Reliance by Gary Rose

For some reason, this picture reminds me of the very first prayer I learned (I must have been about 5 or 6 years old). "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, and if I die before I wake, I pray the LORD my soul to take". Reliance, reliance on God is in the forefront of my thoughts this day!  Not what I am do, but rather what God will show me what to do. God's will, God's way, God's results, Larry Deason used to say- and he was right then and is right still!!!

Just words, you say- not hardly- consider Paul, on his journey to Rome, knowing very unpleasant things were going to happen, but willingly going anyway. Joyfully going because he knew it was God's will. Again, God's will, God's way, God's result!!!

Read it for yourself...

Acts, Chapter 20 (WEB)

 ¹⁷  From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the assembly.  ¹⁸ When they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time,  ¹⁹ serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;  ²⁰ how I didn’t shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house,  ²¹ testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.  ²² Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;  ²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.  ²⁴ But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God. (emp. added GDR)

  ²⁵  “Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom of God, will see my face no more.  ²⁶ Therefore I testify to you this day that I am clean from the blood of all men,  ²⁷ for I didn’t shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.  ²⁸ Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.  ²⁹ For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  ³⁰ Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. ³¹ Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.  ³² Now, brothers, I entrust you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.  ³³ I coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or clothing.  ³⁴ You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.  ³⁵ In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 

  ³⁶  When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.  ³⁷ They all wept a lot, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,  ³⁸ sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. 

Paul was loved; by God and by his fellow Christians!!! Loved because he epitomized both the attitude of the picture and that prayer I prayed so long ago. Paul was dedicated to God, he depended upon God, he loved God and gave his life for HIM!!!

May God give every single Christian a Pauline attitude- and let it begin with PRAYER!!! Why wait? Stop what you are doing and earnestly seek God's direction. You may never become a "Paul", but God can do a great deal with a heart willing to be guided.

Bible Reading August 10 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading  August 10 (WEB)

Aug. 10

Nehemiah 7-9

Neh 7:1 Now it happened, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,

Neh 7:2 that I put my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, in charge of Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.

Neh 7:3 I said to them, Don't let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand on guard, let them shut the doors, and you bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, and everyoneto be over against his house.

Neh 7:4 Now the city was wide and large; but the people were few therein, and the houses were not built.

Neh 7:5 My God put into my heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written therein:

Neh 7:6 These are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and to Judah, everyone to his city;

Neh 7:7 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

Neh 7:8 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two.

Neh 7:9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two.

Neh 7:10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty-two.

Neh 7:11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

Neh 7:12 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four.

Neh 7:13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five.

Neh 7:14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty.

Neh 7:15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight.

Neh 7:16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight.

Neh 7:17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty-two.

Neh 7:18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven.

Neh 7:19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand sixty-seven.

Neh 7:20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty-five.

Neh 7:21 The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight.

Neh 7:22 The children of Hashum, three hundred Twenty-eight.

Neh 7:23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-four.

Neh 7:24 The children of Hariph, one hundred twelve.

Neh 7:25 The children of Gibeon, ninety-five.

Neh 7:26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred eighty-eight.

Neh 7:27 The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight.

Neh 7:28 The men of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two.

Neh 7:29 The men of Kiriath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.

Neh 7:30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one.

Neh 7:31 The men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two.

Neh 7:32 The men of Bethel and Ai, a hundred twenty-three.

Neh 7:33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty-two.

Neh 7:34 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four.

Neh 7:35 The children of Harim, three hundred twenty.

Neh 7:36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five.

Neh 7:37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-one.

Neh 7:38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred thirty.

Neh 7:39 The priests: The children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three.

Neh 7:40 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two.

Neh 7:41 The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven.

Neh 7:42 The children of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.

Neh 7:43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four.

Neh 7:44 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred forty-eight.

Neh 7:45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, one hundred thirty-eight.

Neh 7:46 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

Neh 7:47 the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,

Neh 7:48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai,

Neh 7:49 the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,

Neh 7:50 the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,

Neh 7:51 the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah.

