Esther: Clothing and Fashion (2)
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Matthew 6:24,25
Read Matthew 6:19-26
You and I communicate with our mouth, facial expressions, body language, and our clothing. This is the way we reveal who we are. That’s how we assess others as well; for instance, when someone enters a room full of people, you look at that person, make an assessment, and within three seconds have come to some kind of a conclusion. That is why you too want to look your best when you go out. We usually dress according to the occasion. Esther was surrounded by all kinds of clothing designers and makeup artists. In those days, they also knew how to dress well. After all, much was at stake. After one night, one could become the wife of the mighty king of Persia, a world leader. Esther allows herself to be guided by Hegai, the king’s chamberlain. Hegai had a particular fondness for Esther. He knew precisely what the king’s tastes were and how he could be enticed. With this in mind, he chose Esther’s wardrobe. She wore the clothing he proposed with one focus—to gain the king’s favour. And, her purpose was successful, for King Ahasuerus chose her.
We may dress well as long as we stay within our financial status. There is nothing against this. However, what message are we conveying by our dress? There is no neutral area in our life. Fashion designers know this too. By wearing fashionable clothes, we are making a statement. Just think of the various designer labels young people want to wear so that they may be part of a group. Think about this before you fall into a materialistic trap.
Question: Can you thank the Lord for the style of clothing you wear before leaving the house?
Psalter 428:3 (based on Psalm 119) O Lord, how shall a youth preserve his way, At every turn by vanity surrounded? In truth, if he Thy statutes will obey, If on Thy Word his attitudes are founded. Thou whom I’ve sought, O let me never stray From Thy commandments, lest I be confounded.