The Outward Appearance of God’s People: Does it Matter?

[AnotherSinner]

This is not intended to start a huge debate on clothing, etc. I did think it was a good article and it should make us think about what He really expects from His called out people. link

Yes outward and inward presentation should matter. At least to a certain extent. Could be wrong but believe that there are scriptures that direct believers how they should adorn for church.

Some of those instructions were:

To neglect gaudy jewelry and attire

To neglect wearing something that in which might inspire impure thought or a brother/sister in Christ to stumble.

Think there was more...but much of how we dress too reflects how much we, as individuals think of the person God made each of us to be.

Just Another Lost Soul Without A Clue

Dani

1st tim 2

9 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;

this does not say gaudy; it says no gold, no pearls

^{1 Timothy 2: 8-10 (NIV)8} Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. ⁹ I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰ but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

[Bold Believer]

Let common sense prevail.

If you look like a street hoe or a gang member for cryin out loud, put on some different clothing to avoid the appearance of evil.

If your clothes show off body parts that shouldn't be seen in public, change the clothes.

If ya smell like a goat, stand closer to the soap next time.

If your breath smells like ten pounds of nasty, brush your teeth and see a dentist if ya can.

If your clothes stink, wash em.

If yer a Jack and your hair length makes ya look like a Jill, get a haircut.

If yer a Jill and your hair length makes ya look a Jack, grow some hair.

See...it's not THAT hard to figure out.

[Fez]

Well when you put it like that, no it's not

You never mentioned shoes. Optional?

[xero]

Im certain John wasnt all that comely living in the wilderness with unkempt hair, nazarite that he was, feeding on locusts and honey.

[Fez]

Im certain John wasnt all that comely living in the wilderness with unkempt hair, nazarite that he was, feeding on locusts and honey.

Good point!

[Bold Believer]

Im certain John wasnt all that comely living in the wilderness with unkempt hair, nazarite that he was, feeding on locusts and honey.

Different culture. The Nazirite vow had him keep his hair long. That didn't mean he stank, or his hair was dirty.

[gdemoss]

Im certain John wasnt all that comely living in the wilderness with unkempt hair, nazarite that he was, feeding on locusts and honey.

Different culture. The Nazirite vow had him keep his hair long. That didn't mean he stank, or his hair was dirty.

I'm sure he might have gotten wet while baptizing a few thousand Israelites. Then again he probably got pretty ripe in prison before his head was handed to him. So it's a toss up at best

Gary

[Fez]

Im certain John wasnt all that comely living in the wilderness with unkempt hair, nazarite that he was, feeding on locusts and honey.

Different culture. The Nazirite vow had him keep his hair long. That didn't mean he stank, or his hair was dirty.

I'm sure he might have gotten wet while baptizing a few thousand Israelites. Then again he probably got pretty ripe in prison before his head was handed to him. So it's a toss up at best

Gary

See what being untidy gets you.........

[enoob57]

I am glad NOT to see the nudist taking over this thread

[John Robinson]

Some of the best Christians I've ever known have tats and long hair, wear jeans, and have piercings. They also showed me incredible love, patience, acceptance, and a clear message of the Gospel when I was going through a very dark valley in my life. It's because of them I'm a Christian today.

I've also known Christan men with black shiny suits, skinny neckties, and their hair high and tight, who crossed the street to avoid me when I was at my worst.

The reverse is true, of course: I've known Christians who dressed like the devil and acted like it too, just as one of the sweetest Christian brothers I've ever met always wore a suit wherever he went, and the glory of God was on his face and in his actions.

All that to say, may God be blessed no matter how we dress .... as He alone knows our hearts.