Neh 7:52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim,

Neh 7:53 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

Neh 7:54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

Neh 7:55 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah,

Neh 7:56 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

Neh 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

Neh 7:58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

Neh 7:59 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Amon.

Neh 7:60 All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety-two.

Neh 7:61 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel:

Neh 7:62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty-two.

Neh 7:63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name.

Neh 7:64 These sought their register among those who were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood.

Neh 7:65 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Neh 7:66 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty,

Neh 7:67 besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred forty-five singing men and singing women.

Neh 7:68 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five;

Neh 7:69 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred twenty.

Neh 7:70 Some from among the heads of fathers' houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand darics of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred thirty priests' garments.

Neh 7:71 Some of the heads of fathers' houses gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand two hundred minas of silver.

Neh 7:72 That which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests' garments.

Neh 7:73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel, lived in their cities. When the seventh month was come, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Neh 8:1 All the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which Yahweh had commanded to Israel.

Neh 8:2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women, and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month.

Neh 8:3 He read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.

Neh 8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, andMeshullam.

Neh 8:5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

Neh 8:6 and Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground.

Neh 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

Neh 8:8 They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.

Neh 8:9 Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all the people, This day is holy to Yahweh your God; don't mourn, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

Neh 8:10 Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be grieved; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.

Neh 8:11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be grieved.

Neh 8:12 All the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Neh 8:13 On the second day were gathered together the heads of fathers' houses of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, even to give attention to the words of the law.

Neh 8:14 They found written in the law, how that Yahweh had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month;

Neh 8:15 and that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth to the mountain, and get olive branches, and branches of wild olive, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.

Neh 8:16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, everyone on the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the water gate, and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim.

Neh 8:17 All the assembly of those who were come again out of the captivity made booths, and lived in the booths; for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the children of Israel had not done so. There was very great gladness.

Neh 8:18 Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. They kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.

Neh 9:1 Now in the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackcloth, and earth on them.

Neh 9:2 The seed of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

Neh 9:3 They stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of Yahweh their God a fourth part of the day; and anotherfourth part they confessed, and worshiped Yahweh their God.

Neh 9:4 Then stood up on the stairs of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice to Yahweh their God.

Neh 9:5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless Yahweh your God from everlasting to everlasting; and blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

Neh 9:6 You are Yahweh, even you alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their army, the earth and all things that are thereon, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all; and the army of heaven worships you.

Neh 9:7 You are Yahweh the God, who did choose Abram, and brought him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gave him the name of Abraham,

Neh 9:8 and found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite, and the Girgashite, to give it to his seed, and have performed your words; for you are righteous.

Neh 9:9 You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Red Sea,

Neh 9:10 and showed signs and wonders on Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land; for you knew that they dealt proudly against them, and made a name for you, as it is this day.

Neh 9:11 You divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their pursuers you did cast into the depths, as a stone into the mighty waters.

Neh 9:12 Moreover in a pillar of cloud you led them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way in which they should go.

Neh 9:13 You came down also on Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven, and gave them right ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments,

Neh 9:14 and made known to them your holy Sabbath, and commanded them commandments, and statutes, and a law, by Moses your servant,

Neh 9:15 and gave them bread from the sky for their hunger, and brought forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and commanded those who they should go in to possess the land which you had sworn to give them.

Neh 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly and hardened their neck, and didn't listen to your commandments,

Neh 9:17 and refused to obey, neither were mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn't forsake them.

Neh 9:18 Yes, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt, and had committed awful blasphemies;

Neh 9:19 yet you in your manifold mercies didn't forsake them in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud didn't depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go.

Neh 9:20 You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn't withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.

Neh 9:21 Yes, forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, andthey lacked nothing; their clothes didn't grow old, and their feet didn't swell.

Neh 9:22 Moreover you gave them kingdoms and peoples, which you allotted after their portions: so they possessed the land of Sihon, even the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

Neh 9:23 Their children also multiplied you as the stars of the sky, and brought them into the land concerning which you did say to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it.

Neh 9:24 So the children went in and possessed the land, and you subdued before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gave them into their hands, with their kings, and the peoples of the land, that they might do with them as they would.

