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MODERN HISTORICAL TRENDS
During the 19th century, most of the North American population lived
in rural areas and was naturally conservative. They were hard working people who had little time or inclination for
the more sophisticated lifestyle. With the arrival of the 20th century and the coming and going of WW 1 and WW2
came many changes. Millions left the farm to serve in the military, many of whom served overseas and were exposed
to different cultures. Meanwhile, millions of women went to work in the large cities. As a result there was a
great dislocation of populations, with exposure to new ideas and the temptations resulting from the loneliness of separation
or the lack of family support and influence.
Until that time makeup had generally been used only by city people,
who had more leisure, wealth and a more sophisticated lifestyle than their country friends. Before that time many
preachers, knowing the leanings of their flocks spoke out condemning the use of makeup. These persons of influence encouraged
the more conservative approach. Then society began to change.
With the explosion of knowledge in the 20th
century came the miracle of mass communication and with that came mass advertising. Companies of all kinds had new mediums
to promote their products and Advertising Agencies sprang up to help them. Companies producing makeup began to hire
these agencies to promote their products. High pressure sales methods were used to encourage the use of makeup and soon
peer pressure began to kick in, as well. By the second half of the 20th century it was not uncommon to hear ladies say
that they would feel naked without their makeup. Advertising had done it's job of creating a feeling of dependency on
their product. Makeup was now big business and very profitable business.
WORLD HISTORY
Anciently
as well as in modern days, the scourge of flies has tormented people throughout large areas of the world, especially the Tropics
and regions of Africa. In ancient Egypt it was discovered that various preparations could help ward off these sucking
insects whose need for moisture drove them to congregate around the eyes, often causing blindness. Certain minerals
were used giving a green look to the eyelids, since this was rather attractive the custom of colouring the eyes caught on.
In other areas of the world, adding colour to the face also caught on and this became an acceptable method of adornment.
This was common enough that Job named one of his daughters Keren-happuch Job 42:14 meaning horn of eye ointment.
This was probably a reference to the medicinal purpose of preventing blindness. Every time he called to her, he
was saying. I was blind. Now I see.
Now Jezebel is portrayed as a very wicked woman in the books
of the Kings and much has been made of the fact that in 2 Kings 9:30 she painted her face. In the next part of
the same sentence however, it is said that she tired her head. If we extrapolate from this verse that because a wicked
woman painted her face, it is a sin to wear makeup, then we must also come to the conclusion that because a wicked woman did
up her hair, then caring for the hair is also sin! To carry this logic to a conclusion we could say that because sinful
people live in houses, living in houses is also sin! Brethren, this idea that everything that a wicked person does is
necessarily sin, is simply not right. Jezebel did her best to appear Queenly and Regal because she was facing a confrontation
which meant life or death to her.
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
The use of makeup is a matter of cultural perspective
and societal norms. Yet the Biblical perspective is one of Moderation, Balance and Modesty. Ph'p 4:5 and 1
Ti 2:9. In a society where only 5% of women wear makeup, it would be a sexual attractant, simply because of the unusual
nature of that appearance. If most wear makeup it becomes commonplace and losses it's distinctive attraction. 1
Pet 3 says that our adornment should be a meek and quiet spirit. Peter is not saying that we should neglect the body,
he is saying that the emphasis should be on our whole behaviour, on our whole attitude, conduct and perspective. The
casual, cosmetic and transitory things of this life should not consume our time and attention to the neglect of the more important
things.
It should be noted here that even the manufacturers of makeup products admit that the use of makeup
is inherently unhealthy. It clogs the pores and damages the skin. They recommend that for at least one day a week
makeup should be avoided. Consistently, studies have shown that the healthiest and best looking skin is found among
people who do NOT use makeup!
There is nothing in the Bible that forbids the use of makeup, as long as it
is done in great moderation and does not adversely affect one's state of health. However, ladies should respect the wishes
of their parents and wives should respect the desires of their husbands, for that IS commanded. We should realize
that true beauty is the beauty of character. There are few men who would not trade a beautiful appearing wife for a
faithful, loving, caring and cooperative one. Jesus Christ as the espoused husband wants a wife who is faithful, loving
and loyal, someone who can be TRUSTED. Give priority to the things that really matter. Don't neglect the appearance,
just remember that appearances are not everything. Finally remember that most women do NOT NEED makeup and most actually
look better without it, in fact, the big emphasis in makeup today is to have the natural look. How confused we are when
we think that we need makeup to look natural! We have been bombarded with advertising to make us feel that we need something
that we DO NOT need.
Those who choose to use makeup should inquire carefully into the ingredients used to produce
the desired product. In some cases the collagen used was taken from aborted babies or discarded body parts. Anything
labeled Human Source should be rejected, while things labeled Hypoallergenic or Natural Source are highly suspect. Much
makeup is made from Biblically unclean products. For example, many reds are made from the crushed bodies of insects.
Get the facts from the manufacturer or search the internet for Kosher makeup suppliers in your area.
If
you choose to wear makeup, remember that MODESTY, MODERATION and GOOD TASTE should be the guidelines. If you choose
to let your natural beauty shine by avoiding makeup it will be to your advantage.
DRESS AND DEPORTMENT
While the emphasis in our lives should be on developing righteous character, our appearance should not be neglected.
We are the espoused Bride of CHRIST, the adopted children of the KING of the Universe! We should look and behave accordingly.
Our behaviour should always be consistent with God's Law and Holy Scripture. Our appearance and dress should reflect
our place in the grand scheme of things. We should always be CLEAN, NEAT AND WELL GROOMED. NEVER DIRTY, FILTHY
OR DISHEVELED. We should dress as well as we can afford and always be CLEAN and MODEST. We should dress and
behave in a MODEST, CONSERVATIVE and TASTEFUL manner. NEVER in a LOUD, BOASTFUL, OSTENTATIOUS or PROUD
manner. We should BE people of CHARACTER and we should appear like people of CHARACTER. We should maintain
a HIGH STANDARD in BEHAVIOUR, APPEARANCE AND ATTITUDE AND SEEK A HIGH STANDARD IN ALL THAT WE DO. We should
be learning how to be an EXAMPLE for others, for in future we shall be setting an EXAMPLE for the WHOLE WORLD!
We shall be Kings and Priests and our appearance and behaviour must reflect the DIGNITY of our OFFICE.
Our appearance, behaviour and dress should never convey the impression of "look at me, I'm better than
you", neither should we be perceived as filthy creatures of the lowest kind. Rather we should reflect true Godly
Character, Honest Humility and a Conservative, Balanced, Fair and Sound Minded approach to all things.
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