Expert: Phillip Senn - 10/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi philip thanks for what you are doing to help christians.my quetion is ,is it wrong for a christian guy to wear earings?if it is so can give me some scriptual references on the same because have seen some christian brothers put on some earings and i think i kind of like it.thank you and God bless you.

ANSWER: In order to answer this, I had to do a bot of research.

There doesn't appear to be any place in Scripture that forbids the use of jewelry by men. The big question is, "Why do men want to wear ear rings, or get tattoos, or otherwise mark their body (body piercings, etc.)?"

In what way does getting a tattoo, wearing body piercings (ear or otherwise), or any other "body art" enhance your testimony for Christ? "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord." And Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."

If you are doing it for self gratification, then I think this would apply, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient (necessary):all things are lawful, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth".

Bottom line is, we should do all to the glory of God, and not to glorify ourselves. I have never had to ask if I should mark my body that the Lord has given me, as I have never had that desire.

My son, on the other hand had his ears pierced, and had studs in them. I did not want him wearing them in my house, and out of respect of me, he took them out before entering my house. Now he serves in the military that forbids men to wear ear rings.

I hope this has helped to answer your question.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: so what you were trying to say is that if you pierce ur ears without seeking your own glorification it`s okay

Answer
Actually, I was hoping you would ask yourself the other questions: mainly the ones about "Why wear ear rings? If it is for looks, is it a look that glorifies the Lord Jesus? As a Christian, I would want every area of my life to reflect the testimony of the Lord Jesus. I would not want the world to be the greatest influence, if any at all. In my opinion, ear rings are a fad, and are from the world's influence. We should seek to be salt and light in the world, rather than having the world mold and shape us.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn