Day 11: Don't Neglect Your Appearance

Dear Little Princess,

Yesterday, I shared that the Lord looks at our heart and not our outward appearance, but I also said that we shouldn’t ignore our appearance, either.  Why?  Well, there are several reasons, but the most important is that that God is the Creator of order and beauty.  We are a part of His creation, and as such, we should strive to look our best for Him.

When I say we should look our best, I mean that we should wear sensible, well-fitting, coordinated clothing.  Our hair should look brushed and cared for.  I don’t mean that we should be dressed in a ballgown every minute of the day, nor do I mean that we should spend exorbitant amounts of time in preparing to leave the house.

I personally will choose comfort over style any day, and it shows.  I’m often uncoordinated in my wardrobe choices, and I’m certain that I don’t always represent the Lord to my fullest potential when it comes to dressing nicely for His sake.  Honestly, I probably need to ask for some fashion advice from a few close friends who are gifted in this area, not so that I can become completely engrossed in my appearance, but so that, if at all possible, my looks won’t detract from the Gospel.

While we’re on the topic of outward appearance, though, there is a tender subject I want to bring up.  Some women, like me, don’t always dress the best because of lack of interest or lack of talent, but for others, they have a lack of finances.  They may have no room in the budget for even the most inexpensive of new tops or shoes.  I’ve been there.  If you find yourself there, too, do what you can with what you have.  I personally think I’m allergic to ironing, but truthfully, a freshly-pressed shirt, even a faded one, can look much more presentable than if that same shirt were yanked out from the bottom of the unfolded basket of laundry.  (Not that I’ve ever done that.  Ahem.)

You have already demonstrated an interest in fashion and in looking your best, Little Princess, and I’m glad for that.  I hope that you will develop a better sense of style than I have.  But I also want you to be cautious that you don’t get caught up in the frivolity of dressing well.  At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s your heart attitude that matters most.

There is a fine balance between dressing sensibly and presentably while keeping in mind that outer appearances should not be the focus of our hearts.  We won’t be able to perfectly keep that balance in check here on Earth, but through prayer and studying God’s Word, He will help us to be mindful of the things that have eternal value.

All my love,

Mommy