It is alleged that women spend ages getting dressed, choosing clothes, fixing their hair, putting on makeup; whereas men just grab the first thing from the wardrobe. OK, that is gender stereotyping going too far, but it raises the question of why we care about how we look. Never judge a book by its cover is a common saying, because judging people by appearances is a common trait. Why else would people force themselves into uncomfortable suits to impress a potential employer they are serious and trustworthy people?
God doesn’t judge people on outward appearances, but on the heart.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Matthew 23:27-28 [NIV]
We are also taught to see our physical needs, such as our clothes in perspective:
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
Matthew 6:28-30 [NIV]
Mairi Mowbray
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