Back to the OP. My wife and I have been attending a UPC church again and yesterday the Pastor spoke with me for a few minutes before service. It was an introductory conversation. He mentioned that there were opportunities to be used in the ministry there, but there was one request. He started by saying, "There is no scripture against it, and I don't believe it will send anyone to hell."
I knew where he was going, kind of chuckled, rubbed my beard and said, "So you're asking me to shave?" He laughed and said, "Again, I haven't read any scriptures against it, I don't believe you're wrong for it, but if you want to be in leadership here, I would prefer you to be clean shaven."
I've had ministers go on about beards equaling rebellion or beards coming from the 60s hippie movement. I appreciated how up front and honest he was about it. No bible against it, not going to hell, just a preference for church leadership.
I worked with a large corporation who did not allow facial hair for men (not sure about a bearded lady...), and I followed their dress code without complaint. My current employer requires a certain dress code which I follow as well.
I have no problem shaving my beard. It's mostly laziness as to why I keep it. I just hate shaving all the time. Plus, and I understand this is vanity, but I have a bald head and the short beard was the only gray which showed aging. I already look young for my age, so the beard helped me look older, more distinguished.
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