While growing up those days, we had a neighbour who was very concerned about the way she looked. I guess she was having some inferiority complex or so. Whenever she finishes dressing, she would come ask us, “Am I fine? Is this dress fitting?” We often respond in the affirmative. But it taught me something about the container and the content.
Friend, the container, and the content are equally important (Mark 2:22). Man is a tripartite being. You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body. God is interested in your whole being. Any gospel that speaks to only your spirit, to the neglect of your soul and body, is an incomplete gospel.
Jesus saved you wholly, and He expects you to take care of your body as you would your spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Your body has been given to you as the vehicle for your spirit on earth. But your body can be a prison for your spirit if not well managed. Part of taking care of your body is taking care of your look.
Notice that the Bible was not silent about the looks of Bible champions like Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Saul and even Moses (Genesis 39:6, Deuteronomy 34:7, 1 Samuel 9:2, 16:12, Esther 2:7). There are no irrelevant details in the Bible.
No doubt, Joseph was gifted and anointed, but he needed to take care of his look. He would not appear before Pharaoh anyhow. He shaved up, dressed up, and showed up (Genesis 41:14). Jesus also increased in stature (Luke 2:52). People will see you before they hear you. The container is equally important, not only the content (2 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Timothy 2:20-21).
The way you take care of you is a reflection of how you would take care of people and what is committed to your hands. People have lost job and marriage opportunities based on this simple fact. Taking care of your look is not first about money but about discipline, planning, and commitment. The container and the content are equally important. Never forget this.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria