Truth Magazine

By Connie W. Adams

Have you noticed how hard it is to say or do something in a way that pleases everybody? Preach or write on some controversial subject and you will hear, “I don’t disagree with your point, but I don’t like the way you said it.” Maybe it was too soft or too hard, too hazy or too pointed. Let a congregation exercise corrective discipline where doctrinal error or immoral conduct is involved and sure enough, some will say, “I just don’t like the way you went about it.”

Care Should be Taken

Not only should we be ready “to give an answer” (1 Pet. 3:15) and be set for “the defense of the gospel” (Phil 1:17), prudence should be exercised. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). On the limited commission the disciples were charged, “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16). If there is a wise way to do or say something, then there is also an unwise way to do or say it. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Tim. 2:24-26). Those overtaken in sin are to be restored “in the spirit of meekness” (Gal. 6:1).

But such care does not rule out the need for scriptural action when error is taught or when sinful behavior must be corrected. The Jewish rulers “saw the boldness of Peter and John” (Acts 4:13). Upon their release from the authorities they met with the brethren and prayed, “. . .grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29). Paul asked the Ephesians to pray “that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph. 6:20).

Honoring the Charge

Fidelity to the Lord leaves us with no choice but to honor the charge to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2). The charge is to “reprove, rebuke and exhort.” The manner of it is “with longsuffering and doctrine.” Neither part of this excludes the other. “Longsuffering and doctrine” does not mean we are exempted from reproving error, rebuking those who teach it and exhorting all to be faithful to the Lord.

“Selling the Sizzle”

A popular motivational speaker urged advertisers to “sell the sizzle, not the steak.” The “sizzle” whets the appetite but it is the steak that satisfies the hunger. You don’t digest the sizzle. This has become the approach in much of modem-day preaching. Like boxes of cereal, wrap it in an attractive package, sugar coat it and offer a prize. Never mind the substance. Preaching without substance will starve the hearers. We may keep it short and sweet, adorn it in flattering words, elegantly phrased but with any real sub-stance removed.

History Lesson

During the heat of the institutional battle when many were confused and when congregations were on the fence, there were some undecided brethren who said, “‘We don’t disagree with what you say, we just don’t like the way you say it.” I would be the last to defend exactly how every-thing was said and done in those turbulent times, but the truth had to be taught and error had to be exposed.

A younger generation today reaps the benefits of the labors of those who went before them and fought battles for truth and right. The “sizzle” might not have always been heard, but I’ll guarantee you the steak was there.

When I edited Searching the Scriptures I found out there was no way to deal with controversial subjects, and especially when some had to be identified with the controversy, so as to please everyone. I had one word of advice for all such critics. “If you don’t like the way it was done, then you write an article and deal with it the right way so we can all learn from you.”

The same thing holds true with discipline within a congregation. It must be done or else we are in rebellion against the Lord who ordered it. The purity and safety of the rest of the church must be protected. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (I Cor. 5: 6). It must be clone with as much understanding as possible, but don’t forget that it must be done.

Sitting in the Editor’s Chair

Some of our readers may at times disapprove of the way in which some matters are handled in this paper. No editor is infallible. Hind-sight is 20/20. But I can tell:. you one thing. Mike Willis is a godly and honorable man who genuinely loves the Lord and wants to please him above all else. He often calls me to get my input on potentially explosive matters. I am sure he advises with others as well. When all that has been heard, he alone must decide what course to pursue. I sat in such a place for 20 years and it was not always easy. Editing a paper is one of the quickest ways I know to make enemies and lose friends. Some cynics are of the opinion, which they freely express, that controversy is sometimes stirred to sell papers. That may work in the secular press but it has the opposite effect in religious journalism in the last decade of the twentieth century. The mind set of many these days is “don’t rock the boat. If you do, I’ll cancel my subscription.”

But when sin runs naked through the streets and error raises it head and threatens the very identity of the Lord’s people, men of conscience will be heard. Their motives may be maligned. Their meetings may be canceled. Their articles may be castigated and the papers that publish them may be ostracized. But they will be heard. Count on it.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 10 p. 3-4
May 18, 1995

By Lewis Willis

Memorial Day and June 1 mark the beginning of vacation time in America. It is a special time when families lay aside normal responsibilities for a brief time spent in relaxation and enjoyment. Depending on the approach we make to our vacations, they can be either a blessing or a curse. It seems appropriate, since this time has just arrived, to remind us all of the pitfalls before us.

