Sanctification: What are the standards?

In our enthusiasm to please God, we often reduce the process to a set of self induced standards [I am tempted to say, 'self inflicted' standards, but I shall resist that temptation] so it is imperative that we understand the true nature of what God is calling us to be. [Notice, I used the word 'be' as opposed to 'do'.] Standards are good and proper; however, any standard is only as good as the heart of a man or woman who practices them. Holiness, per se, alone will never convince the skeptic: 

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ (John 7:33-23)

 Yet, Paul does give us a good rule of thumb in dealing with believers. He says,

It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. (Romans 14:21) 

So, I gather two things here; firstly, an unbelieving and skeptical world is not impressed with our standards; whereas, on the other hand believers may be offended by them.

Now, as far as believers are concerned, culture is relevant isn't it?

With that in mind, I make the following observations: The German Assemblies of God as well as Italians take a different view than we do on certain standards we in the USA have. Spurgeon smoked as well as C. S. Lewis (2 of the greatest soul winners of their times, I must add); yet, I find the very thought nasty and repulsive. Shall I place my standards on them, and if I do are they Biblical standards. We can all agree that adultery, killing, stealing, and so-forth are proscribed in Scripture, but we must admit that there are some practices that fall in grey areas. Women who cut their hair was not sanctified when I was a boy (Assemblies of God); lipstick and rouge was a no-no, movie pictures (i.e., Hollywood films) and television were forbidden, and yet, I dare say that none of these practices ever produced true holiness. Holiness is first of all a commitment, and attitude, and is bathed in love: primarily a love of God and people. 

I think the Apostle Peter sums it up best when he admonishes us to:

“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. (1 Peter 3:15-17)

Please understand that I in no way condone the filth that comes out of Hollywood or appears on the screens of our televisions; nor do I feel that a Christian woman would even entertain the thought of looking like a go-go stripper, or flip their bunny tails in some restaurant. That is simply something that Christians don't do without ever having to be told not to do it.

On the other hand, a lady can rub her face raw removing any residue of makeup off, and still not produce holiness. God truly looks at the heart. 

The the big question is, if that is true, do these verses in 1 Peter 3:3-4 apply?

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

They certainly do!

Now, if that is true, pray tell me, you might say, in what way is it true?

Wealth is relative, but a Godly attitude is not. The Apostle is not talking about jewelry in this case, he is talking about pride and attitude of the heart. He is talking about not letting your Godliness be equated with how much you are worth, or how good or sexy you may look, he is talking about your attitude.

What he is saying is that your wealth or good looks do not count for a hill of beans in God's economy. Adorning one's heart is everything— no more and no less—when it comes to holiness.