Could it be a sin to wear makeup?
Have you ever considered the possibility?
I read an article yesterday, the point of which was to attempt to convince the reader that wearing makeup is a sin. The article itself, filled with unrelated Scripture and weak arguments was not enough to convince me, but the author did make a few good points that provoked some thought in me.
Then, I had a discussion with my dear friend Ashley who feels firmly convicted against wearing makeup. She posted her perspective here.
Between reading the article and talking to Ashley, the main arguments that I felt deserved a closer look and upon which I pontificated were these:
1. Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
We are created in God's image. So why do we feel the need to change that?
2. Genesis 1:31, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."
All that God made was Very Good, including Eve without makeup. As the author of the article stated, "does God want you to 'look more beautiful' than you are? Is this the way He thinks? Did the One who made you neglect to add just the right amount of makeup, so that you can be 'at your most beautiful'? Does He want you to attempt to improve on what He made?"
3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
If our bodies belong to the Lord, do we have any right to decorate them in the way that we choose?
4. 1 Peter 3:3-4, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
To me, this is the most compelling argument against wearing makeup. We should be focusing on developing character, inner beauty, and godliness rather than on our outward appearance.
5. Vanity and pride. Wearing makeup is all about looking better, and therefore feeling better about ourselves. If, by wearing makeup, we please ourselves with our appearance, we are engaging in vanity, and in feelings of pride, which the Bible warns against. As the author of the article stated, "Do women wear makeup to show love toward neighbor? NO! Do they wear it to please God? NO! They do it to focus on and please themselves."
If you're like most women, myself included, even the thought that wearing makeup might be sinful makes you cry out in indignation. I, for one, don't think of myself as a prideful person. I wear makeup when I go out, but not that much, and I don't do it to attract attention--I just want to look nice. To cover up the dark circles under my eyes that are so visible with my thin, pale skin, to disguise the acne I get from time to time, and to highlight my pale blonde eyelashes that otherwise make my face look tired and washed out. I'll throw on some lip gloss to balance it out, and if I'm dressing up sometimes I'll wear eyeshadow with sparkles in it, just because it's fun. Nothing too bad, right?
But what if it is wrong? And what if these excuses I'm making in my mind about why it's okay are just ways that I'm justifying sin? Am I willing to listen to what God has to say about this issue, even if it means giving up makeup entirely?
What about you? Do you wear makeup? Why? Has any of this made you rethink your position? And do you think it's possible to have a balance--moderation in all things, as long as you're not being controlled by it (1 Corinthians 10:23)?
Or, like the author of this article, do you think "wearing makeup is an addiction. Billions of dollars are spent because the world is addicted to vanity. A small amount of drugs will not help an addict recover from his addiction. Likewise, wearing makeup in moderation is to say that one can sin in moderation. This is the same as saying that one can be pregnant in moderation or dead in moderation. Impossible! A little blush or mascara is still sin! There is absolutely nowhere in the Bible where God allows for even a little bit of sin. And sin always spreads and grows worse: 'A little leaven leavens the whole lump' (Galatians 5:9)"?
Men, what about you? Do you have an opinion about whether or not women should wear makeup? Do you think your wife is equally beautiful without it?
Please leave a comment with your thoughts!
F, H & S Part Two Continued Again
3 years ago
44 comments:
It's so funny that you bring up this topic now...just this weekend I half-joked with my husband that I wish no women in the world wore makeup. Then we'd all be in the same boat, and we'd have less hassle each day.
I'm in the "it's okay in moderation" camp, provided that one's motives are right. Admittedly I'm stepping on my own toes because some of it is vanity for me; I can be insecure at times.
However, there was a time that I didn't pay enough attention to my appearance. My sweet husband never, ever made me feel bad about it, but over time I realized that I wanted him to be proud of his wife's appearance. I also wanted to present myself as best I could.
My pastor while I was growing up taught on the Timothy passage you quoted. His interpretation was that the outside shouldn't take priority over inner beauty; that said, I think it's okay to attempt to look our best IF it doesn't take away from bigger priorities.
I don't typically wear make-up but for me its more I don't want the hastle of it.
What's your motive? If your going in direct opposition to God's Word then yes that is sin. I'm not sure that make-up is a black or white thing. There are definitely principles that a Christian MUST obey but I'm not sure if wearing make-up is a sin. I think with this you have to be careful not to be legalistic. I definitely would have to research this more but in the meantime those are my thoughts.