1. There is no such thing as a vacation from God. It is not uncommon for some members of the church to abandon God in the summertime. These are the folks who are too busy with other things to even assemble for worship. The church must get along without them until vacation time is over. I read a bulletin from a Christian Church in our city which dismissed Bible classes for the summer. A large liberal church of Christ (?) in our city has made other plans and will discontinue evening worship for the summer. These are examples of accommodations de-nominations make because their members are busy with other things and have taken a vacation from God. The season is a curse to people who conduct themselves in this way.

2. There should be no vacation from worshipping at a faithful church. Some Christians would never think of missing worship on Sunday. However, they frequently take a vacation from worship with a faithful church. This is a strange thing about vacation planning for many church members. They are very careful to select a vacation destination that has beautiful sightseeing, good fishing/golfing, etc., good restaurants, and good motel/camping facilities. These are essentials to a good vacation. However, many of these families never ask, “Is there a faithful church nearby where we can worship?” Brethren, it says something about us when we are more interested in good food and a bed to sleep in than we are in a place to worship. Did we just forget, or was that the last thing on our minds? In either case, it manifests a serious spiritual problem.

Many think it’s alright to attend liberal churches, if there is not a faithful church nearby. Where did we get the idea that this is acceptable with God? Brethren, if it is accept-able on vacation, it is acceptable the rest of the time as well! I have heard members say, “If you didn’t know it was liberal, you would not notice any difference.” There really isn’t much difference. They just participated with the Devil in the division of the body of Christ. These liberal churches support human institutions and participate in unscriptural cooperation or have sympathy for such. Most of them have fellowship halls in which the members play and eat. Do those who visit these liberal churches never hear the announcements promoting these sins? All of these things are still violations of the Scriptures. So, there isn’t much difference, is there? I have often wondered how brethren can overlook such obvious violations of God’s Word, simply because they are on vacation.

I do not see why the same reasoning would not work with the Christian Church. If it were not for instrumental music, most would see no difference. They still observe the Lord’s supper, give, pray, and teach that baptism is necessary to salvation. I suppose there is some similarity between the Lord’s church and the average Catholic church. They both have front doors and pews. I guess it would be alright to worship with the Catholics also, provided, of course, you are on vacation. Right?

Many members overlook a Bible truth. It goes like this: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). When we attend a denomination (even one which has “Church of Christ” written over the door), we are violating this pas-sage! We are committing a sin in the sight of God. We are having fellowship with them, and because we are on vacation does not change that fact. We are told in Gods word to “abhor” evil (Rom. 12:9) and “eschew” or avoid it (1 Pet. 3:11). I would like someone to explain to me how one can abhor and avoid the evil in liberal churches, and still worship with them while on vacation. I would like to see the Scripture they would use to justify the practice. What passages teach that the practice is acceptable with God? Keep in mind that Paul said we are to prove that the Lord accepts the practice (Eph. 5:10; 1 Thess. 5:21). Brethren, if you are going to attend liberal churches while you are on vacation, you had better get ready with an answer that God will accept at the Judgment!

Others wonder what to do, then, if there is no faithful church nearby. May I suggest that a good thing to do would be to select another vacation destination? Would it not be better to miss seeing some wonder of the world than to miss Heaven? Is it worth seeing if it means you will spend eternity in Hell, because you had worship fellowship with evil?

3. Some take a vacation from modesty. All the rest of the year they are careful to adorn themselves in modest apparel (1 Tim. 2:9). Why is it acceptable to wear immodest clothing like bathing suits and shorts, simply because you are on vacation? (Some parents permit their children to go swimming in public while on vacation.) And, if you regard such apparel to be modest, would it be alright if everyone wore such to worship? Are we to dress modestly only for worship? Brethren, stop and think!

Because so many are out-of-town during this time of year, it is important that we all put forth our best effort in support of the work and worship of the church. Also, the financial obligations of the church continue, even if we are out-of-town for a couple of weeks. Make sure you are carrying your part of the responsibility.

It’s vacation time! It is my prayer that all will enjoy and be strengthened by the few days of relaxation. But, let’s not forget the truths discussed here. No one wants to lose his soul for a few moments of pleasure (Heb. 11:24-25).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 10 p. 4-5
May 18, 1995

By Mike Willis

The book of Genesis records the destruction of the cities of the Plain  Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim (Deut. 29:23). The wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah rose up to heaven. The Lord decided to pass judgment against these cities “because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous” (Gen. 18:20).

The wickedness of those cities was so great that, when the angels from God visited the house of Lot, the homosexuals of that city attempted to gang rape them. The angels blinded the sodomites to prevent their abusing them. The next day, the Lord rained fire and brimstone from heaven to destroy the wicked cities (Gen. 19:24). Only righteous Lot and his two daughters escaped the cities.

After the destruction of the cities, the prophets of the Lord used what occurred to Sodom and Gomorrah as a reminder of God’s judgment of the wickedness of nations. When a nation became corrupt, they were compared to Sodom and Gomorrah (Jer. 49:18; Lam. 4:6). When God determined to completely overthrow a nation so that they would be completely destroyed, their destruction was compared to the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah (Jer. 50:40).

In the New Testament, the Lord’s punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah is used to remind us of the torment of hell.

Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire (Jude 7).

The destruction of these cities serves as a constant reminder to us that God will punish the wicked in the everlasting torment of hell. We sometimes witness the immoralities around us and forget that God will punish the wicked. After all, the wicked are having such a good time and experiencing so much prosperity. The righteous are on the outside looking in at others enjoying themselves, castigated as oddballs, mocked, belittled and persecuted. We need to remember that God will indeed judge the wicked and punish them with everlasting destruction. The Lord governs the world today on the same moral basis as he governed it in the days of Abraham. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).

Among the things that provoked the Lord to this judgment was their “giving themselves over to fornication.” Is there any doubt that our own nation is given over to fornication? Instead of fornication being a repulsive sin that brings suffering to men, we have glamorized fornication. Fornication is used to entertain us when we go to the movies or watch TV. We are being told that it is the natural expression Remember Sodom and Gomorrah .. .of teenagers who experiment with sex. But the Lord said that it is sin and brings the judgment of God. Most Americans have accepted fornication as a legitimate pursuit of pleasure. The odd person in our society i s the one who would keep himself sexually pure until marriage.

The Sodomites were judged even more perverted in their sin because they went after “strange flesh.” They left the natural use of the woman and men with men burned in their lust toward one another. They were guilty of homosexuality.

When I read of the angels visiting Sodom, I do not read of them uttering any rebuke to righteous Lot for his sinful “homophobia.” The homosexuals condemned Lot saying, “This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them” (Gen. 19:9). The homosexuals in America are saying the same thing. They condemn “fundamentalist Christians” for their judgment of their “lifestyle” as sinful. They are bent on reshaping the thinking of us and our children about homosexuality. They detest anyone judging then as being guilty of sin. Despite what the homosexuals in Sodom thought, the angels never rebuked Lot for his judging their sin. He is described as “just (righteous) Lot” (2 Pet. 2:7). The Lord plainly described the deeds of the Sodomites as ungodly (2 Pet. 2:6-8). The Lord knows nothing of the modem sin of “homophobia.” It is a recent invention of ungodly men who are trying to make wickedness righteous and righteousness wicked (cf. Isa. 5: 20 ”Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”).

The judgment of God against Sodom was a preview of his eternal condemnation in hell. He set them forth “for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7). The fire and brimstone that rained down on their wickedness was a type of the everlasting torment of he].

Sodom and Gomorrah are reminders of these facts: (a) God will punish the wicked; (b) God hates homosexuality; (c) There is an everlasting punishment in hell; (d) God knows how to punish the wicked (the Sodomites) and deliver the righteous (Lot).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 10 p. 2
May 18, 1995

By Gary L. Coles

“Mom, you just don’t understand. All the girls at school wear short skirts and shorts,” Susan tearfully pleaded. “If I were to dress the way you wanted, I would look like a geek,” she further added.

