Is beauty a sin?

[OP_Carl]

God gives beauty, and God takes it away.

Considering the fleeting nature of beauty, and how it is not something that people had any control over until the advent of plastic surgery, it seems to be consumed by beauty is as chasing after moonbeams.

The most beautiful women I have known had a Holy Ghost glow. They exuded contentment and a deep, deep inner peace.

Attending to maintenance of hygiene and health should not be subject to debate.

On an individual basis, every person faces the risk of transforming a habit or hobby into a sin for themselves. Questions 2 and 3 MUST be answered on an individual basis. What one person can handle casually might become an obsession for another.

A person who is spiritually mature enough to indulge themselves in some of these services and treatments must also prepare for their actions to be judged and commented upon. Some wise guy is sure to come along and suggest that the ointment could have been sold for great price, and the money given to the poor. But the truly wise recognize the source of that voice. You must keep your heart right so you are ready to deflect criticism without giving nor receiving offense. Income and wealth are blessings from God for people to enjoy. In the OT if it was too much of a hardship for a Jew to make it back to Jerusalem for the annual trip, he was commanded to blow an equivalent amount of money making his heart and his family merry. If your budget allows you a monthly or weekly trip to a salon, you should by all means enjoy it without guilt. You should test yourself for idolatry from time to time by imagining how you would react if your pastor were to teach against it next week. Can you still surrender all to Jesus?

#4 I suppose gets us into a dangerous area as well, since one man's cheapskate is another man's wise money manager. Perhaps this one qualifies for the "individual basis" clause as well. Speaking only for myself, I do not forbid such things for my wife. She has her own convictions etcetera but I think this is largely an area where she just lacks interest. She knows I think she's beautiful and (as far as I can tell) that is sufficient.