What Are You Hiding?

I have seen many churches today that are considered “very strict” in what they allow their members to do. One area which I believe has been ignored is cosmetics. When I walk into a church, I can see just as much foundation as I would see at a club or any other worldly event. This troubles me for two reasons: 1) It wasn’t always that way which suggests a compromise in doctrine, and 2) It shows that we have let a little bit of the world into our churches. Most of us do not know the history of cosmetics and jewelry. It is important to realize that once we are baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost all things are passed away. You may not smoke and drink anymore, but you still have the red lipstick on. First, I will explain some of the history behind jewelry and make-up, and then I would like to discuss what the Bible says about self-adornment.

The word Cosmetae was first used to describe Roman slaves whose function was to bathe men and women in perfume. Egyptians used make-up heavily, everyone, regardless of age or gender wore make-up. We cannot talk about make-up without talking about jewelry as well. Jewelry has been inherently connected to cosmetics, make-up and apparel. Everyone in Egypt wore some type of jewelry including children. Because the Egyptians were very superstitious, rings and amulets were worn to ward off the evil spirits and injury. Both men and women wore pierced earrings, amulets, bracelets, anklets and beaded necklaces. The interesting thing about all of this information is that the reasons why people wear make-up and jewelry today are for completely different reasons.

Since women are the primary consumer of cosmetics today, we can see that the main reason to wear make-up has not changed. Women have worn make-up throughout time for two main reasons: 1) to attract the attention of men (in essence) and 2) mask their true selves from the world. For example, in the 13^th Century women wore pink lipstick to show that they could afford synthetic make-up. Red rouge and lipstick were in style because it implied a healthy, fun-loving spirit. In Greco-Roman societies, women wore white lead chalk on their faces to attract attention. As far as jewelry famous rappers wear large pieces of jewelry in order to show that they have money. Why would a child of God be so concerned with these things?

We can agree that make-up is of the world correct? Even further, the children of Israel were slaves to the Egyptians. The Egyptians among other things were very concerned about their appearance which is why they are known for their breakthroughs in cosmetics. Now if the Children of Israel had to be delivered from Egyptian rule, they also had to stop doing the things that they used to do in Egypt (rituals). If the children of Israel had to be delivered, how much more do we need to be delivered out of “Spiritual Egypt?” The point is that “little things” from our former life must be passed away, even make-up.

Let us look at what the Bible says about self-adornment. I John 2: 15-17 reads: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” When you look at someone with make-up on, do you notice how pretty they are, or if God is in them? Simply put, wearing make-up is the lust of the eyes. A man may be more interested in the make-up, rather than the woman. It re-directs attention from everything else but her face. I Timothy also provides advice to women: “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.” It sounds like what the Egyptians used to wear. Chapter 23 of Ezekiel speaks of the children of Israel turning away from God and committing “Spiritual Adultery.” That passage also associates cosmetics with idol worship. It is important for us to realize these principles before we get caught up into the world’s standards. My question to you Holy Ghost filled, water baptized women of god is: “What are you hiding.”

Women and men alike must remember that we are supposed to be distinct individuals. Someone should be able to look at you and your behavior to see that Christ is in you. “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.” (Ephesians 4:17). How can you draw someone to the Lord if you have more foundation on than they do? How can someone know that you are serious about your salvation? Remember, Christ set himself apart, wherever he went everyone knew that he was different, the same must be true for us.