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Cosmetology and the Christian
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1 Peter 3:3-4 "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." KJB When we read the word of God and we come upon words contained therein that we wonder about, we need to get a good Strong's Concordance and learn what they mean. And I find it interesting to find out that a word we use frequently comes from another language and we adopted it into our language defining it sometimes a bit differently but we use it none the less. Take for instance the two words in Greek which are translated as "adorning" in our New Testament but are actually "kosmos" and "kosmeos" which we get our English words "cosmos" and "cosmetolgy". Now, "cosmos" is the entire universe and it's very ordered system of planets, stars and even suns, but our word for unordered system is the word "chaos" or "chaotic". It is surprising to note that our English word, "cosmetics" also comes from the same Greek word and speaks about taking something and adorning it, changing it from a seemingly disordered something to something ordered and beautiful. Some of our modern day women, and now even some men, cannot leave their homes without making something they think might be ugly into something beautiful and ordered. However, for the Christian, Peter lets us know that it is not for the Christian that true cosmetics should not be used to change the outward appearance but rather that the Holy Spirit change and beautify the inward person. When our lives are changed by the Spirit of God or rather the Holy Spirit, He changes the inward confused heart into one of beauty. Our hearts before salvation are in chaos and ugly because our souls are dark and nasty but when the Light of God, Jesus Christ comes into our hearts at salvation, that is changed into something of beauty. Paul tells us about the Old Man when he said: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) KJB. Did you notice that at the time of salvation that you felt different inside, that something had changed deep within your soul, you felt at peace with yourself for the first time? That is the Holy Spirit coming in, cleaning house and changing your soul from total darkness unto the Light of Jesus' love. When our hearts are changed from that of dark chaos to that of purposeful "cosmos" (universe) and through "cosmeos" (ordered system) the changes are dramatic to the point of others seeing those changes. When I see someone make a seemingly decision for Christ and do not see any change in their appearance (outwardly and inwardly) I tend to doubt that salvation, because God is in the business of changing us. When we are changed on the inside that change, sooner or later, will make it's way to change the outward also. I have seen people whose only outward wear was things of evil (t-shirts that have death or destruction on them) to wearing clothing which reflects Christ and His changing the heart. Before salvation we do not see these things nor even care but after salvation we cannot seem to do the same things we used to do, that is true salvation. When our spirits or souls are changed by the Holy Spirit we seem to have a gentle and quiet spirit and that is reflected by our outward peace and radiates outward so that others see and want the same thing, that is the Holy Spirit changing the Old man into the New man. Also, the Apostle Paul urges us or reminds us that "Christian women" need to "...adorn themselves in modest apparel...not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Actually, the true Christian has not only the quiet and gentle spirit, but true cosmetology is the works that reflect Christ and not self. As John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30) KJB. Until we learn this vital lesson it will be about us and not about Him. If we adorn ourselves, not only women but men also, then we are not reflecting Christ. So let us all say with John the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Finally, the last thing that the Christian need to realize is that the beautiful cosmetic should be Christ reflecting Himself through us, for we read: "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2:10-12) KJB. In other words, we need to "adorn" Christ in all things. Let us be all we can be for Christ, for when we do that we are doing the will of God. By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co. Used with permission Assured Salvation and God's forgiveness are all that matters. |
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10/30/2009 5:31 pm |
Peter instructs Christian wives to develop inner beauty rather than being overly concerned about outward appearance.Their .... husbands will be won over by their love rather than by their looks. Live your Christian faith quietly and consistently in .. your home,and your family will see Christ in you. We should not be obsessed by fashion,but neither should we be so unconcerned that we do not bother to care for ourselves..Hygiene neatness,and grooming are important ,but even more important are a persons attitude and inner spirit.True beauty begins inside. Amen Love & prayers K
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