I think it's important to remember that makeup may or not be a sin, but that's not really the point, you know? It doesn't need to be a commandment, just like having abortions and watching porn aren't commandments and aren't clearly drawn as sin, are they?
But the point is that our hearts are not wearing makeup for pure, good, holy reasons. We are wearing makeup to flaunt ourselves, not to glorify God.
This culture has polluted us in so many ways. It makes us believe that beauty is attained. And Christian counselors will even get us by telling us to look nice for our husbands. Some of our husbands will even tell us this.
But the point is... what is their view of beauty coming from? It's not coming from God, because He doesn't think we need to add paint to cover our flaws and feel beautiful. He sees our flaws as things that make us who we are.
I really, seriously think this need/desire for makeup is bleeding into everything, which is why we need to clean our houses before people come over, which is why we get embarrassed if we don't recover from childbirth as quick as the girl next door, which is why we want to hide when our kids throw food across the restaurant.... we have been taught to hide our imperfections, instead of being real and glorifying God.
God wants us to embrace our imperfections and allow His glory to be shown... the world wants God to be out of the picture while we all try to be gods.
Makeup is just another way to give in and say, "World, I want to please you. I will hide all of my flaws to seek your perfection so that I (and everyone else) can feel good about myself."
I'm not trying to beat anyone over the head and proclaim that makeup is a sin and should be in the trash can... that's not my place.... but I am standing up for a different side and saying that I think we make too many excuses for the world.
Alison, you said: I think it's okay to attempt to look our best IF it doesn't take away from bigger priorities.
Why does our best have to be with makeup on? Why can't we be at our best without the world's idea of beauty tainting everyone's view of us?
In other words, why do we need fake, accentuated faces to be beautiful and to look our best?
Oh and legalism on Wiki is said to be:
Legalism, in Christian theology, is a pejorative term referring to an over-emphasis on law or codes of conduct, or legal ideas, usually implying an allegation of misguided rigor, pride, superficiality, the neglect of mercy, and ignorance of the grace of God or emphasizing the letter of law over the spirit. Legalism is alleged against any view that obedience to law, not faith in God's grace, is the pre-eminent principle of redemption. Its opposite error is antinomianism, which is alleged against a view that moral laws are no longer binding.
That said... having spiritual disciplines and renouncing certain things for the sake of God's glory and out of pure love and devotion to Him may look like legalism to some, but it is not always.
Giving up makeup can be legalistic if a parent forces a daughter who doesn't love God and choose for herself, which will only lead to rebellion.
But for someone to give up makeup out of love for God... is not.
I think people are often scared of being "legalistic," but if God draws you to keep boundaries for His sake, out of love for Him, and to unveil His glory to the world... then I think you're okay.
Ashley, I agree with a lot of what you said and respect your thoughtfulness. I do want to clarify something I said that you responded to with:
"Why does our best have to be with makeup on? Why can't we be at our best without the world's idea of beauty tainting everyone's view of us?"
I didn't mean to imply that looking one's best always requires makeup. I was referring to taking a little time for general personal grooming.
And you bring up a good point about feeling the need to improve ourselves...for the sake of discussion, could that apply to more things than makeup? Brushing our hair each day, using deodorant, etc.?
I also think you make a good point about society, even other Christians, pressuring undue focus on self. I think the movie "Mean Girls" has some provoking messages about that.
As far as my personal comments about wanting to look nice for my husband, I can only answer for myself: it was a spiritual conviction from God. It was a matter of prayer He gently initiated with me as a private conversation.
If wearing makeup is a sin, then what about getting braces to correct buckteeth to look nice? what about using acne medication to cover up blemishes? what about coloring ones hair to get rid of the gray? the list could go on and on... I think the main point is a person's heart. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice. You have to ask yourself, "why do you think it is a sin?" If it is because it would make a person prideful, then that is labeling ALL people, which you need to be careful about. makeup certainly doesn't make a man lust after every girl that wears it.... now getting bigger boobs to increase sexiness... that would be a different story.
Alison and Kellie, you both made similar points about personal grooming... and all I can say is... if you are truly seeking for God to open your heart and to follow Jesus and glorify Him... you will know what to do.
Brushing your hair is one thing, giving in to the world's perception of beauty is another.
Makeup isn't about causing men to lust, it is about our hearts. And I think our hearts our clouded by the people trying to sell us makeup,
The Bible says: Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory.
The world says: buy our hair dye and be beautiful!
