To Wear or Not To Wear?

I’m going to attempt to answer a question that I was recently asked by a friend of mine. I believe others have the same question in their minds and don’t quite know how to answer it. The question is: Is it biblical to wear make-up? Another unasked question is: Should I keep up with fashions, or is it more important that I have a godly heart and not make a fuss about my appearance?

Let me start off by saying that we know that the Lord is most interested in our hearts . Remember when David was chosen by God? God said, Man looks on the outside, but God sees the heart. So, the most important part of me is my relationship with my Him. Next we have to consider the first part of the verse – the fact that man looks on the outside. Because people cannot see our heart, our outside is a huge part of our testimony. What are we saying about our God if we dress in a way that is frumpy or thrown together?

It doesn’t matter what I think, but what does God’s Word say? Does it really matter what we wear as long as it’s modest? I believe our dress conveys many messages, but let’s zero in on this one:

• Dressing in an attractive manner reveals that we desire to reflect our God.

1. That means we must be modest – in dress and makeup, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be attractive.
2. It also reminds us that God is the creator of all things beautiful. Many women in the Bible that were godly women were noted for their beauty – Sarah, Rebekah, and Esther to name a few. If there was something ungodly or sinful about being beautiful, why would God have made mention of it in His Word? I Timothy 2:9 is another reminder that our dress isn’t to be the focus, but I believe this is a reminder that it all needs to be done modestly. Don’t over-do the makeup or the jewelry. Make it tasteful and done in a manner that would give the right opinion of our God.
3. Our God is a God who is current with my life today. We need to demonstrate a God who is relevant and very aware of my life today. While we don’t need to be trendy, there is nothing ungodly about being fashionable, as long as it’s modest.
4. He changed my life, and that gives me a reason to look as refreshed on the outside as I am on the inside. Just as immodest apparel would distract others from a right testimony, being dirty, unkempt, or haphazard in our dress is also a deterrent.
5. God created marriage. If you’re married, remind yourself that God made your husband to be visual. I doubt there are many husbands out there that would mind if their wife looked sharp and attractive. What a blessing to come home to a face that’s made up ( a little is all that’s needed!), hair that’s “fixed” (that doesn’t mean a pony tail!), and a cute (rather than comfy) outfit. Don’t go ask him – just do it and see how he responds!

I spend very little money on my wardrobe. First, I am wearing some things that I’ve had for years. They’re classic styles (my favorite) and are in good condition. Secondly, I have lots of people give me their castoffs and I love that! Third, I only shop at the clearance racks – many times out of season. Lastly, I also shop at consignment shops. So, a low budget is no excuse for an out of date wardrobe.

So, my answer is: I believe I must first focus on my relationship with God and not let my appearance become too high a priority, but I believe that my appearance should not be a deterrent to my testimony, one way or the other. There is nothing ungodly with “painting the barn,” as Dr. Bob Sr. used to say. I’d hate for the world to see me “looking natural!” I’d scare you half to death! I certainly don’t claim to have it all put together – but I want to be a blessing to my husband, and a good testimony to the world of a wonderful God.

Okay, now I’m braced for your loving responses…

Because I care,