Is beauty a sin?

[Trouvere]

I was reading Mark Yandris's thread this am on standards and wondering after being part of the apostolic movement for twenty plus years
some things that maybe some of you have thoughts about.
1.Is it a sin to be beautiful? Do we have to hide our women behind amish(sorry Bro.Hoover) and period costumes?
2.Do we have to give up the salon if we don't cut our hair? I go for the great deep shampoo and hot drier condition.
3.Is a manicure and pedicure a sin if you don't use colored makeup and go for the french or american look?
4.Is it a just an attempt for men who want to be cheap and make their wives exist on a plain...and I mean plain level?
5.Can a person retain a holy appearance and life style with balance and not go over the top and become really worldly? just some thoughts.

How about some answers while not crucifying those who do or don't?

[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.

[Sister Alvear]

Originally Posted by Trouvere

I was reading Mark Yandris's thread this am on standards and wondering after being part of the apostolic movement for twenty plus years
some things that maybe some of you have thoughts about.
1.Is it a sin to be beautiful? Do we have to hide our women behind amish(sorry Bro.Hoover) and period costumes?
2.Do we have to give up the salon if we don't cut out hair? I go for the great deep shampoo and hot drier condition.
3.Is a manicure and pedicure a sin if you don't use colored makeup and go for the french or american look?
4.Is it a just an attempt for men who want to be cheap and make their wives exist on a plain...and I mean plain level?
5.Can a person retain a holy appearance and life style with balance and not go over the top and become really worldly? just some thoughts.

How about some answers while not crucifying those who do or don't?

Sister Cooper, you have brought out some good points...While we are not supposed to be a part of he world we are not creatures from some distant planet...(Yes, some will say we are from heaven) However...we are supposed to look nice, clean, neat...
I say live your convictions or what you feel is doctrine but ladies look the best you can...
I am a "plain" person by nature...others are more fancy by nature but whatever catagory we are in we should make sure we are clean, our hair is combed, we smell clean, our breath is sweet, our teeth are brushed...etc...

I see nothing wrong with looking nice...

Just because we may or may not have certain standards (this varies) we still can be neat and clean.

Just because we are christians is no excuse not to iron our clothes and wear old blue jean skirts all the time and I am not againt BJ skirits but they have a place...

more maybe later...have lots of work at my office today...

[Sister Alvear]

I am not promoting "worldliness" but we should not confuse the issue...

I live on the mission field but am amazed at some places in the states where people seem to think filth is godly...LADIES, your home tells a lot about your heart...your dress tells a lot about you...

[Coonskinner]

I hope not, because if it is, my wife is hellbound for sure.

[RandyWayne]

Is beauty a sin? Of course it is! Once a lady 'gits her man', there is no earthly need for it!

It's also distracting for the husband. A man should only think on the Lord and not be distracted from any sort of hanky panky, lest it be for birthin babies. And you don't need no 'beauty' for that!

[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

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I hope not, because if it is, my wife is hellbound for sure.

Grrrrrrr, coonkiller, you beat me to the punch...again!!!!!!!!

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

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

Apostolic men perceive beautiful women to be 'loose' or a danger to them.

Idiots may have this perception, but please don't make this a broad brush statement toward Apostolic men.

It is absolutely not accurate.

I have been surrounded by beautiful Apostolic women my whole life, and sought one out and married her.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

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

And everyone say Amen!