Hair Professions - June 19,
2001
For many years now I have used the same hair stylist
... my mom. She hasn't been to beauty school but she
always does a great job (and the price is right too!) A
few times I have strayed and gone to a "professional",
but each time I would end up back in mom's kitchen,
letting her redo my 'do. Tonight that all changed.
I noticed that my hair was badly needing a trim, but I
remembered my mom is leaving on vacation in a couple of
days and will be busy packing. Then I spotted a handy
little device she left at our house. It is a small,
square contraption sporting a comb with a razor blade on
one side that I had seen her run through my hair to give
it a smooth finish. My first thought was, "I can do
this!" as I slid the little wonder across the side of my
head. My second thought was, "My goodness, that's a lot
of hair I'm holding in my hand." At that moment I knew,
right or wrong, I was committed to finish the job.
That got me thinking about public profession of faith.
I used to think that accepting Jesus as your Savior is
between you and God, so why would He care if you do it
with your head bowed quietly or in front of the whole
congregation? Now I see that it doesn't matter to Him, it
matters to us. When you stand up in front of a group of
people and proclaim that you are turning your life over
to God, brother, you're committed. There are a whole
bunch of folks who have heard your decision and are there
to support you and also to keep you accountable. The same
principle that God established in Romans 10:9 (confess
with your lips) is also used in groups like Alcoholic
Anonymous and Weight Watchers ... because it works. If
the Holy Spirit convicts you in a worship service don't
let anything keep you from going to the altar when an
invitation is given. Your decision is between you and
God, but the obedience required to make a public
profession of faith will be a great step on your
Christian walk. The same is true even if you have already
accepted Jesus but feel the need to rededicate your life
to his service. God is not ashamed of you if you are not
ashamed of Him.
In case you're wondering, my hair turned out OK. Mom
will have to even it up the next time she cuts it, but it
sure doesn't take long to wash now!