“Honey, I am not asking you to dress like a bag lady,” Susan’s mother replied. “I just want you to dress in manner that is pleasing to God. Remember, you are a Christian and have a duty to dress in such a fashion that reflects a godly life style.”

Undoubtedly, this conversation is repeated numerously throughout many Christian homes. Especially at this time of year. What do parents do? Unfortunately, many parents simply give in to keep peace. To justify their lack of courage, they argue, “Everyone wears this type of clothing these days, no one thinks anything about it, except old fuddy-duddies in the church.” The interesting thing is that none of these parents ever seem to consider what God’s views on the matter might be. Besides, it’s easier to just “go with the flow.” ” This, “going with the flow,” is getting us into a lot of trouble in the church. In many places it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between the church and the world.

To complicate matters even more for parents, in every congregation there are always a few men or women who appear at worship services in extremely immodest clothing. Young people are very good at pointing this out to their parents. A very shrewd teenage girl may conclude that short skirts and shorts are acceptable since older women appear at worship services in such clothing, and are never criticized by the elders or the men of the congregation.

I just don’t understand the attitude of some Christians. Their natural inclination seems always to be worldly. They never stop to consider what dressing in immodest clothing might do to their influence as a Christian. If Christians were as concerned about their Christian reputation as they are about their worldly reputation, these types of discussions wouldn’t be necessary. Take a look at the following verses which reflect how a Christian should value his/her godly image:

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:15).

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:2).

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

How can a Christian possibly comply with the above passages when he/she appears in public dressed in immodest apparel But, that’s the real question, isn’t it? What is immodest apparel? Many in the church believe that is purely a matter of opinion. That no one can definitively state what is appropriate or inappropriate in clothing. That’s convenient  isn’t it! However, I believe the Bible gives us some insight and perspective on this matter.

A Biblical Definition of Nakedness

It is important that we realize that the manner in which we dress reflects the attitude of our heart. In other words, people evaluate us by the type of clothing we wear. For instance, in Proverbs 7:10 we read of a woman that is, “dressed as a harlot.” What does that mean? Apparently, this woman was dressed in such a way any man would know what her true intentions were. This is true even today. In many cities there are women that dress in a revealing, seductive way to capture the attention of men. Should a Christian woman dress in a similar fashion?

In contrast, in 1 Timothy 2: 9 we can read how women are, ” to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly.” Some people have mistakenly concluded that this means a woman is to dress in a 19th century manner. This is ridiculous! With the numerous types of clothing styles that are available today, a woman has no trouble dressing fashionably and modestly.

To help us better understand what biblical modesty is, let’s take a look at a few terms that are used in regard to this topic:

1 Tim 2:9-10:

Modest: “Well arranged, decent, seemly.” Shamefacedness (NASV – Modest): “Sense of shame, modesty, reverence, the ability to blush.”

Sobriety (NASV – Sensuality): “Soundness of mind, self-control.”

Gal. 5:19-21; 2 Cor. 12:21: Lasciviousness (NASV – Sensuality): “Absence of restraint, indecency, shameless conduct.”

These terms give us a good idea with what attitude a Christian should regard his/her dress. Unfortunately, some Christians are just intent on doing what they want to do. They could care less what the Scriptures might say on the matter. However, I will admit that we need to probe a little further in order to have a more specific understanding of what God’s views are on this topic.

There are a few scriptural references that we can examine which will give us some insight on what types of clothing are considered acceptable by God. In Genesis 3 we can read of the account of Adam and Eve’s fall. When their eyes had been opened by their partaking of the forbidden fruit, they became aware of their nakedness. They sewed fig leaves together to make clothing to cover themselves. The original Hebrew word for this clothing is chagorah a garment worn about the midsection, similar to a swimsuit. Later in the chapter, we read of God himself making clothes for Adam and Eve. The original Hebrew word for this clothing is kethoneth  a garment such as a tunic, commonly reaching to the knee. Why did God make this clothing for Adam and Eve? The only answer is that the clothing they had made themselves was unacceptable. Here we have an example of God himself designating what is modest apparel.

In Exodus 28:42,43 God gave specific instruction regarding the official dress of the priests. He stipulated that he wanted their nakedness covered. The clothing he specified went to the knee. To me, there seems to be a pattern. God wanted his people to be covered at least to the knee.

