Power Image

Put on nice clothes and make yourself look good.
Ecclesiastes 9:8 (NCV)

Not all people have realized the importance of good grooming. Likewise, some Christians are not aware that this is a biblical subject and one of the instructions of God.

The dignity of a person is partly seen thru his grooming. Not necessarily by sporting expensive clothes, perfume and accessories, or by being endowed with good genes. Our dignity is reflective of our values and self discipline.

Values

If people think of themselves as a piece of s***, watch how they dress and observe who they attract and the people they hang with.

If one placed his worth on what society thinks, look at how people react and conform to the latest trends and fashion.

Likewise, observe how some who are not pretty, but able to project good self image and self confidence.

Discipline

Power image is also a product of self discipline. Health (and figure) conscious people exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.

To enhance ones image does not necessarily mean to undergo medical procedure. Though there are some physical defects that may require medical intervention.

Clothes enhances our dignity

The kinds of clothes we wear add value to our image; let’s look at the nation of Israel before Kings ruled the land. God instructed Moses to prepare special clothes for Aaron and his descendant’s to enhance their dignity and distinguish them from other tribes.

Tell your brother Aaron to come to you, along with his sons Nabab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Separate them from the Israelites to serve me as priests. Make holy clothes for your brother Aaron to give him honor and beauty. Exodus 28:1-2 (NCV)

There are practical reasons why our appearance is important, allow me to share two:

Marriage

One way to keep the marriage intact is to keep the “passion” towards each other. While it is true that love is not based on looks, but it is one, if not the major consideration. By taking care of our appearance, we partly help our partner overcome the second temptation– the lust of the eye.

Interestingly, in the same context of the passage I quoted above, God also said “to enjoy life with the wife you love” (Ecclesiastes 9:9). Prior to this instruction, we are instructed to look nice. This is not a coincidence, but wisdom.

Career

Good grooming affects the perception of people— perception may affect your employment and business.

Take a look at credentials of the first two kings of Israel

King Saul

Kish had a son named Saul, who was a fine young man. There was no Israelite better than he. Saul stood a head taller than any other man in Israel… Samuel took a jar of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head. He kissed Saul and said the Lord appointed you to lead his people. 1 Sam 9:2; 10:1 (NCV)

King David

So Jesse sent and had his youngest son brought in. He was a fine boy, tanned and handsome. The Lord said to Samuel; go appoint him, because he is the one. So Samuel took the container of olive oil and poured it on Jesse’s youngest son to appoint him in front of his brothers. From that day on, the Lord’s Spirit worked in David. Samuel went back to Ramah. 1 Sam 16:12-13 (NCV)

Though appearance determines the first impression, it should not be the “only” basis.

God admonished the people involved in the selection process (recruitment) to evaluate people beyond the physical appearance.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, Don’t look at how handsome Eliab is or how tall he is, because I have not chosen him. God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of the person, but the Lord look at the heart. 1 Sam. 1:7 (NCV)

This principle, though simple, is often ignored and/or abused.

Ignored because Married people thought grooming is no longer important. Christians, on the other hand, thought all forms of attention toward self are sinful. Professionals also assume that skill and intelligence alone can give them promotion.

Abused, because some are just too obsessed with their figure.

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