Weird Advice from A Makeup Artist

by Sheri Schofield

Have you ever been to one of those make-up parties, where someone trained in the art chooses a victim—um—I mean a model—to use for a demonstration? I did go to one. Once, when I was young and didn’t know better. I was chosen to be the model. The makeup artist obviously didn’t know me, or she would have chosen someone else.

As she carefully applied the make-up base, she said with great seriousness, “Now we must always stroke in the same direction, from the nose to the edge of the face. We don’t want to confuse those little hair follicles.”

I snorted. What?? Confuse those little hair follicles?? She’s got to be kidding!

“What was that, Sheri?” she asked.

“Oh, nothing,” I replied, trying to keep my facial muscles still and not burst out into hysterical laughter. I was picturing the little hair follicles calling out to each other in panic, “Oh, no! Sheri’s applying makeup again! Hold on for your life! First she tells me to move down. Then she tells me to move up. What? Now she wants me to lay down with my roots pointing at her ear! I wish she would make up her mind! I am so CONFUSED!”

Fortunately, the makeup artist moved on to eyeliner and I had to concentrate on holding very still so she wouldn’t poke me in the eye.

Even now, when applying make-up, I sometimes remember that admonition to not “confuse those little hair follicles,” and end up chuckling. That may explain why my makeup is sometimes a little askew.

Consistency, however, is a good thing. And I don’t mean just about applying makeup. (You can do that however you want!) But consistency is important in raising children or teaching Sunday school, or any other form of leadership. It is important in everyday life. Those who listen to our words need to see consistency in us.

Today, it is far too common for parents and leaders to freely act out and express their emotions rather than keeping a tight rein on them. This was something I have had to seriously battle, for my heart tends to react emotionally to life and my mouth expresses what my heart says. But in my mid twenties, I saw the value of keeping my emotions in check in order to become an effective parent. My protective nature toward my children demanded that I become consistent. I realized my children needed my actions to back up my words about Christian living. I could not say one thing and do another without confusing them.

Consistent demonstration is necessary for building strong believers. God told the prophet Malachi, “For I, the LORD, do not change” (Malachi 3:6 NIV). Paul, the apostle tasked with reaching the non-Jewish people of the world, told the Corinthians, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV). We also see in Hebrews, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

Consistency marks the mature Christian. It is based on the least talked about fruit of the Holy Spirit: self-control. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to be consistent in setting an example of godliness for others. That way, when we speak about Jesus—as we have been commanded—our words will be believable. There will be nothing inconsistent or confusing about our testimony of faith. In that way, we will draw others to Christ. That is God’s will for us.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understand that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. Colossians 11:9-10 NIV

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Award-winning author, illustrator, and Bible teacher Sheri Schofield ministers to children and their families through her ministry, Faithwind 4 Kids. After serving Jesus through children’s ministries and personal evangelism for many years, she understands how to communicate God’s plan of salvation clearly to those who are seeking God.

Her first book on salvation, “The Prince and the Plan”, was designed specifically for children. But during COVID, Sheri sensed the need to also provide help for adults. Her new book for adults, “God? Where Are You?,” tells tells who God is, how we became separated from him, and what he is doing to bring us back to himself through Jesus. At the end of each chapter is a section called “Food For Thought”, which answers questions many unbelievers have, such as—If God is good, why do terrible things happen?—Is anyone too “bad” for God to want to rescue them from sin? This biblically based book is short and easy to read. 

Join the conversation: Who is the most consistent person in your life?