LET DOWN YOUR HAIR

Shortly before Jesus was nailed to the cross, a woman named Mary poured expensive perfume on His feet. Then, in what may have been an even more daring act, she wiped His feet with her hair (JOHN 12:3). Not only did Mary give up something of great value, she also sacrificed her reputation. In first-century Middle Eastern culture, respectable women never let down their hair in public. But true worship of Jesus isn’t worried about what others think (2 SAMUEL 6:21-22). Mary wanted to show her love for Jesus, even if it meant being hated or laughed at.

Some of us may feel pressured to be perfect when we go to church so that people will think the best of us. We work hard to make sure we keep ‘every hair in place’. But a healthy church is a place where we can allow others to see our real relationship with Jesus. We should be able to reveal our weaknesses to find strength and support, rather than always pretending everything is ok.

Worship doesn’t involve behaving as if nothing is wrong; it’s about making sure everything is right—right with God and with one another. When our greatest fear is letting down our hair, perhaps our greatest sin is keeping it up.

To pray about . . .

Sometimes I struggle to be open and honest, Father. Please help me to be genuine with others, rather than pretending to be strong. I know You love me, so I don’t need to be afraid of what others think.

OUR WORSHIP IS RIGHT ONLY WHEN WE ARE RIGHT WITH GOD.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries