Why Appearances Matter
By: Becky Long
In our society today we have become more relaxed about many things.
For some things this is good. I am thankful that I do not do
housework in a dress like my mother did so many years ago. However,
as with most things, it can be carried too far. I think we have
become too relaxed cibout our appearance at assembly.
In Pciul's letter to Timothy he writes, 'I also want women to dress
modestly, with decency and propriety.' (1 Tim 2:9) But why should it
matter what we wear on the outside, it's what's inside our hearts
that counts, right? Yes and no. It is true that what's is in our
hearts IS the most important thing. We can look great on the outside
yet be vile on the inside and that will do no good. However, how
much better would it be to be decent both inwardly and outwardly?
It matters because when we dress "modestly, with decency and
propriety' it is an outward sign of proper respect for God.
Mal. 1:6 says, ' 'A son honors his father and a servant his master.
If I am a father, where is the respect due me?'says the Lord
Almighty.' We need to show respect for our Lord when we come to
worship him. You wouldn't show up for a date or a job interview
looking cill raggedy. It would be a sign of disrespect for your
date or your interviewer. Doesn't God deserve at least that much
respect?
We are also to 'show proper respect to everyone. Love the
brotherhood of believers. Fear God. Honor the king.'
(1 Peter 2:17) When we come to the assembly nicely dressed
and groomed, it says that you care enough about God and your
brothers and sisters in Christ to put some time and ef fort
into getting ready for the assembly.
Now, I know there are times when we just can't seem to get
it together. I, myself, have come running in at 5:30 on a
Sunday evening covered in yard clippings. I lost track of
time doing yard work and had the choice of coming dirty or
missing the assembly, so of course I come dirty. Or maybe
there are some women who don't wear dresses or men who don't
wear ties. Or maybe it's too cold for a dress. That's all fine.
All I'm saying is that we should try our best to look our best and
dress appropriately for assembly.
BACK TO START
In Pciul's letter to Timothy he writes, 'I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety.' (1 Tim 2:9) But why should it matter what we wear on the outside, it's what's inside our hearts that counts, right? Yes and no. It is true that what's is in our hearts IS the most important thing. We can look great on the outside yet be vile on the inside and that will do no good. However, how much better would it be to be decent both inwardly and outwardly?
It matters because when we dress "modestly, with decency and propriety' it is an outward sign of proper respect for God. Mal. 1:6 says, ' 'A son honors his father and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the respect due me?'says the Lord Almighty.' We need to show respect for our Lord when we come to worship him. You wouldn't show up for a date or a job interview looking cill raggedy. It would be a sign of disrespect for your date or your interviewer. Doesn't God deserve at least that much respect?
We are also to 'show proper respect to everyone. Love the brotherhood of believers. Fear God. Honor the king.' (1 Peter 2:17) When we come to the assembly nicely dressed and groomed, it says that you care enough about God and your brothers and sisters in Christ to put some time and ef fort into getting ready for the assembly.
Now, I know there are times when we just can't seem to get it together. I, myself, have come running in at 5:30 on a Sunday evening covered in yard clippings. I lost track of time doing yard work and had the choice of coming dirty or missing the assembly, so of course I come dirty. Or maybe there are some women who don't wear dresses or men who don't wear ties. Or maybe it's too cold for a dress. That's all fine. All I'm saying is that we should try our best to look our best and dress appropriately for assembly.