I remember when I was young that long hair was the style. At some churches, you would not be accepted until you cut your long hair off. A buzz cut was the trademark of their denominations.

There were a few trademarks of Judaism, uncut sideburns and circumcision. As a mother of boys, I understand circumcision but how do you become uncircumcised?

1 Corinthians 7:18-20, “Is any man called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Is any man called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God is everything.” Modern English Version

It surprised me to find there was an actual procedure to become uncircumcised!

“Not become uncircumcised – by surgical operation (1 Maccabees 1:15; Josephus, Antiquities, 12.5.1). Some Christians in excess of anti-Jewish feeling might be tempted to do this.” Critical and Explanatory Commentary, Vol I

Confusing – until I read the same passage in “The Message.”

1 Corinthians 7:18-20, “Were you Jewish at the time God called you? Don’t try to remove the evidence. Were you non-Jewish at the time of your call? Don’t become a Jew. Being Jewish isn’t the point. The really important thing is obeying God’s call, following his commands.” The Message

We put too much emphasis on physical things – like the “mullet” in the 80’s or the “rat-tail” in the 90’s. God accepts us just the way we are.