Neh 9:25 They took fortified cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all good things, cisterns dug out, vineyards, and olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance: so they ate, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in your great goodness.

Neh 9:26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against you, and cast your law behind their back, and killed your prophets that testified against them to turn them again to you, and they committed awful blasphemies.

Neh 9:27 Therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried to you, you heard from heaven; and according to your manifold mercies you gave them saviors who saved them out of the hand of their adversaries.

Neh 9:28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before you; therefore left you them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried to you, you heard from heaven; and many times you delivered them according to your mercies,

Neh 9:29 and testified against them, that you might bring them again to your law. Yet they dealt proudly, and didn't listen to your commandments, but sinned against your ordinances, (which if a man do, he shall live in them), and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Neh 9:30 Yet many years you put up with them, and testified against them by your Spirit through your prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.

Neh 9:31 Nevertheless in your manifold mercies you did not make a full end of them, nor forsake them; for you are a gracious and merciful God.

Neh 9:32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keep covenant and loving kindness, don't let all the travail seem little before you, that has come on us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria to this day.

Neh 9:33 However you are just in all that is come on us; for you have dealt truly, but we have done wickedly;

Neh 9:34 neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept your law, nor listened to your commandments and your testimonies with which you testified against them.

Neh 9:35 For they have not served you in their kingdom, and in your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and fat land which you gave before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

Neh 9:36 Behold, we are servants this day, and as for the land that you gave to our fathers to eat its fruit and its good, behold, we are servants in it.

Neh 9:37 It yields much increase to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our livestock, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

Neh 9:38 Yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal to it.

Aug. 9, 10

Acts 23

Act 23:1 Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, "Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day."

Act 23:2 The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

Act 23:3 Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?"

Act 23:4 Those who stood by said, "Do you malign God's high priest?"

Act 23:5 Paul said, "I didn't know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' "

Act 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

Act 23:7 When he had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Act 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these.

Act 23:9 A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees part stood up, and contended, saying, "We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, let's not fight against God!"

Act 23:10 When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.

Act 23:11 The following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, "Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome."

Act 23:12 When it was day, some of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.

Act 23:13 There were more than forty people who had made this conspiracy.

Act 23:14 They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.

Act 23:15 Now therefore, you with the council inform the commanding officer that he should bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to judge his case more exactly. We are ready to kill him before he comes near."

Act 23:16 But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul.

Act 23:17 Paul summoned one of the centurions, and said, "Bring this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to tell him."

Act 23:18 So he took him, and brought him to the commanding officer, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to tell you."

Act 23:19 The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Act 23:20 He said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

Act 23:21 Therefore don't yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you."

Act 23:22 So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me."

Act 23:23 He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, "Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen, and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night."

Act 23:24 He asked them to provide animals, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

Act 23:25 He wrote a letter like this:

Act 23:26 "Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

Act 23:27 "This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them, when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

Act 23:28 Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

Act 23:29 I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

Act 23:30 When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell."

Act 23:31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.

Act 23:32 But on the next day they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the barracks.

Act 23:33 When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.

Act 23:34 When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said,

Act 23:35 "I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive." He commanded that he be kept in Herod's palace. 

LIVING A LIFE OF MODESTY by Beth Johnson

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Johnson/Edna/Elizabeth/1939/livingalifeofmodesty.html

LIVING A LIFE OF MODESTY

This lecture was presented to a ladies’ session at the Singapore Four Seas Lectureship in 2015.

In Scripture, there is no uniform for women. Therefore, there is a lot of room for creativity and freedom within the commands to be modest, pure, and feminine.

Culture is an important consideration - what is modest in Singapore or the USA might not be modest in India - yet, our personal convictions about clothing must be grounded in the Word of God, not in our culture or the latest fashion.

If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would be on your mind today? On the night before Jesus was crucified, He shared what was on his mind with the apostles, through his prayer that is recorded in the book of John.

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:15-17).

