Stop Doing Things for Appearance’s Sake
In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, the pressure to perform, to look good in the eyes of others (especially in the church), and to fit into societal molds is ever-present. We often find ourselves doing things not because they align with our principles or passions but because they make us appear successful, committed, or virtuous. However, this approach to life is shallow and, more importantly, contradicts the Bible. Specifically, the passages in Colossians 3:22-25 and Ephesians 6:5-9 encourage us to live our lives not for appearance's sake but for Christ's sake, for the sake of authentic, hearty service to God.
“[22] Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: [23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” – Colossians 3:20-25
Paul's exhortation to the Colossians presents a compelling argument against doing things merely for the sake of appearance. This passage refers to a life lived "not with eyeservice, as menpleasers" — we should not be preoccupied with curating our actions and attitudes to win the approval of other people. It's not about looking good while people are watching. The true measure of our actions should not be external validation but a pure conscience, internal conviction, and the approval of God according to the truth. It’s about what you do and why you do it when no one is watching except God.
The reference to "in singleness of heart, fearing God" emphasizes the need for sincerity and purity in our service. Paul's first letter to Timothy expounds on this, stating that "the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned" (1Ti 1:5). God doesn’t want your outward appearance changed, He wants you transformed from the inside out, He wants your heart changed, He wants your mind renewed, so that your service to Him is done in love, not in self-righteous compliance to a religious norm.
Grace living isn't about covering up the bad or possessing double-minded attitudes depending on who you are around. It is not about compliance to a rule, but rather, commitment to Christ out of love because of His love for us (Rom 5:8, 2Co 5:14). It's about genuine, unfeigned faith and obedience to God in purity.
Furthermore, Paul exhorts the Colossians, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Col 3:23). This passage shows that our actions should stem from the heart, infused with sincerity, zeal, and eagerness. This sentiment is echoed in Romans 12:11 and Galatians 1:10, which also encourage us to serve the Lord fervently, without seeking the approval of men. Ultimately, the opinions of men are worthless and vain. What matters is the truth in love, not a show, so that others can be saved and grow up into Christ (Eph 4:15).
God’s judgment of our hearts and actions is what matters, not how we’re perceived by other fallible humans. We are reminded that "of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:24). You will stand before a holy and righteous God and give an account for everything you have done at the judgment seat of Christ (Rom 14:10-12, 1Co 3:10-15, 2Co 5:10, Gal 6:7). You have nothing to hide before God, and trying to put on a self-righteous show for those around you to appear a certain way is a fool’s errand. It’s what the wicked Pharisees did (Mat 23:23-38).
Do the right thing in a pure conscience. When you don’t, don’t hide it. Don’t try to cover it up. Own it, apologize for it, reckon your old man dead, and use it as an opportunity to glorify the saving grace of Jesus.
As believers, we are encouraged to shun the culture of doing things for appearance's sake. Instead, we should embrace a life of hearty service for Christ, marked by sincerity, zeal, obedience, and reverence for God. Our actions should not be tailored to the expectations of society but should reflect our commitment to God and the truth He has laid down in His Word. Remember, we serve Christ, and even though we are saved by grace, our service still matters and will be judged. Let's strive to live not for appearance's sake but for the sake of Christ in authenticity, faithfulness, and selflessness.
