BEFORE YOU SAY "I DO"
Again, how people perceive you is very important, and I would like to give you an illustration. I attended a church in Southgate, Michigan for about a year and a half, where I always enjoyed praise and worship music. One day I noticed the pastor's son who led the praise team wore a ring on his lower lip near the corner. I could not believe my eyes. Now here is a young man who is supposedly a leader in the church, and who held a high position in the ministry with a ring on his lip. I am not passing judgment on whether he serves God, but he will have an extremely difficult time convincing many people that he does, especially those who are not in the church. He wore casual attire, therefore, that ring looked out of place. I later heard others comment about it. I am sure he is a very nice young man, and you may say to yourself that he just wants to draw in young people. Well, my response is they need role models who will show them how to come up in their attitudes and well-being. Because this young man wore this piece of jewelry on his lip, people formed a certain opinion about him; I know I did (I Corinthians 8:9).
Ask yourself, who do you want people to see when they look at you? You should want them to see a child of God, and someone who properly represents Him (Hebrews 12:14). You do not want your image to be misconstrued.
Let your appearance reflect who you are. If you are a rebellious person, then let your image portray that, but if you are not that kind of person, do not convey it. Remember clothes may not make the man, but they help, and your image reflects what lies in the soul.
Their concept of imaging was quite impressive. Everyone should take a course in total imaging to learn how to bring out their best qualities, and convey a positive, radiant, and godly image. I believe that we are to be examples to those who do not understand the importance of putting their best foot forward; the messages we send are based on how we present ourselves.
Brethren, join in following my
example, and observe those who walk
according to the pattern you have in us
(Philippians 3:17, NASB).