Kiss and Make-Up

What is and what is not appropriate in the church varies with tradition, doctrine, customs, gender, and even race. The Word tells us to greet one another with a holy kiss (2 Corinthians 13:12), but some people may use that as an occasion for error. We should not allow ourselves to get caught up in the condemnation of who is allowed to wear pants, jewelry, or make-up. The truth is that it matters to some people. Internal beauty is far more valuable than external beauty.

Wearing make-up and jewelry in some church settings is still a widely contested topic. For safety, larger earrings may be avoided, but total exclusion of all adornment and beauty products could place us in the position of legalism. The color of a woman's nail polish should compliment the message of the dance, if she so chooses to wear it. Extreme make-up colors and fingernail designs will produce a stronger focus on the dancer than on Christ. Ministry groups should come to a consensus regarding beautification and unity among the team of dancers. This should not be finalized without prayer.

It is unfortunate that many are still debating these issues while the world around us is perishing. We should search the Word regarding anything that offends us concerning the appearance of another, and base our conclusions on the Bible. Whether we dance in pants or skirts, wear earrings and hair accessories, paint our faces or not, it is by His Spirit that we live and move.

Genesis 29:17 (NKJV)
Leah’s eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance.

Isaiah 61:10 (NKJV)
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Song of Solomon 4:3 (NKJV)
Your lips are like a strand of scarlet, and your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like a piece of pomegranate.

1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)
Do not let your adornment be merely outward —arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Revelation 21:2 (NKJV)
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.