Hey, If the Barn Needs Painting, Paint it - On Wearing Make-up
Posted: Wednesday, March 04, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
Periodically I will have a conversation with a Christian who tells me that I shouldn't wear make-up because God forbids it, therefore I am sinning. I am convinced I am not the only one who has encountered this, so I decided to share my thoughts on the subject.
Personally, I can do with or without it. Still, my response can vary depending on my mood. But for the most part, I respond with respect and then kindly ask the person to tell me how not wearing make-up is going to make me a better person. Usually they have no response except to say that it says so in the Bible. Fair enough, I say--let's read it together.
"Do not let your beauty be that of the outward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4
"…in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." 1 Timothy 2: 9-10.
Even if we were to take these two passages of Scripture without considering the overall context of the passage, we see they say nothing about make-up. The passage from 1 Peter tells women not to put emphasis on the outward beauty but on the inward. The passage from 1 Timothy talks about dressing modestly and not over-doing jewelry--again, no mention of make-up.
The question then, is why are these instructions given and in what context?
Going back to 1 Peter; If we read the entire chapter, beginning in verse 1, we learn that Peter is giving specific instructions to married women [believers] who have non-believing husbands. He is telling them to be an example to their husbands by their submissive behavior and by the inner beauty of love and gentleness, rather than a forceful and preachy attitude. Along with this, he reminds them that inner beauty is more important than outward. In simple terms--first tend to the heart, then the face. Even still, this is not a direct order against wearing make-up; neither does it mean we are not to brush our hair.
The Timothy passage is more direct and for good reason. Paul was writing instructions to Timothy about proper conduct in public meetings (church). Timothy was over-seeing the church in Ephesus. During this time, prostitution and paganism was commonplace. Although new Christians, many of these women did not look any different in appearance from the prostitutes and when they went to church, it was a distraction to the men. In addition to this, some of the married women were disruptive in that they were calling out to their husbands and asking questions. (The men sat on one side and the women on the other.) As a result, Paul instructed the women to remain silent in the church and ask questions at home.
The point being in both cases--and the entirety of Scripture is that the most important things are our motives behind everything we do, and what we look like on the inside--for this is what God is concerned with.
I completely respect and honor those who believe wearing make-up is sin. For them it is and to them I say, don't wear make-up. The problem I have is when they say to those who do wear make-up, or who dress nice that are disobeying God. Unfortunately, this mentality has turned many people away from God and church--mainly because many churches actually turn these women away. How Tragic as this is not proper biblical behavior. Nor does it represent the heart of God.
Several years ago, in an informal meeting, my pastor was teaching on this subject. He said it boils down to two things--what do you spend more time on; the outside or the inside, and are you dressing in a manner that will cause a man to stumble.
I will never forget my dear friend Phyllis. As he was wrapping it up, Pastor Steve made mention of a barn. Not a second later, she shouted--"Hey, if the barn needs painting, paint it." With that, we laughed and ended our time together in a word of prayer and a song of praise.
Christians need to be careful in telling other Christians what they can and cannot do. If we feel the need to do so, then we had better be sure we have complete understanding of the biblical text we quote.
hi t,and now that you got that off your chest :)i feel the same way when others try to tell me that what i am doing goes against the Bible, and yet, i am loving, kind, caring, patient, and in adoration of God. we were all given free choice, and yet, every religious denomination, even the jehovah's witnessess, tries to recruit people to their organization. the more people, the more money.reality speaks volumes. it's what we do in this life, and how we act, that will determine our status in Heaven, i believe.very well written article,my best to you,sueHi Sue,I guess it was something I had to get off my chest :-)I think that the teachings in the Bible are for those who chose to follow God according to it's teachings. And you know I stand on every word :-) I hope you also know, I don't condemn others who do not follow it, I merely teach it and provide information according to what I believe it says. I love people for who they are, not only for what they profess. You should know this given the fact that I have some great friends here on SW that are not Christians and some even atheists. Unfortunately, I know other Christians who do not have friends or associate with anyone who is not a Christian.This breaks my heart, because this is not what Scripture teaches. It actually teaches not to associate with other Christians who profess to be Christians and then do not live as Jesus taught in the Bible. The only thing I say, is if anyone claims to believe in God and follow his teachings according to the Bible, then they must believe everything it says and study it to know what it teaches.Love and hugs,t
This brings back memories of when I was a teenager. In the church I attended, the pastor was a fanatic about women not wearing makeup and jewelry. I remember one Sunday, when three teenage girls in our church were to sing a trio. The pastor would not let them come up and sing because they were wearing earrings. He made them take them off before they were allowed to sing. They were embarrassed by what he did, and I think the bigger sin was what the pastor did.Hi David, Very sad. I agree with you. This type of situation reminds me of what Jesus said to the pharisees when they were so angry with Jesus healing on the Sabbath, that they couldn't even praise God for the amazing miracle that just took place.What a blessing that these young girls were in church and wanted to sing. It's things like this that turn people away from the love and beauty of God. Where is the mercy and grace?Thanks for sharing. Blessings! Teresa
