Looking good for Jesus

Some stores in Singapore objected when they discovered a line of bath and beauty products in their retail outlets were being marketed under the name of Looking Good for Jesus.

More than a few of the store’s patrons took issue with using “religious figures to promote vanity products,” according to press reports.

The line of cosmetics is surely in poor taste. (I won’t venture to comment on the quality of a product that uses such a marketing angle.)

Many of the packages featured a stylized Jesus image looking upward to heaven while a voluptuous blonde woman gazes adoringly at Jesus. Yet despite the attempt of this company to build on the “good name” of Jesus, there is nothing wrong with concerning one’s self with their conduct—and perhaps their appearance—in light of Christ’s lordship.

Yet it is what is on the inside, so to speak, that really matters. In the Bible, Peter advises us that our “beauty should not consist of outward things,” but instead of “the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God’s eyes” (1Peter 3:3-4 HCSB).

While we are to be mindful of our outward appearance, our values flow from the attitude of our heart. So while I can’t endorse this line of beauty products, perhaps there’s room in the market for a line of health products under the brand of Acting Good for Jesus. It is a lofty goal, particularly if our intentions are pure.