"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:1-2
To discern what God will is. That's my desire right now. I've had questions floating in my head, questions I've often set aside, and I feel motivated to seek the answers more intentionally. I'm both excited and humbled to learn God's truth.
This search humbles me in a few ways. The answers to these questions may alter the way I live. It also may turn out that I don't need to change much in the area in question, but shouldn't I be willing to do anything for my God who has given everything for me?
Alright, enough with the ambiguity. I would like to understand God's heart for wearing "jewelry, make up, and other adornments." Is this something that he designed as a symbol, something that he celebrates? Is this something he sees as vain? Is this something that grieves his heart? Is there a certain way in which it would grieve him, but a certain way it would honor him?
It's an area I'm relatively uneducated about. The little I know if enough to leave me with confusion. What do we make of biblical stories where jewels and stones used as a symbol of honor, and the commandment to dress modestly without gold jewelry or fine clothes?
I hope now to read more thoroughly these stories, and ask the Holy Spirit to convict me. Like Romans 12 says, his ways are GOOD and PERFECT. If he calls us to wear no fine clothing (not sure what constitutes as such) no jewelry, and no braided hair, and so forth, I know he does so for His greatest glory and our greatest joy. It would be an honor to lay down such things.
But I have to admit the sinful fears in me. (fears that are foolish and can be eased by seeing God more clearly!)
1. Fear of man. The thought that people, other Christians even, will think I'm strange for giving up these things. But only honoring God, not men, matters!
2. The fear that others might think I'm legalistic. But I know that legalism is not obeying God's word, it's believing that by doing so, I'm earning my way to heaven.
3. That I would become self-righteous. It is my tendency to pat myself on the back. But I know that I am saved by Christ's blood, which I don't deserve.
4. That I would become judgmental. It is my tendency to make myself seem greater by pointing out how others aren't obeying as well. But to do so is belittling the amazing work God is doing the lives of believers. Yes there might be a standards that God calls us to, but he still has grace on us when we fail!
So as I read more and pray over this topic, would you journey with me? What do you find in God's word? What do you think the Holy Spirit is revealing to you that is in accordance with Scripture?
I would rather not search this alone. It is always best to have a community. Let's learn more about God's heart and encourage each other!