Hey Teresa - My barn needs a complete makeover! I love how you use Scripture in context - so many don't see that need. I hope this next week is all you desire!Hi Lorrie! You are funny :-)Thanks for the comment. I do the best I can, I don't claim to know it all, God help me, but I do feel that there would be a lot less confusion if everyone took into account context. Peter and Paul admonish us to take in the whole counsel of God and to rightly divide the word of truth. Any one can prove just about anything if they take one verse and build a whole doctrine around it without considering what comes before and after. I realize there will always be differences because we are all at different levels of understanding and different places in our ever growing relationship with God, but there are some things that are very clear and simple to understand.I think of the verse in the Bible that says there is no God--if that is the only verse we read. We have to remember that verse #'s and chapter breaks were added for easier reading. They weren't in the orginal text. Sometimes we get a better understanding if we ignore chapter breaks and verse #'sThanks for taking a moment to comment. I know next week is going to be great. I truly cannot wait to see my mom and some old friends. God bless! Teresa
Teresa, Great article, which is what I always expect when I read your work. However, that said, I really don't see what wearing make-up has to do with religion? I took three years of seminary, and have gone to many churches in my 62 years, and I have never heard of this concern amongst the women folk in any church that I attended. Although I guess it does happen, as I have heard it before from others, but I never judge a book by its cover, 1st, I am not the judge, women know who they are, and what they believe in, and God knows if they are pure at heart, I would certainly not ever listen to what another person says about how I should, or shouldn't look, not even a minister. Opinions, and interpretations are all this is. I feel you are pure of heart, and a woman of God, and I can see it in your smile. Your a loving caring person, that I am proud to call my friend, and I certainly do not feel all of that by the way you look, or how much makeup you wear. You glow from the inside out, and are beautiful both ways. So, that said, "Paint the Barn"!! Your fan, and friend in pen......Gary......(Kind of a colorful way of putting it dontcha think)?Hi Gary, it is a sad truth that this subject has caused divisions in the body of Christ.It shouldn't be an issue. Personally, my faith is not shaken by this, but for many, especially new Christians, this is a stumbling block. not because they are told they can't wear make-u[, but because they wonder what this has to do in the grand skeem of having deep-rooted, life affecting sin forgiven. I want to be a source of encouragement young believers, so they will not be chased off by denominational religion and that they will continue in walking and growing closer to Christ by the following the word of God as it is in the Bible.There are some churches out there that will not allow you in their congregation if you are wearing make up or jewerly. I can't see how that would please God, that a congregation would turn someone away who might have been aching for love and acceptance only to be turned away. This is tragic. My mom was once asked to leave church for not wearing a dress. She didn't own a dress. I can't help but consider the book of James! Unfortunately we have a lot of modern day pharisees and it is turning people away from God.Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to read and comment. It is much appreciated. God bless !!!P.S. When I go out to dinner with my hubby tomorrow night, I will be painting the barn :-)Wow, I didn't know that make-up or even wearing a dress could make that big of an impact, now I see the sensitivity that you express...that IS really sad, and you are right, no one should be turned away from God.....you are right, this IS a concern....I hope you and your hubby have a grand time tomorrow night..and I wish you the best, and you have fun paintin' the barn!!! Your fan.....Gary.Thanks Gary, I revised the article to express this concern more clearly.We will have a great time! Pray for our safety and the safety of our kids while we are away! All my laundry is done, so now I can finish packing and get some sleep!your friend,Teresa
Hi Teresa.Deep thought so wonderfully written. I loved reading it. And I thoroughly agree with you dear. I have faced those question very often and I admit that those statements many times made me no to take care of my self too. Now, not taking of your appearance is also a sin according to me. We need to look good and modest because that ultimately makes us feel good about ourselves. and is feeling good about one own self wrong?well, thank you for voicing out my thoughts.On a more serious note, I want to say that yes the problem of misinterpretation of Scripture is rapidly increasing, even in my country. There are people who do not interprete some portion of the scripture according to its contextual background but take it literally, that creates so much division and misunderstanding. I would say that this is one of devil's tactics to blur our focus.I pray that every true beleiver would abide by the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand and practice the Word correctly.once again, thank you for the wonderful article that made me to laugh and also to think; just according to your column.Hahahahahwith love,SwapnaHello my new friend and sister in Christ -- how great it is to have another friend in India!Thanks for sharing your heart as well. And I agree, we need to take care of our bodies as well. I am so glad you included that here.And well said about following the leading of the Holy Spirit and keep Scripture in context! Too many people have been hurt and turned away from the Lord from the unnecessary burdens and non-biblical rules placed on them. May God woo these people back so that they can see this is not the God of the Bible.Blessings to you!Teresa
