Light in a Dark Place

My husband loves to go to Home Improvement Stores and walk the aisles! Owning a home normally means there is some sort of project that needs to be done so he is there to buy a necessary item. I love to go and just look and get ideas! The other night I was wandering around just taking pictures. I saw this light display and took a shot. Here is what I was thinking when I saw them.

Isn't this a nice display of lights? They are serving two purposes. They are giving light and they look good!

Sometimes we are led to believe, as Christians, we can't look good and still be a good witness. I disagree.

I believe that God wants us to look our best (that means taking care of our personal hygiene). We can have an attractive hair cut and style. We can be dressed in beautiful clothes. Here's where the hitch is: We need to be modest in our clothing and it should not consume us. Our outward appearance should not be the most important. God is more concerned about our heart. We need to be concerned with the spiritual conditions of those around us. Men walk in darkness until they have accepted Christ as their Savior.

John 8:12 

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." 

1 Samuel 16:7 

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

1 Peter 3:1-4

   "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

   While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

   Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

   But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Our looks will change over the years but our heart can grow sweeter and be one that can continue to draw closer to God as we grow older one day at a time. 

I think that our outward appearance could hinder us in 2 different aspects. If we were so consumed with our looks and that was evident when we went to witness to someone, I think it would distract from our message. We are telling people, 'look at ME!' Or if we didn't take any time at all on our outward appearance it could cause the same type of response-it would distract someone by drawing attention to ourselves instead of being able to listen and focus on the message of salvation.

It is a fine line that we need to walk. You can be trendy and classy without compromising your modesty. I look to the example of the Proverbs 31 woman. We are not told that she was beautiful and yet I think that she was-because of all that she accomplished. And yet according to verse 30- "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." So, strive to be like the lights in my photo-one that looks great and still serves it purpose-driving out the darkness around it.