Notes on Fashion & Beauty as a Believer in Christ
One common misconception that exists in the Christian community is that caring about things like hair, make - up, and fashion must automatically mean that one is vain, conceited, insecure, or worldly.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I fully understand that in some instances, that may be the case and we must constantly check our hearts for this reason. However, in many instances, style & beauty are simply a means of creative self-expression in the same way that one might enjoy knitting, painting, dancing or any other creative hobby.
Like any topic, it’s important to take note of what the scriptures say.
“Your adornment must not be merely external—with interweaving and elaborate knotting of the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or [being superficially preoccupied with] dressing in expensive clothes; but let it be [the inner beauty of] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, [one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature] which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
What I appreciate about this verse is that it admonishes women to not be dependent on external things like fashion, hair, or make-up to make them beautiful. We should not expect that adorning our outward appearance will make us beautiful. That would be worldly. One scripture I am reminded of is 1 Samuel 16 when Samuel went to locate and anoint King Saul’s successor. Before he learned of David (Saul’s actual successor), he was about to anoint David’s oldest brother because of his appearance until God said this:
“Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:6-7
This scripture teaches us that to judge a person based solely on their outward appearance is actually the opposite of how God thinks and we know that we are called to think as God thinks (Philippians 2:5). This scripture also makes it clear that even if we ensure our external appearance is absolutely stunning, if our heart is not clean, then we are not acceptable to God.
So, knowing that God looks at the heart of a person - not just their outward appearance - and that we ought not depend on external adornments to make us beautiful, it’s easy to reach the conclusion that your outward appearance does not matter. However, in scripture, we see examples of clothing being used to ensure someone is perceived by man in a positive way that would advance their cause or as an act of affirming God’s word. For example, before Joseph appeared before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams, he shaved and changed his clothing (Genesis 41:14). Had he not done this, he likely would have appeared before Pharaoh in prison clothes because that’s where he was coming from. When Jonathan and David became friends, Jonathan took off his robe (which would have been a royal garment since Jonathan was a prince as King Saul’s son) and gave it to David. This affirmed what God had already spoken about David’s destiny as the next king of Israel even though the position legally belonged to Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:4). Even Ruth went to put on her “best garment” before going to ask Boaz to redeem her by marrying her (Ruth 3:3).
Therefore, while there is a level of truth to the notion of “outward appearance does not matter,” to focus solely on that truth would be erasing the fact that while God does not look at the outward appearance, human beings do. And are these human beings not the same ones that we want to influence to follow Christ? The way I see it, looking good is actually a way to invite people to interact with you. They may approach to compliment you or ask about where you got your clothes from and before you know it, the conversation has somehow turned to Jesus.
I also have found that looking good is a way of encouraging yourself in difficult times. When you feel defeated, dress like someone who is victorious - and that could be as simple as putting on a crisp white button down and nice jeans as opposed to sweats. This is a prophetic act that affirms the truth of what God has already spoken over you which is that you are victorious in Christ Jesus.
Of course, there are many days where I simply cannot be bothered to put on a nice outfit and do hair and makeup, which brings us back to my aforementioned point on not being dependent on these things. Ultimately, understanding that beauty comes from the Holy Spirit inside of me ensures that regardless of how I look, I always feel confident, bold, and at rest in the knowledge that God will always love and take care of me regardless of how I look (& sometimes I look insane and that’s okay)
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I hope this blog post blessed you and encouraged you to express yourself freely through fashion and beauty. Whether you choose to dress up, dress down, wear makeup or no makeup, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31
