A Christian should be a complement to the kingdom of God in every aspect of life (2 Cor. 3:2-3).  Maintaining a clean, neat, modest, and appropriate appearance is a responsibility.  To neglect how you look can diminish your total effectiveness since Scripture describes your body as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20)!  What is nurtured internally is ultimately manifested externally (Prov. 23:7).

Appropriate attire is essential for women who represent Christ.  Women are admonished not merely to have outward adornment but to use such adornment to emphasise what is within (1 Pet. 3:3-4).  A Christlike spirit is preferred over excessive make-up, gaudy jewellery, or revealing clothes.  Style and beauty, however, need not be compromised.  We can be stylish with modesty and flair!  Good manners also blend into your total image.  Consideration of another’s feelings and opinions is an opportunity to reflect the character traits described in Scripture as the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).  Having appropriate social skills can relax and free you to impart energy and concentration in other areas, such as sharing a witness for Christ or extending hospitality.  Christians are watched, and their lives are scrutinised (Matt. 5:16).

“A CHRISTLIKE SPIRIT IS PREFERRED OVER EXCESSIVE MAKE-UP, GAUDY JEWELLERY, OR REVEALING CLOTHES.  STYLE AND BEAUTY, HOWEVER, NEED OT BE COMPROMISED.  WE CAN BE STYLISH WITH MODESTY AND FLAIR!”

How others interpret your words and actions will be, to a great extent, how they regard Christ.  Christ’s love ought to shine!  Unfading beauty is not dependent upon the outer frame but is achieved with the balance of personifying Christ’s love and taking care of God’s handiwork (1 Pet. 3:3-4).