If we use half those arguments against make up--then should we wear clothes? Nice looking clothes? Comb our hair? Cut it? It's legalism pure and simple. Even in those Christian faiths that strictly adhere to this--the women have to look like frumps, while the men can be stylish and attractive. Wear it. Just remember what's inside is better than what's outside.
Great topic and I'm lovin' the discussion.
Yeah, could be a touchy subject, huh? How far do we go with it....
I just like looking nice for my hubby, to tell you the truth. If I'm about wearing make up and dressing up to seek out approval from other men, then it's a problem.
It's all about where our heart lies as far as I'm concerned. Jesus cares about the heart....he knows our motives...
Great topic, Avily!
lynn... why do we believe that we have to look nice for our husbands by wearing makeup? why can't our husbands think we are beautiful without it? and i bet if we asked all of them if they thought we were beautiful without it, they'd say yes. so then why do we care so much for that reason?
being presentable... taking care of the temple God gave you... being beautiful to your husband by taking care of yourself and combing your hair or being feminine with your clothing choices.... that's one thing...
but to add artificiality to your natural beauty to be like the world.... i don't think it matters that much to our husbands, and if it does... which mindset are they coming from?
here's the thing: if makeup isn't a big deal, why has this blog post/discussion raked in tons and tons of people?
somewhere underneath of all of this discussing... our hearts are longing for beauty... and so long as we give in to the world's standards, we'll never find it...
true beauty is not created by us or this world or this world's products...
it's already there, already created, and waiting to be embraced, "flaws" and all...
we, women, like to be beautiful and be great mothers and wives and daughters, but we will never be any of those things until we stop hiding our flaws and embrace them... we'll never be truly, authentically anything until we unveil ourselves and let people see that we're not perfect... from acne to stretch marks to messy floors to piles of laundry and so forth....
Dear Ladies... we are working out our own salvation... to wear make up or not, to eat meat sacrificed to idols or not... a gambit of to be or not to be's... there are so many different kinds of people in this world and those who are Jesus Followers have a heart to do what He wants us to do. My personal relationship with Him is an intimate journey with ups and downs, back and forths. The bottom line, though, is that His blood is what saves me. My sinful nature has been atoned for, and that which I do that displeases Him (every day, by the way) is part of the relationship we share together.
My opinion on the make up issue is two fold. First, I can not let beauty be an idol in my life. Second, it is okay to celebrate beauty. Worship it, no. Celebrate it, why not? Beautiful is a relative term, though. Everyone has their own definition and everyone is beautiful in their own God-given way. I did "fast" wearing make up for 40 days once, and it was a great, personal experience that taught me a lot about how God sees me. I wear a little make up now on occasion, and yes I think it makes me look better. But I also think who cares if it does. I like it, my husband likes it, neither one of us loves me better or worse for it.
And having an artist's heart, I love to decorate things, even if it is me. I have an imagination and I would implode if I didn't use it. God decorated this earth with beautiful sights. You might say, then, that the way He decorated me should be enough. You may say that if you want. But I say that I am just sharing in my Creator's personality as an imaginative being. As long as I'm giving Him glory for it, as long as I remember that NOTHING I can do makes Him love me more or less, I figure I'm okay.
Ok, couple of things here:
1) Make-up (particularly foundation) can serve a purpose, it can help protect our skin when we're out in the sun, wind, etc.
2) I know we say we're wearing make-up to like nice for our husbands, but seriously, how many of them really notice whether we're wearing any or not? I usually wear it to make myself feel better, help protect my skin, and if I'm going to have pictures taken, to avoid having shiny spots on my face. :)
Ok, that was supposed to be "to look nice for our husbands" not "to like nice for our husbands", guess I should have previewed my comment before I submitted it. :)
personally, I look like I am 13 years old without makeup- LOL. (I'm 30) anyway, a big DITTO to what Lori L. said!! I think she summed it up well.
The question posted here was "make up: to sin or not?" which is where I was coming from.
Abortion is murder and one of the commandments is "you shall not murder." That is a whole other discussion.
I'm not scared about being legalistic. Those that are believers have different convictions. If someone is convicted not to wear make-up, fine. If someone is convicted not to watch certain movies, fine. Since our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, should we drink soda or chocolate, etc? I think we need to be careful not to label all people that wear make-up as buying into the world's system or being vain or that we aren't wearing make-up for pure, good holy reasons. I agree with Kellie that the main point is the heart and I agree that Lori L. summed it up.