One argument I hear over and over is that since every-one else in society dresses in an immodest fashion, no one notices. Even if that were true, it still wouldn’t make it right. God has indicated that he wants his people to dress in a modest fashion. Why? I believe there are some very good reasons for dressing modestly. If the above argument is true, and no one notices people in short shorts and swimming suits, why do advertisers consistently use scantily dressed people to sell their products? To get people’s attention! And it works. Whether it’s television, a magazine, or a billboard, a seductively dressed woman will captivate the attention of millions of men. What do you think these millions of men are thinking when they see these advertisement ads? I know what they are not thinking: “There is fine, upstanding, godly, Christian woman.” The same is true when women appear in public in skimpy clothing. How can Christian men and women possibly be a good influence when dressing in such a way? Unfortunately, many Christians are just kidding themselves. They just refuse to face the facts. This refusal will result in the loss of many souls!

“If I dress modestly I will not be accepted by my friends and peers. Young people never seem to understand that when you begin trying to please everyone to be accepted, there is no end to it. No matter what you do, there will always be some that will think your not up to their standards. Do you really want friends like that? True friends will accept you for who you are, not what you wear.

Tragically, many young people use this same argument to justify pre-marital sex, drugs, and drinking.

“Why make the teen years more difficult than they have to be? It’s cruel to make a child look so different!” As we stated earlier, a person does not have to wear a huge burlap sack in order to be modest. This type of argument reflects a lack of Bible knowledge and spiritual maturity. In Romans 12:2 we are told, “…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind.” There are times when Christians need to be different. Of course, some Christians carry this to excess and are different just to bring attention to themselves. The Pharisees did this and Jesus criticized them for it. However, there are occasions when Christians must take a stand and say, “No! I’m going to please God rather than man!”

“Your just an old-fashioned fuddy-dud, behind the times and ignorant of what’s in style.” Ask yourself this question: What is more important to you? Always being up to date in fashion, even if it is immodest, or being in heaven with God for all eternity. Too simplistic? Not really. That is what it really comes down to. What if total nudity becomes fashionable? With the way society is going this could be a very real possibility. Would you go along with that too? Many would say “never.” But I wonder. Some people are so fashion conscious, they might be willing to do anything to be accepted by their peers. Besides, many outfits worn today in public, are about as close as one can get to nudity.

“Some schools require certain uniforms for physical education classes and for team sports.” I learned a long time ago, that where there is a will there is a way. Being a preacher, and moving around a lot, I have been associated with several different school systems. I have never experienced any difficulty in obtaining permission for my boys to wear longer shorts and tee shirts under their required uniforms. In fact, many of the boys in their classes and teams do the same for other reasons. Once again, with the varying types of sporting apparel that is on the market today, it is very easy to dress modestly and not look out of place.

“I will dress the way I wish! If others cannot control their lustful thoughts, that’s their problem!” Let’s face it. If people in our country were to dress modestly, there would much less fornication, adultery and rape. Revealing clothing is a chief cause of immorality. Sin begins in the mind. “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it give birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (Jas. 1:14,15). Keep in mind that lust is evil desire. In many cases, lust is stimulated by an external source. Do you remember how David got into trouble? While standing on his rooftop he saw Bathsheba bathing. Evil desire welled up inside of him and caused him to lose control and do what he knew was an abomination to God. If this can happen to someone of David’s stature, what about us? Earlier we spoke of the woman dressed like a harlot found in Proverbs 7:10. What happened to the young man that passed by the corner? Evil desire consumed him and he committed fornication. In Proverbs 7:21 it further says, “With her many persuasions she entices him…. No doubt, one of her powers of persuasions was her lack of clothing!

Take a look at what Jesus says in Matthew 5:27,28: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you, that everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” Granted, some men would probably have evil desires for a woman even if she were dressed in a long sleeved, floor length flannel dress. Nevertheless, we have seen how immodest clothing can fan the fires of evil desire a hundred times.

“Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!” There are many other passages that caution us about being a hindrance to others. Don’t you think this would also apply to dressing immodestly? Many times I have heard people rationalize, that they were too old, skinny, fat and ugly for any one to experience evil desires for them. Some people’s ignorance contains no boundaries. We never know what other people’s likes or dislikes are. The above observations will often prove untrue in some cases. Besides, there are numerous other reasons (already mentioned) that would disallow the wearing of immodest clothing.

Sadly, most men believe that none of the things we have discussed apply to them. They think they can appear in public wearing very little and still be a fine example of a Christian. I would like those men who feel this way to consider one very important point. Why did God provide Adam with different clothing? If the modesty question is of no consequence to men, why didn’t God allow Adam to remain in his original set of clothes? You see, modesty is an important issue for both men and women. Furthermore, a scantily dressed man can also be responsible for stimulating evil desires in women. I have never understood how many people fail to see this.

I don’t know how often I have seen Christian men parading around in their yards, and other places, in short shorts and no shirt. They never stop to consider what they are doing. Besides, unless they have been blessed with an unusually good physique, their appearance is usually a grotesque experience for those unfortunate people who see them.

Getting Specific

A discussion of this nature is valueless unless we are able to make some practical application. In other words, what type of clothing would be immodest under the guidelines mentioned in the Bible. This is usually where the trouble begins. Many people in the church want to keep discussions like this very general and let people draw their own conclusions. Unfortunately, some are not very good at objectively drawing conclusions. Please take a look at the list on this page:

Inappropriate Clothing

 

• Shorts above the knee,

 

 

• Dresses with a hemline above the knee. (Keep in what happens when you sit down.)

 

 

• Dresses that have slits which expose the upper part of the leg.

 

 

• Any type of clothing that is too tight and’ to see under-garments and body.

 

 

• Dresses with low cut necklines.

 

 

• Halter tops.

 

 

• Any clothing that is transparent.

 

 

• Modem day swimsuits (one/two piece).

 

 

• Men going without shirts in Public.

 

I realize that many will look at this list and think that I’m from some far distant planet in Outer space. However, if you will sincerely study the Scriptures we have considered in this article, I think you will see that this list is a fair and accurate application of what the Bible has to say about this subject. To be honest, I would not want to find myself trying to justify the wearing of such clothing in public. In fact, it can’t be done  not scripturally! Nevertheless, people will continue to do what they want to do. I fear that this article will do little in changing anyone’s mind. Consequently, many people will continue their deadly flirtation with the world.

Dressing For Worship

You would think that Christians would wear their most conservative, least questionable clothing to the worship services. Tragically, this is often not the case. Many Christians come to services as if they were dressed to mow the yard. I often wonder what God thinks of this extremely disrespectful attitude. Worship is to be a reverent, formal process that demonstrates respect for our Creator.

How often do you see people dressed in shorts and other types of casual attire when going to a funeral or wedding? People realize that weddings and funerals are a special occurrence which demand more formal apparel. Should it be any less for our Lord when we assemble to worship him? Where have our priorities gone?

What Should a Congregation Do?

Unfortunately, most congregations do very little to combat this problem of immodest dress. Oh, occasionally the preacher will get up and present a blistering sermon on the matter. Most members will ignore his comments and never give them a passing thought. A few may change their dressing habits for a while, but in time, usually revert to their original dressing habits. I suppose the main reason little is done about this problem is because members view this as one of those controversial matters that we can’t do anything about. Another reason for indifference, is be-cause most congregations know that this is a powder keg ready to explode. So, to avoid trouble and to keep the peace, the matter is quietly swept under the rug.

I am not suggesting that congregations lower the boom for every minor infraction of a person dressing immodestly. However, when Christian men/women blatantly and brazenly disregard God’s view on modesty, they should be spoken to. Perhaps they are acting in ignorance. If so, educate them. Perhaps they are indifferent. If so, rebuke them. If a situation becomes extreme and an attitude of open defiance is displayed, then perhaps the person should be disciplined. One thing a congregation must keep in mind however, is they cannot become hatchet crazy going around indiscriminately criticizing everyone for their clothing. A great deal of patience and love must be demonstrated in this process.

Unless congregations take a firm stand on this issue soon, I fear that in time it will become a non-issue because Christians will stop caring.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 9 p. 22-24
May 4, 1995