Hello, there sister from another mister, and welcome back to Ashley En Vogue. I can't believe that my last Blog Post was a year ago. I just really poured most of my time into growing on Instagram that I neglected this beautiful platform where it all began: The Website. But it's a new year and God is doing new things including on this Blog. I strongly believe that this is our season of tremendous spiritual growth. And one thing about growth is that it's not always comfortable. Growth comes with stretchmarks and growing pains. Growth requires us to let go of some things and take on others. Growth is not always comfortable but always necessary. God desires for us to grow in Him and not remain spiritual babies.
The first time God made me uncomfortable as I grew in Him was when He convicted me about my dressing and believe me that wasn't fun. (I have a video on that) And now God told me to take out my nose ring. Not because it was a problem in our relationship but because of the fact that I could become a stumbling block for others.
There are a lot of controversies when it comes to piercings and knowing what's allowed and what isn't. God is very clear about Tattoos in His word, but when it comes to piercings it may appear that it's not 100% clear what we are to do.
Even though there is no eleventh commandment: "thou shall not pierce thyself", we can still know the heart of the Father towards these matters. The word of God is enough to save our souls. So look no further and join no more senseless debates about this topic. I come with a word for you all that should cure the controversy once and for all!
So to get into this correctly I must first share my own personal story about piecings. I had my nose pierced at the tender age of 14. (I know...seems so young when I'm actually writing it down but you know how all 14-year-olds think they're so grown...I wasn't) I was actually very far from grown or mature but my only motivation for that decision at that time was that my older sister had one and I thought everything she had, did, and was, was super cool so I went behind my mother's back and had it done.
It was a very small and insignificant piercing. It was never something that I felt separated me from God. Even then I was pretty confident in my relationship with God so I never gave something like jewelry the power to distance me from my God. I always saw it as a piece of accessory and nothing more.
It was not until I started making Videos about God in 2019 that I noticed the effect my piercing had on others. Many of my followers started asking me about my standpoint and would take my word and opinion and run with it. That made me realize that this tiny piece of jewelry could have more influence on other people than I first estimated it to.
The more I grew spiritually, over the years the more God required of me. And He gradually led me to the idea that I may have to overthink my choice of having a nose piercing at some point along the line. God made me realize that I would have to take it out at some point in order not to become a stumbling block to others. He led me to understand that the way I dress, the way I talk and carry myself wasn't no longer just about me. It wasn't about my style, my taste, or my preferences, it's about Jesus! It's about His Kingdom.
The problem we're facing as young Christians in this generation is that the enemy wants to impart an "anything goes mentality" into us. The way I look is my business. My lifestyle is my business, only God can judge me and He loves me anyway! That's the talk of immature Christians but spiritually mature people understand that we're called to a higher standard. Called to stand out and not to fit in. Called to be different and set apart. He calls us a Holy Nation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people. We can never change the world by looking like the world. In order to make a difference, we must be different. Different in the way we dress, look, talk, and conduct ourselves.
Of course, there are many nice dresses I'd like to wear but I can't because I understand my assignment. We're on duty, so we have a uniform by which people should recognize us. The revealing dress may not get me into hell or hinder the Holy Spirit from using me but it could cause another brother or sister to stumble and fall. That's the responsibility we have as Christians on the front line.
A life for Christ requires death to ourselves. We don't just do what we want anymore but whatever is beneficial for the body of Christ as a whole. It's about what God wants more than what we want. Growing in the things of God means resembling our Father more and more each day.
For me personally, God convicted me to take out my nose piercing. For you, it may be something else that God is asking you to let go of so you won't become a stumbling block to others. Are you ready to let it go? Whatever it is God wants you to let go of, don't fight it but allow God to have His perfect way in you. To some you may be the only Bible they'll ever read or the only encounter with God they will ever have, make sure you represent Him in the best way possible.
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