Does God Hate Makeup?

A friend recently asked me “what would Jesus say about all of your makeup pictures?” She wasn’t meaning this in a hateful or condescending way, but it really got me thinking. I know many times throughout the Bible God emphasizes the importance of inner beauty (1Peter 3:3-4). He even states that we shouldn’t focus on the outward beauty as it is fleeting (2Corinthians 4:16). So I asked myself, what would God say? Does God hate makeup?

I know that might seem like a silly question to most people, but its a question that’s been on my mind a lot lately. As it should be. I think that everything we invest our time in should be thought about through that lens. Why am I doing this? What does God think?

I’m going try to write about this in the most organized way possible, but there are so many things going through my mind on this topic that I might be a little scattered… but then again, what else is new ?

About two months ago, I was asked to do a bible study with a great friend and mentor. We’re currently reading one chapter a day in 1 Samuel (you can get the bible study here– I highly recommend it). First of all, let me just say that this is an amazing book. Isn’t it crazy how God always gives you what you need when you need it? That’s pretty much what happened with me and this bible study.

Anyways, in 1 Samuel God shows us in multiple ways that idolatry is wrong. We see it with the Philistines in chapter 4 after they capture the Ark of the Lord. In verse 7, they seem to acknowledge God’s power, yet they still worship their idols and choose them over the Lord. When I read this I was completely shocked. What kind of idiots must they have been, right? Anyone who knew of God’s greatness would surely choose him every time. I mean, that’s what I do… isn’t it? (For those of you who don’t know me, that might have been sarcasm- I know I don’t always choose Him)

Back to the story. In chapter 7, it seems like the Israelites are getting it together… finally.

Then all the people of Israel turned back to the Lord. ³ So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliveryou out of the hand of the Philistines.” ⁴ So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the Lord only. (NIV)

Good job, Israel! Finally coming to your senses. God then goes on to save the Israelites from the Philistines. And how do they thank Him? By asking for a king. God- who just saved them from their enemy- is no longer enough for this nation. They are now demanding a man to rule over them. Why? So they can be like everyone else.

My point in all of this is that for many of us, we recognize God’s power. We know what He can do. We call out to him for help, but in our every day lives, we put our time, effort, and energy into other things. Our focus is on other things. God is our genie. Our last resort. Yes, I am a Christian. I believe God sent His son to die for me. I have dedicated my life to Him.. but what am I making my idol? What takes my focus? Because it isn’t always Him.

That brings me to the topic of this blog. Makeup. Buying, trying, testing, and applying makeup takes up a lot of my time. I love it. I play with it. I read about it. I watch videos on it. I study the ingredients, the best tools to use, the effects it can have on a face- anything and everything about it is interesting to me. Is it wrong for me to enjoy makeup? I don’t think so. As my father-in-law tells me, we’re all created to be creative. We have a creative God, and we were all created in His image. Makeup is my form of creativity. So how can I have a love of something, yet not let it become an idol? I think the obvious answer is to not let it come before God. That’s easy to say, but so many times we let our passions do just that. While I was thinking and praying about it, I thought of these verses:

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (HCSB)

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men. (HCSB)

1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory. (HCSB)

After talking with another sweet friend (side note: having godly women in your life is the best thing ever) who has a love of makeup, we decided that we should be using this passion to serve God. It’s still in the works, but we’re hoping to use our talents and interests to serve others. Our goal is to go to homeless shelters, women’s shelters, and other places to do makeup for people who cant afford it- whether it be for a job interview or just for fun. As we’re doing this, we can pray for the women, talk to them, or just make them feel loved.

Through a lot of prayer, council, and studying God’s word, I’ve come to the conclusion that no, God doesn’t hate makeup. I believe that if we are doing what we love for the Glory of God, He is on our side. I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. What passions do you have that you could use to minister to others? I’d also love if you would pray for me and my friend as we pursue this ministry opportunity!

* You can also follow my sweet makeup-loving friend, Autumn here 🙂