~ Perfume, 1 ~
Series
Note
~ In this series we look at some of the Scriptures which mention human physical
adornment—pretty much without comment. These
posts will include clothing, head (including hair and
wigs), jewelry (including accessories), makeup (including tattoos), and perfume
(including incense). It is
important to note that some of
these passages are culturally related to a specific culture and time period.
Two Principles ~ (1) Focus on the long-term: “Charm
is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall
be praised. Give her of the
fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs
31:30-31).
(2) Exercise modesty: “Women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or
pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing
godliness, with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9b-10).
Scripture For This
Week ~ “Moreover
the Lord says: ‘Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched
necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, making a jingling with
their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the crown of the head of
the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will uncover their secret parts.’
“In
that day the Lord will take away the finery: the jingling anklets, the scarves,
and the crescents; the pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; the headdresses,
the leg ornaments, and the headbands; the perfume boxes, the charms, and
the rings; the nose jewels, the festal apparel, and the mantles; the outer
garments, the purses, and the mirrors; the fine linen, the turbans, and the
robes.
“And
so it shall be: instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench; instead
of a sash, a rope; instead of well-set hair, baldness; instead of a rich robe,
a girding of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. Your men shall fall by
the sword, and your mighty in the war” (Isaiah 3:16-25).
Two
Keys
~ (1) “I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good
and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
(2) “Do you not know that your body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you
are not your own? For you were bought at
a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which
are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
~ Robert
Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT
LIFE NOW blog.
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