We
are just entering that season of the year once again when God blesses us
with warm sunshine, beautiful flowers, and the wonders of nature in the
springtime. As the temperatures climb each year at this time, immodest
attire once again becomes the order of the day. Old man winter helps to put
an end to this in Indiana for several months of the year. Yet, as spring
begins, semi-nudity is once again glorified as the norm and modesty is
scorned as an outdated relic.
Our nation is
grievously distressed by divorce, fornication, and adultery. Many things in
society contribute to such sins, including lust producing attire worn by so
many. It seems that the public in general applauds such, parents often
practice and promote it, and Christians themselves often fail today to be
separate from the world in this area.
The Word of God
says, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,
with shamefastness and sobriety"
(1 Tim. 2:9).
"Shamefastness" suggests a sense of shame. "Sobriety" involves the idea of
self-control or inner government, with its constant reign on all passions
and desires, which would hinder the temptation to these from arising. The
person who would seek to always please God will dress in such a way as not
to arouse sinful passions in others with whom they come in contact. If
Christians care what God thinks, they will not dress in the brief attire
which is so common or popular today. If the skimpy and skin tight (or
tighter) clothing is modest according to God's standard, then the only thing
which is immodest would be total nudity!
In
Galatians 5:19,
Paul condemns "lasciviousness" (KJV) as a work of the flesh. In
verse 21,
he wrote, "they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Lasciviousness is not a term which we are generally familiar with in today's
world. Just what is this thing called "lasciviousness"? Webster in his
dictionary defines it as "wanton; lewd, lustful; tending to produce lewd
emotions." Something is lascivious if it tends to excite or stir up lustful
thoughts in other people. Words, actions, or the way one dresses could all
be classified as lascivious, if they promote or produce lust in the mind of
others. When one dresses (or undresses) in such a manner, she shares in the
guilt involved when others look to lust after her. "But I say to you that
whosoever looks at a woman to lust for has has already committed adultery
with ha in his heart"
(Matt. 5:28).
Some men will
look to lust no matter what kind of clothing a woman may wear. However, a
woman who desires to serve God will always be careful never to share in that
sin. She will not dress in such a manner as to invite or encourage that look
of lust.
Many fashion
designers produce their clothing with nothing else but sex-appeal in mind.
No matter what "fashion" or "the majority" may dictate; God-fearing,
spiritually minded people must not abandon the required virtues of modesty,
sobriety and shamefacedness. Shamefacedness, in its very definition involves
an ability to blush. This is something that a majority of people in the
world have seemingly lost the ability to do. Instead of blushing, many glory
in what should be their shame!
God's rules for
modesty do not change with geography or the weather What is modest in Canada
is also modest in Key West. Likewise what is modest in January is still
modest in July. The weather or the location do not justify or excuse one
dressing in immodest clothing.
In the Word of
God, more is written directly to women about immodesty. However, this does
not mean that God has a double standard. Certainly, men as well as women,
are capable of dressing immodestly and causing others to lust. Neither a man
nor a woman should wear that which is designed to create lust in the heart
of another. All of us, as Christians, are commanded to abstain from fleshly
lusts, which war against the soul
(1 Pet. 2: 11).
We, as parents,
hold the responsibility of bringing up our children in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord
(Eph. 6:14).
Fathers need to exercise their God given duty to teach and encourage their
children to dress always in appropriate attire. Mothers, as well, should set
the proper example for their daughter and never give in to immodest attire!
Too many mothers and fathers contribute to immodesty by their own example or
by refusing to allow their children to wear such. It may be easier to let it
go than to face the objections raised by children when they want to wear
what "everyone else" does. Yet, God places on us as parents the
responsibility of guiding our children in the ways of truth and
righteousness. We all need to wake up and see where we are headed morally
and spiritually. We need to heed carefully the admonition of the Lord to
"abstain from all appearance of evil"
(1 Thess. 5:22).
This should be true of us as Christians in our actions and our speech, as
well as our manner of dress.
Other Articles by Bob Waldron
The Jewell of Consistency
Buy the Truth and Sell It Not
J W McGarvey as a Preacher and Teacher
Real Men
The Curse of Negligence
Speech Made at the Funeral of Irven
Lee
For Past Auburn Beacons go to:
www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm
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