Are Looks Everything? Pt. 1

Are Looks Everything?

Pt.1

You may have heard the saying “Looks are everything!” But are they? You may think so, but wait!

God says in the Bible:

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4, NIV)

First, what is outward adornment? What does that mean? It means decorating yourself to attract attention to yourself. It includes jewelry, makeup, nail polish, lipstick, and so on.

I once read in a book, “While the outward adorning beautifies only the mortal body, the ornament of meekness adorns the soul, and connects finite man with the infinite God. This is the ornament of God’s own choice…. Angels of heaven will register as best adorned those who put on the Lord Jesus Christ and walk with Him in meekness and lowliness of mind. (White, pg. 154).

Again she says, “God wants something in return for this great sacrifice He has made on your behalf. He wants you to be Christians, not in name alone, but also in dress and conversation. He would have you be content to dress in modest apparel, not in ruffles and feathers and unnecessary trimmings. He wants you to make your manners attractive, such as Heaven can approve. Will you disappoint His expectations, dear youth?” (White, pg. 346)

Second, elaborate hairstyles. This does not mean curled hair, french braids, or simple braids. During ancient Roman times, women had extremely elaborate hairstyles. Today, some hairstyles are still made too fancy by putting jewels and beads in the hair. Women may still cut their hair and may fix it with scrunchies and hair ribbons, of course.

Third, jewelry is forbidden. Rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, all are not to be worn according to the bible. You should not wear any kind of jewelry at any time. "Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." (ESV, 1 Timothy 2:9-10)

Fourth, fine clothes. It doesn’t mean you can’t dress up, but modesty and simplicity are encouraged. As Christians, we want to look different from the rich and the famous, who may choose elaborate, expensive, and immodest clothing. If you decide to follow God’s principles in dress, He will bless your search to dress modestly. These days there are lots of simple yet beautiful and modest dresses online.

So, what do we want to be like? We should be kind and happy, gentle and meek, and we always should be that way. I will talk more about that next week.

~Lynnie

Sources:

"1 Timothy 2 (NIV) - Likewise also that women." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 2 Jun, 2022. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1ti/2/9-10/s_1121009>.

"1 Peter 3 (NIV) - Your beauty should not come." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 2 Jun, 2022. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/1pe/3/3-4/s_1154003>.

White, Ellen. Daughters of God. Review and Herald Pub Assoc, 2005.

White, Ellen. Messages to Young People. Review and Herald Pub Assoc, 2002.