The last week or so has found me thinking specifically about how God views our appearance. God apparantly held the appearance of His children in high regard in that he forbids them from piercings and other certain clothing types in Leviticus 19 and our Lord specifically tells us to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Martin Luther would have reasoned that if God tells us to not appear improper then He is also telling us to appear proper. This goes for how we act, how we look and how we care for ourselves. How can we be trusted with the great things of God when we do not strive for the proper in the base things of this world?

I've really been thinking more along the lines of how some of the great and well-known people of the world had certain signature things that made them unique. They took great care to create a certain image. I'm thinking of people like Churchill with his cigars, striped suits and specially made boller. I think of Lincoln and his hat (Here is a guy that is 6-8 inches taller than most everybody else who takes care to appear even taller and more intimidating.), and Barbara Bush with her string of pearls. I wonder why we Christians don't take the effort to cultivate a distinctive Christian image for ourselves? I need to mark my life both by how I live and by how I appear.

I believe that our appearance can tell a lot about who we are. I have a friend who says that inside he is a cowboy. He likes to where a cowboy hat and boots whenever he can. That tells me about who he is. It is distinctive and unique. What outward appearance of mine is me? When I where a sportcoat or suit with a vest and a tie. That is my inside on the outside. Who are you?