Is it wrong to keep dreadlocks as a Christian?

Q: I just gave my life to Christ at a crusade. That day, the counsellors told me I have to stop doing ‘rasta’, and remove my ear ring. But I have seen many American preachers wear rings and I have seen many Christians in some churches in this country wearing dreadlocks. Some gospel musicians also do that. The Bible says God is interested in our hearts not body. So where do I go wrong if I wear a ring and do ‘rasta’? [First published on 22 March 2009]

Congratulations for committing your life to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. To be a true Believer means to live by the ideals Christ has given as pattern for our lives. This means an attitude and a way of daily living that must be distinct from the world and those who do not know Christ.

No doubt God looks at the heart (1Samuel 16:7); His interest is not limited to the heart but also our bodies and every area and part of our lives. For example, He made provision for the healing of our bodies when Jesus was ‘beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed’ (Isaiah 53:5 NLT). While you may not fully agree with your counsellors at this point in your spiritual progress, I encourage you to, as a new born babe, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1Peter 2:2). A strong appetite for God’s word and a regular intake of same (of course, with the help of the Holy Spirit) will help you develop a vibrant relationship with the LORD. In the process of knowing Him you will discover what He expects from you as His child; your liberty in Him and how to use and not use your liberty in Him.