On the Dangers of “Self-Expression” - 2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20

    In the last fifty years so much has said about the inherent right to self-expression that to say anything negative about it brands one an intolerant narrow-minded troll. If that’s the way the world wants to interpret one’s hesitancy to endorse the freedom of self-expression then so be it, but we know from holy scripture that God takes a very different view. In fact, we are given specific guidelines for the way we present ourselves to the unbelieving world. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16. Does that sound like God is indifferent to your methods of self-expression? Is the way we carry ourselves in and present ourselves to the world glorifying God in heaven, or is having spiked rainbow colored hair and three nose-rings simply all about us?
    This isn’t to suggest that people prone to extreme methods of self-expression are unloved by God. I’m not qualified to give an opinion on who God loves and who He doesn’t. But when the world sees someone engaging in outlandish personal behavior and appearance do they also see God in His glory? For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.  - Leviticus 11:45. Are we truly glorifying God by our looks and behavior? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31.
    It all comes back to the idea that what I say it isn’t as important as my commitment to walk in that way. It is always more important to exercise the word of God in thought, word , and action then it is to merely rattle off scriptural quotes. In such cases the word of God is turned into mere blather by someone whose looks and manner mirror the world rather than the glory of God. “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind . . .” - Ephesians 4:17. We must keep the idea in front of us that we either reflect the light and holiness of God or we reflect the darkness and sinfulness of Satan. There is no middle-ground. We cannot claim to be citizens of that city set on a hill and project an image of one who is of this world. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. - Colossians 3:17.
    May God always give us the fortitude to leave the trappings of this world behind and put on  the “new man.”