Is beauty a sin?

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by 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.

Bro. OP,

There are some things I agree and disagree with you on. Speaking as a pretty woman, with or without the helps of plastic surgery, manicures, pedicures, and a hairdresser...I feel that pretty women in our Apostolic cirlces have been the target, not only of jealous women, but also men who try to blame their problems with lust and infidelity on us.

Women who dress in moderation who have the Holy Ghost and it is active in their life have the "Holy Ghost Glow" regardless of make-up, a stylish hairdo, or a manicure. It isn't about money, but about doing the best with what you have. Covering perceived flaws might now make a plain woman beautiful but gives her enoguh self-confidence to succeed in many areas of her life.

Apostolic men perceive beautiful women to be 'loose' or a danger to them. It is about them and not about her. The sin is in the thoughts and intents of the heart...that is why the Bible says, "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, peircing even to the dividing asunder of joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Therefore, I can't in all honesty understand why you would make this a matter of money or of pretty women [or plain women who use make-up] not having the Holy Ghost glow an excuse for the thoughts and intents of a man's heart.

At the demise of my last relationship with the opposite sex, I did my best to throw away all the questionable articles of outward dress, though modest, but brought me compliments. I started eating and hid behind baggy clothes, I put my hair in a bun, and even blamed myself for being "too sexy" for Apostolic men. I have in the last month made a commitment to myself to not let Apostolic men make me feel guilty about being pretty, sexy, or single. I am on my diet, joining a gym, and getting myself where I recognize myself in the mirror.

God loves pretty, talented, and assertive women, just as much as he loves plain, unassuming, shy women.

In a nutshell...don't make the 'standards' issue about money, or about 'sweet spirits", or the Holy Ghost glow. Make it about moderation and doing the best with what you have, accenting the postives and downplaying the negatives.

The women who is on fire for God will have the Holy Ghost Glow with or without what they consider the necessary accompaniments.

Sincerely,
Rhoni