Not Everything Permitted is Beneficial

(A Biblical Reflection on the Use of Perfume and Christian Modesty)

As followers of Christ, it’s important to recognize that not everything that is allowed is necessarily good or appropriate. Just because something is accepted in culture or popular among many doesn’t mean it’s spiritually healthy or pleasing to God.

The Apostle Paul addresses this principle in:

1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

In other words, freedom in Christ is not a license to follow every trend or cultural practice. We are called to live with discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit and the truth of Scripture.

Perfume Use: Harmless or Harmful?

One area that often goes unquestioned is the use of strong perfume. While using fragrance in moderation is not a sin, the intention behind its use matters greatly.

If you’re wearing perfume so strong that someone 10 meters away can smell it, it’s worth asking yourself:

“What am I trying to communicate? Who am I trying to attract or impress?”

This may seem like a small thing, but Scripture reminds us that our outward behavior often reflects the inward condition of our hearts.

A Biblical Example: Perfume and Purpose

In Mark 14:3–8, we find the story of a woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus. This act was misunderstood by many around her, but Jesus saw a deeper meaning.

Mark 14:3
“…a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.”

Mark 14:8 
“She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.”

Though others thought the perfume was being wasted, Jesus revealed that it was a prophetic act—an anointing in preparation for His death.

This points to Christ’s role as the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), and it connects to ancient Jewish customs of anointing bodies before burial (John 19:40). The perfume wasn’t for glamour—it was for sacrifice.

This challenges the way we often think about fragrance, fashion, and self-presentation.

The Spiritual Implication

While the woman in Mark 14 acted out of reverence and humility, many today may use strong perfumes or cosmetics to draw attention, feed vanity, or stir sensuality.

In some cases, these external displays may unknowingly open doors to spiritual dangers such as:

• A spirit of seduction (Proverbs 7:10, Revelation 2:20)
• A spirit of pride or self-exaltation (1 John 2:16)
• Even associations with spiritual death (Romans 8:6 – “to set the mind on the flesh is death…”)

This does not mean that perfume or fashion is inherently sinful. But when used without self-examination, they can reflect a deeper spiritual disconnection.

God’s Standard of Beauty

God is not against beauty—but He defines it differently than the world does. The Bible is clear:

1 Peter 3:3–4
“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.”

This passage isn’t condemning all outward adornment, but it calls us to prioritize inner character over external appearance.

1 Timothy 2:9
“…women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control…”

Christian beauty is rooted in holiness, humility, and godly character—not how attractive we appear to others.

Practical Reflection

Dear sister (or brother), next time you reach for that perfume or piece of clothing, ask yourself:

• Am I wearing this for God’s glory—or for attention?
• Is this drawing others to Christ—or to me?
• Does my outward presentation align with my inner devotion?

As Christians, we are the fragrance of Christ to the world—not just through scent, but through our lives:

2 Corinthians 2:15
“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

Not everything culturally accepted is spiritually beneficial. We must walk wisely, not by sight, but by the Spirit. Beauty, in God’s eyes, is found in a pure heart, not in a designer fragrance.

Let us pursue modesty, holiness, and discernment—reflecting Christ in every area of our lives, from the inside out.

May the Lord bless you with wisdom, grace, and a heart that seeks to honor Him in all things.

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