Can a Christian be a model?

Answer

As Christians, our goal is to please the Lord. Therefore, keeping this objective in mind, we should prepare ourselves for careers that are fulfilling for us, beneficial to others, and, above all, pleasing to God. While it is conceivable that the Lord might permit a Christian to pursue a career in modeling, generally, He has a greater purpose for His people. Romans 12:1-2 states, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The question for the Christian to consider is whether modeling aligns with our directive to dedicate our bodies to God and whether such a career is “holy and pleasing” to Him.

The primary purpose of the book of Romans is to guide Christians in understanding how we should live, what God expects from us, and His judgments regarding our lifestyle. The initial eleven chapters focus on righteousness—the sinfulness of fallen individuals, our need for God’s righteousness, and His provision of that righteousness through Christ. Upon reaching chapter 12, the first word used is “therefore.” Having established the argument that we have been saved by God from our desperate, sinful condition, it is evident that our calling is to be distinct from the world and to reject the falsehoods of image-obsessed societies.

The world of modeling presents some harsh realities. Many aspiring models work in low-paying jobs while waiting for their big break, which, for most, never materializes. The lifestyles of fashion models are also cause for concern. There is a significant presence of drugs and immoral conduct in the fashion industry. Young women are frequently exploited and mistreated by thThose in power. The highly competitive nature of the industry leads to greed, dishonesty, and cutthroat tactics. Individuals whose livelihood depends on the success of a designer, fashion house, or product line are vulnerable to these tactics. While it may be possible for a Christian to be in this world and not be influenced by it, 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

God is deeply concerned about how we use or misuse our bodies. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Christians are not to mimic the world’s ways; instead, we are to be a distinct, purified people “who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14), individuals who are consecrated as belonging to the Lord. Christians should be well dressed and appropriately attired, not to draw attention to ourselves, but so that we can carry out the work God has for us without excessive concern about our appearance. Women, in particular, are encouraged to dress modestly “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;” (1 Timothy 2:9), and since only the most successful models are given the choice of which clothes to model (unless the model wishes to remain unemployed), it is challenging to see how the modeling industry aligns with a Christian worldview and dressing modestly.

Romans reminds us that Christians are to be distinct from the world, especially asp

Aspects of the world that are ungodly. Once we have accepted Christ and dedicated our lives to Him, we are ready to exemplify true behavior, as there is no higher calling than to emulate Christ.