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to weigh in on this one, as I'm a guy, who doesn't typically wear makeup. :-) Still, looks, fashion, and and beauty have been on my mind a bit since your post about ties at church.
In Matt. 6, Jesus instructed his disciples to bathe and to put oil on their heads when they were fasting, so as not to show off their asceticism and sacrifice. These were methods of "looking your best," and might have even included spending a little bit of extra money on "product." :-) I really don't see a significant difference between makeup and other toiletries that a person might use. To a certain degree, washing our hair, bathing, haircuts, and clothing all have the potential for vanity to creep in, but that doesn't make them inherently suspect. If bathing and preening preoccupies us and consumes us, then I'd agree that there is a problem, but I see little or no condemnation of an effort to look nice, either for yourself or for those around you.
God is a God of beauty, and often creates beautiful things simply for the sake of being creative and beautiful. We're created in His image, and as such, we have a desire to create and enhance beauty in and around us as well. The Bible does teach us that our primary adornment should be in our attitude, actions, humility, and grace, but I don't see that at a reason to ignore or cultivate additional forms of beauty.
Human beings like to look good, and that takes on different forms and different tools in different cultures and times. Can makeup be a mask to hide behind or a way to parade one's pride sinfully? I will concede that it can, and if God is convicting you of that behavior, then by all means, I would not encourage you to use it. But I don't see it as any kind of inherent sin or moral failing to use makeup or clothing to present a pleasant, even beautiful face to the world (or your husband).
Well said Natros!
I don't wear makeup. I think it is a waste of money. Plus I think we should be happy the way that G-d made us.
I totally agree with Nathos. The issue is not really makeup as it is our hearts.
Sin takes good things and things that can be used for good and uses them for the gratification of the flesh. For example, hard work can turn to addiction to success and love of money; a love for holiness and Godly living can turn to legalism and arrogance.
Even for those who say makeup is wrong for whatever reason still would need to guard their hearts against the sin of pride when they see someone else wearing it, or from considering themselves better than others because they don't. Sin is always creeping, always... and we need to be on guard constantly.. the issue is not makeup... its our hearts.. they are deceitful and wicked and only by depending on the grace of God can we wear makeup without sin or not wear makeup without sin and for the glory of God. Thanks be to God for Jesus who enables us to do anything truly good at all from our hearts for His glory.
Well, I think you made some good points. And I will admit to wearing even less makeup after reading Ashley's blog posts on this topic. I think it is a very good thing for us to give some serious thought to what is going on in our hearts when we wear makeup/style our hair/what have you. God cares about both our heart attitudes AND how that is worked out in our daily lives and routines. Sometimes I think we trick ourselves into thinking that our heart is really in one place when our behavior shows something else.
Now, having said that...barring calamity, I will continue to use some light makeup. Yes, my dh would certainly notice if I did not wear any. He prefers light makeup. Is he being influenced by the world? Well, sure, to some extent. But I think it is more than that.
Which house/yard do you smile to see when you drive down your street? The one with smooth grass or the one with grassy clumps mixed with bare patches? I'll never forget the time my 3yo nephew brought his mother a hairbow to make her "look pretty". I think this is part of how God made us. We smile to see beauty. There's a reason we love flower gardens and sunsets. It's a reflection of His love for beauty and order.
All posters bring up good and valid points. A couple of issues, however, have not yet been brought up...
I think we can all agree on the points that God created man and woman in his image and that we are all lovely and beautiful without "adornments". After all, Adam and Eve were naked before the fall. It's interesting to note that only after sin entered the picture did we feel it necessary to adorn ourselves in any way whatsoever. Before it came on the scene, we not even desire a fig leaf. ;)
So that's my first comment. My second relates to the different standards of men and women. Men and women both bathe, comb their hair, use deodorant, etc. But the issue of makeup lies solely with women. The only thing that women do that men do not (excluding drag queens, emo guys and the like) is wear makeup. This begs the question, "Why not?". When given a thorough and honest study the end conclusion (I believe) is one reason and one reason only: sin.
What I mean by that is that there was a time when makeup did not exist and we created it for a purpose, whether to attract men or to compete with each other, those are the only two logical possibilities. And in today's society, they both stand obvious.
Women have an innate desire to be told that they are lovely, to feel that they are beautiful. This desire leads us to primp ourselves in numerous ways. However, as Christian women who know (in our minds at least) that the exterior is of no consequence, why do we still feel it necessary to win the approval of others, even our husbands? Christ is our bridegroom, the love of our lives, above and beyond our earthly husband. When we stand before him after our death will you be wearing makeup to please him? No? Why not? He's the most important man in your life, right? He doesn't need it. Our earthly husbands are to mirror Christ's role as bridegroom, but are they? Or are we making excuses for them that they are "fleshy" and need these niceties such as makeup to make them believe we are lovely? Think about that.
