Our “Look”

We care way too much about the way we look.

Whether pushing ourselves too hard at the gym or spending hundreds of dollars (and hours) on fashion, we really care about our “look.” Girls, guys, young, old – this is everywhere. And I’m not just saying this about the world in general, but the church too.

Frankly, I always find it a bit unsettling when I see popular Christian leaders that look too good. Do you know what I mean? They’ve got all the right things to make them look just perfect – the right shoes, the right shirt, the right pants, the right jacket, the right hair, etc. It makes me think that how they look is a high value to them – a top priority. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Either way, their look says something to the looker. It’s saying, “Looking good is really, really, really important to me.”

I fear that many Christians are living like the rest of the world. We’re living as if “this” is all there is – as if “you” is all there ever will be.

What a sad outlook on life!

Godliness is Better

Just under two thousand years ago, a letter was written by a mature Christian leader to a young pastor. He wrote, “Train yourself for godliness;[1] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”[2]

The reasoning for why godliness is better than bodily training is because its benefits don’t end here on earth, but continue on in eternity.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to also view fashion in this way (clothing, jewellery, haircuts, etc.). Working on your fashion skills is of some value, seriously. Looking presentable is a good thing! You don’t want to be a distraction or a hindrance. But godliness is of way more importance. Again, the clothing you purchase, the haircuts you get, the shoes you buy – all of it doesn’t last.

Where’s the reality of eternity in fashion amongst Christians today?

Sadly, I think we’ve lost it.

What Now?

Thankfully, God is good. Through His Holy Spirit He restores and reforms the church in many ways. Let’s pray that God would open the eyes of His church – that we may no longer think that how we look is of utmost importance.

Every member of the body of Christ is a vessel of righteousness, doing the work of Jesus in this world. Stop spending time and money on making your vessel look good in the shipyard. Rather, spend time and money on maintaining your vessel for optimal performance, and get out in the dirty waters and save some souls.

Lord, help us in this area.

[1] Training and growing in godliness means growing in Christlikeness. Godliness encapsulates characteristics and behaviours that Jesus perfectly demonstrated – things such as love, meditating on the Bible, prayer, kindness, boldness, joy in suffering, etc.

[2] 1 Timothy 4:7-8