While growing up, we had a neighbour who was very concerned about the way she looked. I guess she was having some inferior 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.
Friend, man is a tripartite being; you are a spirit, you have a soul and 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.
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Your body has been given 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). Of course, the focus was not their looks but there are no irrelevant details in the Bible. Jesus also increased in stature (Luke 2:52).
“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh” (Genesis 41:14). 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 and dressed up!
People will see you before they hear you. The container is equally important, not just 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 discipline, planning and commitment.
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria