Biblical Bling
While I have promised more on the “missions trip mentality,” I am going to hold off on that topic for a bit and instead share with you something that God has recently brought to my attention and kept on my heart.
There is a lot going on in my family this summer - one of the biggest things being my sister’s wedding. As I ran around this week looking for the perfect gift for her bridal shower (a present a little more interesting than hand towels and kitchen utensils) something sparkly caught my eye, and I knew what I would be getting for her: jewelry. I chose crystal chandelier earrings and a silver and rhinestone bracelet with intricate designs. I chose pieces that would not take away from her natural beauty but that hopefully will add just the right amount of sparkle to further adorn her on her wedding day.
Take a moment to imagine a bride on the day of her marriage. Maybe you picture yourself or your future bride. Perhaps you think back to your own wedding day. Whatever the image you have conjured, few will deny that there is something incredibly beautiful about seeing a bride walk down the aisle toward her beloved.
How strange would it be to breathlessly await the bride, only to see her dressed in ragged jeans and an old t-shirt with muddy shoes and scraggly hair? The image can only be one of hilarious comedy or disheartening tragedy.
Whether male or female, if you are a part of the church you are the bride of Christ.
Every day we are preparing ourselves for the day that Jesus will return; for the day that the bridegroom will arrive.
Matthew 25:5-6, 10b
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.
10b …those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
As a bride, how will we carefully adorn ourselves for the bridegroom?
Let’s take a look at the book of Proverbs. More than once God uses images of jewelry in this book to illustrate how He wants us to live.
Loyalty and Kindness
Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
This is the verse that started me on the search for the way God uses similar imagery in scripture. I would suggest reading it more than once and savoring each word. What does it mean to wear loyalty and kindness as a necklace? Again, jewelry is meant to adorn, to be seen by all with whom you come in contact. If you wear them as a necklace, your loyalty and kindness to others will be visible to everyone around you. Yet, the verse does not end with an external representation. A necklace is easily removed, but loyalty and kindness should not be. The verse continues, “write them deep within your heart.” These two should be a part of who you are; wearing them as a necklace is the overflow or outpouring of loyalty and kindness upon others.
While this is a command, there is a great blessing that follows obeisance of that command. “Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.”
Wisdom
Proverbs 3:15-16 NLT
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.
Proverbs 4:8-9 NLT
8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.
Desiring Godly wisdom and pursuing that desire is one of the greatest things you can do. When Solomon had his choice of anything and asked God for wisdom, God was greatly pleased and rewarded him abundantly. Pursuing Godly wisdom is about doing what is pleasing to God and not about expecting a reward. To even be allowed to please Him is an honor of which we are unworthy. Even so, despite our unworthiness, these promises God offers in these verses are incredible!
Parental Wisdom
Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT
8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.
As we prepare for Christ’s return we are to remember and honor that which our parents have taught us. For some that may be easier than others. Even if your parents were not equipped to pass on Godly wisdom to you, all of us have a heavenly Father who offers us an infinite amount of teaching. Again, there is a promise that follows obedience to the command; you will be “crowned with grace and clothed with honor.”
Counsel of a Friend
Proverbs 27:9 NLT
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
Think of a maid of honor or a best man. Each is chosen carefully and is someone in whom the bride or groom places great trust. God has not called us to live out His will on our own. When we surround ourselves with good friends, with people who love God and are trustworthy, the advice and help we offer each other is “as sweet as perfume and incense.”
Just as a bride is elaborately dressed on her wedding day, we too are to dress ourselves in that which will allow us to shine before God. These spiritual accessories are not things that we necessarily have access to on our own. Rather, we must ask for God’s help in obtaining them and in keeping them. If salvation is acceptance of Jesus’ proposal to us, then adorning ourselves in loyalty, kindness, wisdom, parental wisdom, and Godly counsel is how we as the Church ready ourselves for the wedding day, the day of Jesus’ return.