One point I would like to reiterate which was posted earlier is that some women want to "look nice for my husband". Well and good, but you miss the point. If I put on makeup so that my husband will think that I am attractive (or more attractive than without it at least), he is measuring me against a standard which is not healthy in a relationship, and we are doing the same to ourselves.
We're meant to appreciate beauty, yes, and to create beauty in art. But when creating something ends up causing harm it's benefit is eliminated. Breasts are beautiful, but I should not dress them up to be flaunted and thereby cause others harm. Not to mention the things that could be said about insecurity on this issue... I think that we are so wrapped up in the culture that there are certain things that we are not willing to give up.
Is makeup in and of itself as a thing intrinsically evil? No. However, it's purpose is and it's results are the cause of many evils, and that's what matters.
Brooke, I have to disagree with you on your statement that only women use makeup. That may be true right now in modern America, but it's not a hard-and-fast rule. Which sex uses makeup, and in what contexts varies greatly by culture, region, and time period. The earliest historical record of makeup use was actually among ancient Egyptian men! Clearly, both sexes seek to enhance their appearance, in different ways and styles.
More importantly, though, I don't think I agree with your interpretation of Eph. 5:25-30. We're told there that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves The Church (this is a little different than the idea of each of us being married to Christ in Heaven). What does Christ do for the Church? He cleanses her, and He beautifies her! Verse 27 says that Christ "present[s] her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." The language here, as well as the extended metaphor of how husbands & wives should interact indicates that some beautification efforts are good things!
It's not wrong for a husband to appreciate his wife's beauty, nor is it inappropriate for a wife to want her husband to look their best. We appreciate beauty in each other, just as in a painting! Now, if our desire for outward beauty overtakes our desire for beautiful character, Godly obedience, or genuine love for our neighbor, then yes, our priorities have been upended, and we're probably in sin. But you simply haven't convinced me that the act of using personal beautification products inherently springs from wrong desire or sinful pride.
WOW!
I am so amazed and humbled by the thoughtful responses everyone has posted, and for all of you taking the time to weigh in on this discussion!
I don't know about you, but I have been greatly challenged in my own thinking just from reading all these points of view! Thanks so much, everyone, for your comments!
Keep 'em coming!
And stay tuned--I'm going to do a follow-up post about where I feel God is leading me on this issue in the near future.
Natros,
You rock. I do not belive that wearing make-up necessarily stems from sin or pride. It certainly can, and if it is a sin to which you are prone, giving up make-up can be good and necessary. Too often, though, I see NOT wearing make-up turn into sinful pride. Pride, the mother of all sins, can manifest in many ways. With a couple of exceptions, the people I have watched enter on this path, with the best motivations and intentions, have become more obsessed with their appearance (their lack of make-up or stylish clothes or short hair) than they ever were before thier reforms. In addition they feel self-righteous and enjoy saying so. That is not the gospel of Christ. His gospel is LOVE.
I am, by nature, rather neglectful of my appearance than otherwise. When I am convicted about my appearance, it is in the direction of paying more attention, wearing more make-up, considering my husband more, and wearing nicer clothes. That's just me. I'm a slob. I need to be less of a slob and think more about appearing in a way that brings honor to my Jesus and to my husband. That doesn't mean I should become obsessive about it and allow it to crowd out Jesus and his gospel. It doesn't mean everyone else has the same problem I do, just like I don't find identity in make-up, even if others do. We need to focus more on Jesus and less on the small stuff.
Sadie
I do not wear make up anymore,I have a strong coviction not to wear it,which comes from God.I must say,it is total freedom!
I want to be seperate from this world as much as possible.God has called us to be holy and seperate. I do not wear pants anymore either,I am closer to God because my eyes are focused on Jesus and not myself!
This is true freedom in Christ,not leagalism!
Its Jesus on the inside,working on the outside!
To God be the Glory :-)
I am a guy, so I obviously don't wear make-up, but I think this is one of those areas where Paul tells us to apply Grace to the situation. If one woman wears makeup,and feels at peace, then don't condemn her. If another woman feels it inappropriate, then don't condemn her. And neither should cause the other to stumble.
'nuff said.
