prophets. Elijah had even hid from her because of the wrath that she bestowed on anyone of God. Therefore, she was not killed because she adorned herself (even though she seemed to have been trying to seduce Jehu) she was killed because of her wickedness. Her reign of evil had run out on God's clock and Jehu was the one used to bring it all to a halt. So are Christians supposed to look like the rest of the world, which seemingly believes that less is best?
Absolutely not! Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV) We have to be in the world, but we do not have to resemble the world in the ways that are not of God. There is nothing wrong with having nice clothes and modest adornment. However, if your motives are in the wrong place, then that's when it becomes a sin for YOU. So, if a woman is dressing to get negative attention from men...that would be a sin. When we read the story of Esther in the Bible, she was required to get prepared outwardly to meet the king. Esther 2:12 Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months' preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. (NKJV) Esther could not go before the king any kind of way. She had to look and smell good. God had a greater purpose for her being in the kingdom, which was to save His people from being slaughtered. In order to do that, she had to prepare herself in ways to receive the attention of the king.
God doesn't require that women need to look like bats to prove that they are holy. It is all about the heart and the true intent of the individual. Just because a person decides to not wear cosmetics does not make them fit for the kingdom. There are many plain-faced devils that are going straight to hell. Therefore, it is a heart condition and not a wardrobe malfunction. Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (NKJV)
There is a way that the world thinks is right, and then there is a way that is right unto God. We should be careful that whatever we do, it glorifies God and never puts our representation of Him into question. Makeup is not going to send you to hell. Jewelry is not going to send you to hell. Clothing is not going to send you to hell. However, what you do with these items can send you to hell. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (NKJV) We must ask God for direction in all that we do. If there is a question concerning anything within us, God will help us to know what is pleasing in His eyes.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (NKJV) The main clothing that we should wear should be that of God. When this is worn, all else will fall into place. Be blessed!
No comments:
Post a Comment