The clothes and garments we wear reflect our inner person. However many opine that we must rather focus on the heart rather than our outward appearances. While this thought may be true, it is equally biblically helpful if we will be cautious not to let our appearances be offensive against scripture. As Christians our whole lives must be subject to what the bible says. We do not have the option or luxury to choose but what God says. The option of choice is to do God’s will or to go the way of the world. We must not follow wrongly because the master of wrongs has already been judged. John 16: 11 says the ruler of this world is judged.
Our appearances would also be considered at judgment whether it was seductive, provocative, in obedience to God or in his honour. Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6: 12 all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. 1 Corinthians 10: 23 says all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. The laws of this world are different from the laws of God. Therefore, as children of God our priorities must be set right, to please God rather than men.
Biblical standards of God
Romans 8: 8 says those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Galatians 1: 10 says am I now seeking the favour of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. Peter said in Acts 5: 29, we must obey God rather than men. The rights of the world may be lawful yet deviate from God’s way.
Jesus said in John 14: 30 the ruler of this world has no power over him. This confirms to us that God is distinct and separate from the ruler of this world who is the devil. We cannot serve or obey both but one. Matthew 6: 24; Luke 16: 13 says you cannot serve God and mammon. We bow down to the devil when we subscribe to his culture of wrongs. Isaiah 55:8 says for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Jesus knows the way he leads us and we must accept his leadership if we are to gain eternal life. We must have the mind of Christ Jesus.
Whose will we must obey
In everything we do, we must be to the will of God. Matthew 6: 10 says thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Even Jesus subjected his will to God’s will amidst all the attractions of this world and in spite of his enormous power which he had. Nothing pleases God than to obey him and his words. Our appearances also matter to God for they depict either his glory or his shame through us. We are accountable for our deeds. James 4:17 says whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. Now that we know what is right, we have no more excuses to reject Jesus Christ as Lord.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we beseech you that by your mercy, grace and love, teach us to know your will concerning our appearances so we may continue to please and glorify you in obedience; and vacating the standards and liberties of this world, we may cling to the cross. Wash our sins in your precious blood and save our souls today. In your holy name we pray, Amen!!
