Some years ago, the monthly publication of a particular religious organization ran an article in which the youth were advised that physical attraction need not, indeed should not, factor into one's choice of a life partner. "Spirituality" was all that mattered.
(We recall the story of a young preacher torn between two young ladies. Not only was the one an accomplished pianist and organist but, to an even greater degree, she could sing like an angel. She was, unfortunately, quite unattractive. The other young lady was ravishingly beautiful, but quite lacking in such gifts. Given his commitment to calling, the young pastor married the former.
Upon awakening the first morning of their honeymoon, he rolled over only to be confronted by the facts of the situation - driven home even more by the sight of his bride in curlers. Seeking to rouse her from sleep, he urgently insisted: "Quick, quick - sing!"
We agree that as to the story's tastelessness. Yet it underscores an essential point in relation to the life of faith: Does God propose to deprive the believer of the essential qualities of human nature, or does He seek rather to sanctify and guide those impulses with which He has endowed mankind?
This all came to mind this past week in observing a lady of obvious "holiness" tradition at a large department store. No jewelry (for sure, no makeup), drab clothing with long sleeves and high neck, long outdated hair style, shoes seemingly designed to convey a sense of unattractiveness, etc... all in the persuasion that which is what God desires.
We would haste to add that the lady is undoubtedly sincere. It is not our intention to belittle her. Having had a certain degree of contact with "holiness" thought and viewpoint in early life, we rather feel compassion for those having so lost sight of the grace, joy and fulfillment of quest in Jesus Christ as to assume the accomplishment of divine will in one's adoption of "holy unattractiveness." (We recall being advised by a somewhat prominent individual on one occasion that while birds may indeed be created colorful and attractive, the right of ladies to an attractive appearance will be acknowledged only "when they can grow their own feathers." Do we ever wonder why Christians are sometimes deemed less than brilliant?)
That there are biblical standards relative to conduct, attitude and character is not at issue here. But, just as need exists for avoiding the spirit and behavior of the world, so likewise the perils of becoming sidetracked into the spiritually peripheral, or even meaningless, are to be recognized. Jesus addressed this matter in noting that while the Pharisees readily found cause in tithing the leaves of mint plants, their doing so was often at the expense of a sense of responsibility in terms of "the weightier matters of law, justice, mercy and faith" (Matt. 23:23).
Nor are we invulnerable.
Burl Ratzsch
