28/01/2021
THEME: The Narrow or Wide Way
TOPIC: DOES YOUR APPEARANCE GLORIFY GOD?
Text: Ephesians 6:20
The way one dresses is the way he is addressed, says the popular aged long maxim.
God in Genesis created man in His image and wished man to remain as he was created and live to His glory. This shows that for man to be made in the image of God, he was made perfect since God is perfect.
The origin of modest appearance can be traced to the garden of Eden after man defaulted his God's given injunction of "don't eat"- Gen. 3:21.
Recall, there had existed a fundamental law given to man by God.
◄ Genesis 2:17 ►
*but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die*.(NIV)
In verse 21 of Genesis 3, the compassionate God thought of and also sought after an alternative to cover man's nakedness.
21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (NIV) .
Today, we have keenly observed that,
the dynamism of the earth has brought about a sporadic changes in different dimensions of human life ranging from fashion to hairdo where man(generic) have chosen to decide on what is best for him to wear disregarding the position of his creator on such areas.
Irrespective of the culture, believe and/or traditions of any sect, the position of the creator remains static and unbent hence must be heeded to by every professing Christian.
God's Position On Appearance
MODESTY - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.- 1 Tim: 2:9(KJV)
Wonder! the scripture holds that shamefacedness must be there, but it saddens a lot to see a professing Christian who must have been conversant with this passage look for an handkerchief to cover some exposed parts of himself/herself while walking working, or on motorcycle as if he/she didn't come out of the house. Why suffer yourself because of mere attire?
PERFECT GENDER REPRESENTATION :
The Lord God commands that a woman shall not wear what pertains to a man, nor a man, what pertains to a woman.
Deut 22:5 A woman must not put on the clothing of a man, nor should a man wear the clothing of a woman for God sees this as an abomination before Him.
It's very awful that we know the true meaning of the word abomination yet we still accept to appear same before the creator even when we gain nothing positive from wearing them.
Nevertheless, situations may permit the female gender to put on trousers that is, depending on what they are doing at present (climbing, skirting and other exercises), such isn't where the Bible is narrowing to.
Beloved, indecent dressing is detestable to God.
Why do we tend to conform to what we think is the order of the day and in turns disobey God?
Why do we seek to gratify and satisfy our lustful self (body) without a commensurable thought for our souls?.
Do we consider that careless appearances has affected us and the church at large?
How often do we sit to consider our individual appearances and relate it to what the scriptures demand.
Remember, the narrow way that leads to eternal joy is so demanding, stressful and the rules to following it to the end so rigid.
One may ask how?
Have you considered how the curvy exposures in you due to those skinny trousers you put on attracted irresponsible men to you?
Have you considered that your appearance can cause greater pains and to a greater extent being r***d considering the fact that man is moved by sight?
How often do you think of the respect you've lost for wearing torn clothing in the name of fashion?
How often do you get embarrassed by the statements of men for carrying unkempt hair?
Have you considered how negatively your appearance has affected the church on the areas of evangelism?
Beloved, having known it now, is it not better we go back to the scripturally designed pattern of appearance?
I believe we can, and we will do same even as we pray that God should help us to ponder on these rhetoric questions as these will guide us in disengaging ourselves from the demands of the wide way and engaging in the narrow way's accepted patterns of appearance so we can together win the world for Christ.
© Ukpono David
This is the official facebook pape of The Truth for All Initiative.At 144 Aka Road uyo.That is made up of young and vibrant spirited gifted youth who are always willing and ready to sacrifice for the MASTER'S WILL(EVANGELISM)
TTFAI