Natros, regarding your comments on Eph. 5:25-30... Whether deliberately or inadvertently, you are missing the point of this passage. Paul is using a metaphor to describe how the marital relationship is to mirror that of Christ and the Church. It neither states nor implies any message regarding physical beautification. Rather, it states “that he (Christ) might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish”. This implies that Christ beautifies the Church spiritually, not physically. Paul is also alluding to Christ’s role as the spotless lamb of God. He presents the Church holy and spotless as He was holy and spotless. Not only this, but scripture also states that Christ “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him”. Wow! To attempt to use it to justify the use of beauty products would be scripture twisting.
To further flesh out the implications of the passage, we must remember that scripture is rampant with analogies of the Church and Christ as bride and bridegroom. One cannot ignore the significant implications for the marital relationship on earth: oneness, sacrifice and lack of selfishness. I believe that when broken down fully, that if a husband “makes a fuss” sotospeak about his wife wearing or not wearing makeup he would be falling into the trap of disregarding the last of these. Add in the divine order of the marital relationship spelled out (especially in 1 Corinthians 11, Christ head of husband, husband head of wife), and it can be inferred that the husband is to present his wife spotless before God, spiritually. The inside is what God is concerned with, not the outside. Regardless if your inner beauty if evident, what need is there for outer beauty, except as the world and the flesh want to deem it necessary?
While I definitely agree with you that husbands and wives appreciate beauty in each other and that they should and that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, where we have to step back and evaluate ourselves is in how and why we are appreciating that beauty. My husband is beautiful because of who he is; what he looks like is of no consequence. I don’t know if you are married, but I would assume that if you were and your wife’s face were to be disfigured in an accident, such as a fire, you would love her no less for her lack of physical beauty. I think we all would. While that is an extreme case, my point is that no matter what we look like we are to love each other as Christ loved the Church: we were filthy, dirty and disgusting in our sin and yet he loved us, warts and all. I’m of the opinion that anything that distracts us from our relationship with God is sinful. I agree with your statement that using personal beautification products does not inherently spring from wrong desire or sinful pride. However, we must reflect on what can result from it and determine whether or not it’s worth it. It’s a personal decision, just as it’s a personal decision to be a follower of Christ. Christ demanded that his followers give up all and follow him. Think of the religious orders whose members give up everything they have so that their focus is solely on the needy of the world, and ask yourself if we are not all called to be that holy. The answer is a resounding “Yes”!
Hi Chas! I wanted to respond really quickly to what you said and say that I agree 100%. We should always admonish with love and not condemn on issues which are minor, such as this is. I would never condemn a woman I saw in the street or think ill of her because she wears makeup. Nor do I personally condemn those posting here who wear it nor do I think more highly of those who don’t. We are all running our own race, and these issues are wonderful to discuss so that we can help each other along.
Hi Brooke,
I agree with you completely that we are called to holiness. I just don't believe that make-up defines holiness. Holiness is obedience and complete submission to Christ's work in and through us. When we are truly clay in his hands, able to be used by Him for His greatest good, we will be holy.
Can that meaning giving up make-up? Sure. But I do not beleive that it necessarily means giving up make-up. In fact, too often women become more obsessed with their appearance after giving up make-up, or pants, or hair cuts, or whatever. Letting go of all our pet issues and peeves is a better indicator of holiness than worrying about make-up or lack thereof. Quite honestly, I think God is havng a good laugh right about now about how worked up we get over the silly things. Which is more important, the state of my face, or touching the lives of the hurting, needy people I am surrounded with? I almost never worry about the state of my face, or clothes, or hair, so sometimes I'm not as useful to Him as I could be if were more presentable. I'll keep working on wearing more make-up (eeww) and you keep working on wearing less, but lets not obsess about it, huh?
Sadie
Hi Sadie!
I agree with a lot of what you had to say; the action of wearing makeup or wearing it in and of itself does not determine holiness. I’ll make an analogy for Church-going: attending Mass or Church services doesn’t make us any holier than if we do not. But what it does do is put us on a path and admonish us to continuously reflect on our hearts, minds, actions, lives in general. As sinful creatures we need to be continually reminded to live holy lives, and I am for anything in my own life that will help me to do so (which is one reason I cover my head, among other reasons). When I don’t have classes in the mornings I attend daily Mass with my husband. Do I have to? Of course not. Then why do it? Because it challenges me, it pushes me to be a better person in Christ. So am I holier than someone who wears makeup? That’s not for me to say. But does not wearing makeup, when done for the right reasons, affect your walk with God? I don’t think that it can’t affect it. For some, it might be a stumbling block, as you’ve stated that you apparently know women for whom it’s caused issues. But we each have to make the decisions for ourselves. If someone is having trouble after ceasing to wear makeup, then their issues are a lot deeper than blush and mascara, and perhaps God is using that so that others will call them on it and they will have to repent. We must be willing to admonish them lovingly. But do we? Do you? (Please don’t take that as an insult, attack or insinuation, I’m just trying to invite reflection.)
