Saint Cyprian On Personal Appearance

Make-up, hair dye, pierced body parts and flashy jewelry have been en vogue with humanity for thousands of years, but their application is not natural.  While the male peacock is endowed by its Creator with a train of exquisite tail feathers that feature is not the peacock’s doing.  The lamb does not seek to dye its wool purple, nor does the butterfly undergo surgery for larger wings.  Nature accepts what it is, yet (and ironically) the human being – created in the image and likeness of God – seeks constant alterations of their physical appearance.  

In his treatise On The Dress of Virgins, Cyprian of Carthage addresses those Christians (male and female) who have taken a life-long vow of chastity, and yet - like any good bishop - he manages to speak to all the members of his flock.  The topic of this treatise focuses on personal perception and outward appearance in relation to our devotion to Christ, and it speaks to all of us today as much as it did some 1,800 years ago.   

Any Christian worth their weight in salt understands that God cares more about what is inside a person than what is outside, and that this world takes the opposite view.  God focusses on the invisible and eternal heart, mind and soul while the flesh focuses on the visible and temporary. Today billions of dollars are spent on cosmetics, injections, enhancers, apparel and surgeries - all to increase the body’s visual desirability.  What Cyprian asks of this counter spiritual culture is “Why should we NOT act likewise?”  For though God searches the heart, he is also concerned with how we represent him in this world.

So, let’s dig in.

Cyprian states that virgins are “…the flower of the ecclesiastical seed, the grace and ornament of spiritual endowment, a joyous disposition, the wholesome and uncorrupted work of praise and honor, God’s image answering to the holiness of the Lord, the more illustrious portion of Christ’s flock.”  The virgin has crucified the flesh upon the cross in dedication to God, and put carnal and worldly desires to death.  Or so they should. Cyprian heard of many instances otherwise and was thus compelled to remind virgins of their place and proper conduct.  He was, frankly, appalled at how some virgins were acting immodestly, if not downright trampy.  His treatise has 24 sections and I will not summarize them all, but here are a few highlights that apply to all of us.

Our Body is God’s Temple (I Cor. 6:19)

When we are crucified with Christ and dedicate ourselves to him all our worldly desires and ambitions are to be put to bed, permanently.  We no longer live for ourselves or according to this world’s notions of what we should look like and how we should act. Cyprian reminds the faithful that, “You are not your own, for you are bought with a great price; glorify and bear God in your body.”  Our body is to reflect the values of the Lord, not the “Kardashians” of our time.

Strive to please God and not the world.

We should never appear in a manner that sexually pleases, so to speak.  For in striving to please men/women they risk offending God.  Self-restraint and modesty are paramount for keeping virgin flesh pure, but outward appearances are also of consequence.  For example, immodest dress may encourage another to sin. How are we perceived by others and are we encouraging sinful thoughts?   That tight-fitting outfit, hot tattoo, or pierced whatever may be all the rage – and may not impact our own chastity – but it is not all about us.  Our position in Christ makes us responsible for how we are perceived by others.  Am I dressing to please myself, others, or God?  In questionable instances it is wise to adopt the apostle Paul’s attitude, “Just because I can does not mean I should.”      

Cosmetic Alterations of the Body

Regarding cosmetic alterations, Cyprian focuses on women, but today, men are totally included because they too have become overtly vain in their appearance.  He says that what God has created, we should not alter, “for God said, Let us make man in our image and likeness and does anyone dare to alter and to change what God has made?”   And then he goes on to say, “Are you not afraid…that when the day of resurrection comes, your Maker may not recognize you!”  Ouch!  Now, I must say that I am not losing any sleep over my pierced ears or lip gloss, but Cyprian here is making valid (if not theatrical) points that stem from his concern for why are you altering your image? What is the motive for the physical alteration? It is certainly not for the benefit of God.  Cyprian also points out that a woman cannot blame her husband – that “I want to look good for him” type of reasoning.  It is right to appeal to a spouse, but no spouse should exploit their husband or wife as some trophy to be admired in public.  [Just look at that hot mess of a couple Kanye and Bianca.  If the world shows no mutual respect, why on earth would we want to imitate it?] 

Wealth is no Excuse to Show Off your Assets

Except when in cognito the wealthy (and here Cyprian nettles rich women in particular) literally wear their money.  Today’s wealth standards flash fit bodies, gold chains, designer apparel, plumped lips and more plastic surgery than ever before in human history.  What Cyprian says is that if you are wealthy, be rich in God and the virtues of Christ, and do not flaunt what is earthly and temporary.  Use your wealth – the wealth that God gave you – in light of your salvation, and tread carefully.  Our appearance should reflect the nature of our faith which is humble and not the pride of our bank account.

Summation

We are to be careful, especially if we have vowed ourselves as virgins or celibate, to consider not only our thoughts and intents of the heart, but how we present ourselves to this world of darkness in need of light.  There is no room in the Christian mindset to “not care about what others think” because that attitude smacks of selfishness and irresponsibility.   

On a personal note, I recall as a freshman in college that for the first time in my life I became a little too self-aware in the mirror.  Surrounded by beautiful young women I suddenly noticed every facial flaw and ran to the drugstore to purchase some make-up.  Putting it on, it lasted a day and felt like a chalky mask that I could not wait to wash off.  From that day forward it was, as Popeye said, “I yam what I yam!” I still look in the mirror a few times a day (e.g. to check my teeth for food), but found that the less I stared at my reflection the more secure and confident I became.