Bravo!Teresa, I loved this. I wish I could somehow send this article to the relatives on my mother's side who wear no makeup and are not allowed to dance or watch TV (although what is on many TV stations today is highly questionable -- I would ban MTV along with a few others if I could!).Not everything is black and white. Sometimes we need a little gray in the picture to fully appreciate what the Bible is saying. (In fact, it wouldn't hurt this country if the extremes on both sides of the political spectrum could employ a little gray in their thinking.)Thank you for a job well done!NancyHi Nancy, thank you for sharing. You are free to print this out and mail it or you can forward it to anyone you would like.It is sad because these rules are not Scriptural, and again, I am not on a quest to change their minds, but rather to encourage them to not place their "burden" on others.The problem with this is that it breeds judgementalism and people began to judge on outward appearance.I agree, that their are many unhealthy was of dress and even wearing too much make-up can make us look cheap or silly, but in moderation and modesty, why not look nice? I don't understand how that is sinful. And I agree that some TV is just filth and trash and we best be keeping our spirit free of that garbage. But TV as a whole is not evil.I am praying that your family members will see the truth of this teaching and extend grace and freedom to those who think differently.Blessings to you! TeresaTeresa,I can always count on a quick response from you because you seem to be up early and ready to dig in. (While I'm always up early, I can't always get to the Warp when I want.)My mother's relatives are far removed from me and even were I to send them your article, it would make no difference. (Like trying to talk the Amish into using electricity!)But again, I thank you for a great read.NancyI wondered it that was the case, but I didn't want to assume.I am an early riser as well and I try my best to get back to people asap. It's one of my biggest pet peeves :-)"trying to get the Amish to use electricity" ha! Thanks for early morning gigle :-)
Teresa,What you speak of seems to be a common problem. I know that in our church, members are advised not to deface their bodies, their temples with piercings, tatoos, and so on. However, what's interesting is that if you come to church with tatoos, piercings or other unacceptable external wear people don't say anything for they are taught well. They know everyone has faults, weaknesses, shortcomings, etc. so they avoid being the Ultimate Jude. There is only one Jude, and He will make the calls when all is said and done, not any one of us. And our church members know that, that's why I love our church. They really follow the spirit of the law not blindly just follow the word of the law. Not that they are going to let you sit in meetings with no clothes on or the super-revealing, you might be asked to leave for obvious reasons, but they certainly do use good sense most of the time, and I love them for that. Peace to you and yours.P.S.Hey, you may want to share some of that column space. And maybe you can send some of your commenters to other authors, Ms. Super Popular. ;=)Hi Jeff, you embarrass me :-)Thanks so much for joining a wonderful group of commentors :-)It is a sad thing, I am not surprised you would belong to a fellowship that follows the spirit. Thanks for adding this here.Blessings to you and yours!! Teresa
Nice Article!Called to rememberance for me a time in our little country church when we were interviewing a new young pastor, with a lovely young wife.One of our matriarchs, popped the question; "what do you think of women wearing make-up"?The young pastor, not wanting to look that woman, or any other female in the congregation in the face, turned to look directly at his young wife, and said "Hey, if a barn needs painted, paint it"!The congregation roared, the matriarch pursed her lips, and the vote was 99 to 1 to hire the young pastor!hahaha! Thanks for sharing, I figured this was a well-known saying :-)thanks for reading and sharing! Lord bless you! Teresa
Hi Teresa! I couldn't agree more! And I have had this conversation with fellow Christians many times. I do believe in inner beauty, and you should rely on it for your "real" beauty. However, to enhance it with a little something extra? I am all for it, if you want to. I feel we, as Christians, are not here to judge. That is God's job alone. I have had Christians come down hard on me for having a glass of wine, quoting a Bible verse about drunkedness. Like you, it takes finding the Bible verse, discussing it, and taking it in context. Thanks for another great article. I have copied it off for future "conversations!" Tracey : )Hi Tracy, thanks for reading and sharing your experience.Yes, wine is another biggy, but thebible warns against drunkenness not drinking. We should stay away from it, if it is a stumbling block for us, and we should not drink in front of those who have a problem with alcohol. But it is not a sin to drink. Otherwise, why would Paul tell timothy to drink a little wine, and why would Jesus turn water into wine of if should not be touched at all. Jesus would never provide an avenue for people to sin, the Bible makes this clear as well.Again, it is about context, modesty and balance. You stay strong girl! I have to say, my warped sense of humor has me chuckling right now. Not only do you give beauty tips, you have a wine class too? ha--I have to say it--you "sinna" :-)You know I am teasing you. Blessings to you! TeresaHey Teresa! Thanks for the support.... I agree, too much excess in anything is a sin, whether wine, drugs, food, or maybe even makeup. It distracts you from what is important. God, family, friends. Yes, I love to have a fun time. My favorite saying is "sassy!". I am a girly girl, but don't mind working hard and getting dirty. I joined the military, and people couldn't believe it (that was when I was younger). I am not afraid of change or challenge. I am honest, God loving, and have a strong sense of justice. However, sometimes the "sinnah" and crazy girl gets ahold of me. Lucky, God is forgiving! Talk to you later! Tracey : )
1 Corinthians 11:6 "For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head"Hello student,Thank you for sharing this passage of Scripture, it is one I should have added to this article. As we read that entire chapter, we see that Paul is talking about the customs of the culture. He was telling the women to be careful not to stumble others. He finished up by saying, "but the church of God has no such custom". Again, no mention of make-up in that entire chapter, but rather to be considerate of those around them.God bless you! Teresa
More comments