You’ve implied that those of us who would have a good discussion about the value of makeup are indicating that we are less holy because we would discuss it. I would then ask, what does that say of you yourself, since you are discussing it with us? (Again, just a friendly request for further reflection). Is it a silly thing? Is modesty a silly thing? If we cause our brothers in Christ to sin, is it a silly thing? Granted, clothing more than makeup causes men to stumble, but makeup causes us to stumble many-a-time, even if we don’t think it does.
I agree with you that touching the lives of the needy is more important than wearing makeup. But how many hours of your life do you spend applying makeup that could be spent helping those people? It may seem a trivial question, but in it lies the heart of the issue: why be concerned with putting on makeup when it’s only the world that cares? Spend the extra 10 minutes a day with Jesus in prayer, or listening to your husband, or baking a batch of cookies for the neighbor who just lost his job.
I’ve found in my own life that since eliminating makeup and wearing a headcovering that I look just as presentable as I did with it, but that I know have an extra 30 minutes a day to devote to more important things. Is discussing the issue a waste of time? I don’t think so. Any discussion of faith is worthwhile, and I’m sure that others are reaping the spiritual benefits, even though we’re not aware of it!
Thirty minutes a day for grooming?!?!? I didn't even know that was possible! When I feel sufficiently convicted about my appearance to put on make-up, it's an affair of two minutes or less. But those two minutes go a long way toward making my husband feel loved and valued (he never fails to thank me for taking the time), and to making me look more reputable. The many, many hours I spend each week in ministering to others in my community are not hurt by those couple of minutes. Some actions have greater reward than the time they take. For me, make-up is one of them (when I can be bothered to take the time), which is not as often as it should be. Another of those is daily mass. When I started attending daily mass a couple of years ago, I thought it would take time away from other important things, but I actually found that my day seemed to run more smoothly and I got more done.
I'm not sure where you think I implied that this shouldn't be discussed; I obviously don't feel that way or I wouldn't be here, right? I have no hesitation about speaking to people who have gone way off track on this issue. Again, I'm here, right? And I have been more than willing to say a word to the women in my life who have gotten cought up in this trap. My point was not that it should not be discussed as much as that the assertion that there is hard and fast principle that applies to everyone on this issue is a dangerous, devisive fallacy. You need to constantly guard against pride and vanity in your appearance, and not wearing make-up helps you with that - Great! I need to be constanly on guard against carelessness and slovenliness in my appearance, and wearing make-up helps me with that. Great! But this brow beating of others and trying to make the Bible say something that it clearly doesn't say about how we should all live in this area is pointless and silly. How many kids in your neighborhhood went to bed hungry last night or are going to get their only real nutrition at the school breakfast and lunch today? And believe me, nutrition is not abundant in the school lunch! They need us far more than we need each other to tell us how to care for our faces.
Sadie
This will be my last comment on this thread, as I believe it's been discussed as much as it needs to be, but I will comment on this:
"But this brow beating of others and trying to make the Bible say something that it clearly doesn't say about how we should all live in this area is pointless and silly."
No one here (on either side of the issue) is brow-beating anyone. I don't begrudge you your opinion or demand that you change your ways, nor do I condemn you as being in sin just because you choose to wear makeup, and your points are well-taken. I simply provide another side of the issue which you seem intent on refuting as unbiblical, but it's not. There are many things not spelled out in the Bible which are profitable or not profitable for our Christian walk; we each have to judge ourselves. My intent is not to "convert" sotospeak anyone to my opinion, but to raise questions in others' minds about these issues, which are rarely discussed in our culture. I believe makeup is neutral, but that there are only a very few circumstances where it can be argued that it is used for the benefit of our souls. If it's not, then it's a waste of time, and I do believe that anything which distracts us from God and is not beneficial is an open invitation to evil. Therefore, my opinion remains that it is 99% of the time, inviting sin in openly. Again, we have to judge ourselves, not others. That's all that I would ask of anyone.
