c r o s s+r o a d s: Power Image

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Power Image

Put on nice clothes and make yourself look good.
Ecclesiastes 9:8 (NCV)

Not all people have realized the importance of good grooming. Likewise, some Christians are not aware that this is a biblical subject and one of the instructions of God.

The dignity of a person is partly seen thru his grooming. Not necessarily by sporting expensive clothes, perfume and accessories, or by being good looking by birth. Our dignity is reflective of our values and self discipline.

Values

If people think of themselves as a piece of s***, watch how they dress and observe the people they attract.

If one placed their worth on what society thinks, look at how people react and conform to the latest trends and fashion.

Likewise, observe how some who are not necessarily good looking, but able to project good self image and self confidence.

Discipline

Power image is also a product of self discipline. Health (and figure) conscious people takes the harder route of regular exercise and proper diet.

To enhance ones image does not necessarily mean to undergo medical procedure. Though there are some physical defects that may require medical intervention.

Clothes enhances our dignity

The kind of clothes we wear affect our image, lets look at the nation of Israel before Kings ruled the land. God instructed Moses to prepare a special clothes for Aaron and his descendant's to enhance their dignity and distinguish them from other tribes.

Tell your brother Aaron to come to you, along with his sons Nabab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Separate them from the Israelites to serve me as priests. Make holy clothes for your brother Aaron to give him honor and beauty. Exodus 28:1-2 (NCV)

There are practical reasons why our appearance is important, allow me to share two:

Marriage

One way to keep a marriage sacred is to keep the "passion" towards each other. While it is true that love is not based on looks, but it is one if not the major consideration. By taking care of our appearance, we partly help our partner overcome the second temptation-- the lust of the eye.

Interestingly, in the same context of the passage I quoted above, God also said "to enjoy life with the wife you love" (Ecclesiastes 9:9). On Ecclesiastes 9:8 we are instructed to look nice, these side by side instructions, I believe, is not a coincidence.

Career

How we project ourselves will affect the perception of other people. To receive a job offer or get a promotion, is to seriously consider the principle we are discussing.

Take a look at credentials of the first two kings of Israel

King Saul

Kish had a son named Saul, who was a fine young man. There was no Israelite better than he. Saul stood a head taller than any other man in Israel... Samuel took a jar of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head. He kissed Saul and said the Lord appointed you to lead his people. 1 Sam 9:2; 10:1 (NCV)

King David

So Jesse sent and had his youngest son brought in. He was a fine boy, tanned and handsome. The Lord said to Samuel, go appoint him, because he is the one. So Samuel took the container of olive oil and poured it on Jesse's youngest son to appoint him in front of his brothers. From that day on, the Lord's Spirit worked in David. Samuel went back to Ramah. 1 Sam 16:12-13 (NCV)

Though the first that gets notice is appearance, it is not the only basis.

God admonished the people involved in the selection process (recruitment) to evaluate people beyond the physical appearance.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, Don't look at how handsome Eliab is or how tall he is, because I have not chosen him. God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of the person, but the Lord look at the heart. 1 Sam. 1:7 (NCV)

This principle of Power Image, though simple, are oftenly ignored and/or abused.

Ignored because Married people think since they are already married, grooming is no longer important. Christians, on the other hand think all forms of attention towards self is evil or sinful. Likewise, some professionals assume that skill and intelligence alone can carry them upward.

Abused because some people are obsessed of their figure and appearance that they refuse to yield to another principle, the law of aging. While it is proper to take care of ones health by exercise, good diet, cosmetics and proper medical attention. Anything beyond this may not be appropriate.

Please ask permission from the author for use and/or reproduction of this material.

Severo Santos, also known as "Sonnie", is a Human Resource Manager, Trainer, Volunteer Worker and Forum Moderator. He is married to an educator and are gifted with two kids. Sonnie has authored several anecdotes on work issues and career development in the context of life principles. He is in the process of completing a book on practical wisdom at work.

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