Topic(s):  Christian Life, Moral Issues

Todd Clippard

It is not inherently wrong to draw attention to oneself, for in Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus said Christians are to be as a light shining in a world of darkness and a city set on a hill which cannot be hid. How much light does it take to attract your attention in a dark room?

I believe the principle found in the Bible is not to intentionally draw attention to ourselves with eye- catching attire, jewelry, etc (1 Timothy 2:9). The type of "attention" under consideration is that kind that says to others, "Look at me and what I have." Such shows a lack of moderation and genuine self confidence. We are not what we wear (Matthew 6:25-29), and to insinuate one is better than another by the clothes one wears is to bring condemnation from the Lord upon oneself (James 2:1-9).

1 Corinthians 11:15 says if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her. However, if you equate your self-worth and base your self esteem upon the length of your hair, then that would be wrong. We are special because we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Christians are "extra-special" because of the price that has been paid to redeem them from sin (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the one who bought us with His blood.