Appearance Matters

Genesis 41:14

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

Joseph had been in prison for several months. It seems as though while he was in prison that he did not keep up his appearance. I can certainly understand this to some extent as he thought he would never be released from prison; however, when he was called to appear before Pharaoh, he shaved himself and changed his clothing so he looked proper as he appeared before Pharaoh.

Appearance does matter. We live in days when casual and sloppy appearances are present at church, resulting in believers living casual, sloppy, and sinful lives. Most people have no respect for the church: they come to church dressed sloppily as if church does not matter. I understand that many don't have much money, but not having much money is no excuse for going to church dressed sloppily.

My friend, if appearance does not matter, then why does God point out the appearance so much in the Scriptures? He pointed out the appearance of Solomon’s servants as they served, and Joseph’s appearance as he prepared himself to meet Pharaoh. He points out the appearance of the believers wearing white robes in Heaven. Apparently, God is interested in our appearance. You don't have to be wealthy to dress right. Your appearance tells a lot about what you feel about life and your perspective on God. Some will certainly say that the only thing that matters is the heart, but that is not true. The heart does affect the outside, and if your heart is right with God, then your appearance in church will reflect it. Let me share some things I believe will help you to keep a good appearance.

First, dress with your best when you go to church. Whatever your best is when it comes to clothing, you ought to dress with it as you go to church because you are going to meet with God. Certainly, God is better than Pharaoh or some king, and that should cause the believer to want to be dressed properly when they go to church. Your attire sets a mindset that you believe God is important, important enough to dress with your best as you go to worship Him.

Second, men ought to be clean-shaven. Now, I am not saying that men should not have beards, but I am saying that a man ought to keep his beard groomed and shaven if he has one. I am not a person who likes beards, but I am not against them; however, I shave every day and make sure I look proper as a representative of Christ, and so should you.

Third, everyone should keep their clothing decent. Ladies should never wear dresses that are revealing for they are not trying to sell their bodies. The Scriptures are clear that ladies should dress in modest apparel. Men should also be decent at all times, but especially at church. Church is not a country club where you wear shorts to church. Dress in church to meet the King of Kings.

Fourth, don't overpower others with your cologne or perfume. I know this seems petty to some, but some people are allergic to these smells, and putting too much perfume or cologne on affects them. However, some never wear deodorant, which is just as offensive. Keep yourself smelling good. A LITTLE cologne, perfume, and deodorant can go a long ways in keeping yourself from smelling offensive to those around you.