A very good poem for everybody to read is at:
http://lacy.obeyingthetruth.com/blog
I just read it today located on A Godly Maiden.Enjoy!
To God be the Glory :-)
I am sorry the poem is titled:
De-Emphasize The Outside Poem
At A Godly Maiden
It took me forever to finally get through all the comments, and there were definitely some interesting points made.
But I'm not sure why everyone keeps mentioning the fact that God created man in His image as a reason why women shouldn't use make-up, when it is obvious that we were physically closer to "His image" before the fall. Do you honestly believe if man hadn't sinned that they would have developed wrinkles and skin imperfections? Yes, make-up came about only because of the fall, but that is because there was no physical imperfection before the fall, not because sin suddenly caused women to want to paint their faces. Wearing make-up could therefore be seen as a woman trying to maintain her "Godly image" :).
Jeremy
Just a tag on a long line of great comments. I can't help but think of how Esther was groomed for her position to be Queen. I agree with the comments that whether we wear or don't wear is not of importance, but why we wear may be. Let the love of God show through and don't let the wearing or lack of wearing make up mask what God wants others to see. Ladies don't be afraid to SHINE!
Same Here!
Anonymous said...
I do not wear make up anymore,I have a strong coviction not to wear it,which comes from God.I must say,it is total freedom!
I want to be seperate from this world as much as possible.God has called us to be holy and seperate. I do not wear pants anymore either,I am closer to God because my eyes are focused on Jesus and not myself!
This is true freedom in Christ,not leagalism!
Its Jesus on the inside,working on the outside!
To God be the Glory :-)
April 22, 2009 4:38 PM
I wear makeup so I won't scare anybody. : )
What a discussion this created. I've got to say I wholeheartedly agree with Ashley on this topic. My husband does not though and so I do wear some out of respect for him.
What I especially apreciated here is Ashley putting in the definition of legalism! People are paranoid of legalism that they so quickly see things as legalistic that are truly matters God has stirred in someones heart... not rules being forced.
Sincerely,
Momma Jo
I wish men would wear makeup too. It would sure help cover some problem areas for them, too.
Another side of this issue, which has everything to do with legalism, is this: Is the issue of makeup or pants or cutting your hair being used to exercise control over people? And do we feel excessively prideful or more spiritual than others when we abstain?
This opens up a whole other doorway for sin, allowing someone to control your freedoms or judge your liberties. Do not be a stumbling block to others, and exercise moderation.
I use makeup to smooth unsightly birthmarks and liver spots as much as I would take a tylenol for a headache. God said it was good and perfect in the garden of eden. We have fallen since then, and there are practical things we must live with, although God looks upon our heart.
Read Galations and Colossians for balance and truth.
sinful? not outright. but for some it can be a hindrance that prevents you from a deeper relationship with our Lord, preventing the development of the soul, much like most worldly things. For others it can be a way of reminding us of God's Beauty which lives in the soul,in everything He creates. Our intentions should always be God-inspired. The evil one looks for any attachments we have with the world to use against us so always be on guard. Ask God if He minds, he will let you know if you listen honestly to His answer.
I was wondering why ladies wear pantyhose. And a lot of churches I know "require" them. They make your legs appear darker than they really are and also hide flaws. Not natural looking in any sense. Also, women with long hair usually have to spend much more time fixing their hair to go places. And it is also sometimes required they wear it up to look more respectable. Fixing this amount of hair generally takes a good amount of time. There are many other issues I see.
In January of 2010 the Lord started dealing with me about these end times being "As in the days of Noah." Well, I was led to the book of Enoch and saw in the 1st chapter, which agrees with Genesis 6, the story of fallen angels that came to earth and took wives of the daughters of men. They also taught the people "Forbidden Knowledge" and one of the things was the use of eye make up, etc.
I didn't pay much attention to it for a while, and I have always worn make up. I am a wife, mom and grandma so was really a life changer for me when the Lord used this to convict me. I know many people don't know the origin of make up and what it can do to our hearts--vanity, pride (Satan became puffed with pride because of his beauty).
Hollywood has set the standard and the cosmetic companies are making billions~~~still each of us must go to God and seek Him for His will so we will know we are pleasing Him and not man.
As for me, I am making the adjustment because I don't want to put on my face something that originated from God's enemies~~~the fallen angels. It is hard, but is purifying my heart of vanity, lust of the flesh and eyes and probably many other things.
God bless and lead you into that which is pleasing to Him---"present your bodies holy and acceptable."
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