Jesus was concerned about the people he was getting ready to leave behind, and in verse 20 he says that he was not only concerned for the apostles, but for all who would believe. Why would he be concerned about going away and leaving them? He knew the kind of world they were living in! But Jesus’ death itself is one of the ways that God heard Jesus prayer, and provided a way to protect us from the evil of the world:

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us,that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:11-14).

Yes, we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, but Jesus has made a way for us to live soberly, righteously and godly - being a peculiar kind of people. Are we trying to be this people? If we are, then how should we behave?

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).

The word conversation is the Greek word politeuomai, which means, to behave as a citizen (Strong, 59). Our conversation is our behavior, and should be becoming to the gospel of Christ. What does it mean to be becoming? Have you ever heard the expression, “That dress is becoming on you?” When people say that, they mean that dress suits you especially, it looks especially nice on you, just like they might say that the color blue really suits you. The dictionary defines becoming as suitable, fitting; especiallyattractively suitable (Merriam-Webster). The definition in the concordance is really quite similar - Greek #516--appropriately, and it comes from a word meaning suitable (Strong, 13). How could our behavior be becoming or unbecoming to the Gospel of Christ? “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, asbecometh saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things (Titus 2:9-10).

The things we do and the way we do them can either cause the name of God, and his doctrine, to be blasphemed by people who observe us (1 Timothy 6:1), or to be becoming, attractively suitable - to the gospel of Christ. Titus 2:10 tells us that our behavior should be such that we adorn the doctrine of God in all things, but 1 Timothy 2:9-20 tells us one specific thing that is becoming to women who say they are godly:

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

The way we adorn ourselves can either be becoming or unbecoming to the gospel of Christ. So what does 1 Timothy say about what we should wear? Most importantly, it says that the most suitable adornment for a woman is not outward adornment, but good works.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:3-4).

That makes sense, because the gospel is not about our outer man, but about our inner man. “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

So if the Gospel is not about the outer man, does it really matter what our outer man looks like? Does it really matter what we wear? Yes it does! First of all, God gives us several commands about what we wear, and every command of God is important and necessary:

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven(Matthew 5:19).

But why would God give us any commands about what we should wear? Why would he care, if he does not judge by our outer man?

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; forman looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

It is true that God judges by our inner man, but men judge by the outer man. When people see someone dirty and disheveled, what do they think? When they see someone overdressed, what do they think? When they see someone in short, tight or gaudy clothing, what do they think? Whether we like it or not, people perceive us by what we wear. Is what we wear an honor to God? “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17). This word honest is the Greek wordkalos, which means beautiful or good (Strong, 39). God commands us to consider what is good and beautiful in the sight of men. Why? Not because he judges like people judge, but because he wants our behavior to be an honor to Him.

So is it left up to me to decide what clothing honors God? The guidelines God gives us in His words are all we need (2 Peter 1:3). So what does God command about what we wear? Before we even consider the direct commands that God gives us in the New Testament, let us consider a principle shown by the most basic understanding God has given to mankind:

PRINCIPLE #1

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself (Genesis 3:6-10).

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, andclothed them (Genesis 3:21).

It is not okay to be naked! Nakedness is a shame, and we should hide it. When Adam and Eve realized they were naked, they sewed themselves aprons, or literally “belts” of fig leaves. What did those belts cover? Well, not enough apparently, since Adam and Eve still hid themselves in embarrassment, and God made them better clothing - coats, tunics orcoverings of skins to wrap around them. What is the purpose of clothing anyway? Job 24:7 says, “They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that they have no covering in the cold.”

A person’s clothing is to cover him. The word covering here is the Hebrew word kecuwth, and is from a Hebrew word which means to plump, or fill up the hollows; by implication tocover for clothing or secrecy (Strong, 56). In Isaiah 3, God said he would shame Israel bydiscovering their secret parts. Adam and Eve, and all the rest of mankind, knew that some parts of us need to be covered, because they are secret. If I am trying to keep a secret, will I give people as many hints as I can? Not if I am any good at keeping secrets! So if God made Adam and Eve a covering for the things they should keep secret, then why would people wear things that call attention to them?

Clothing designers do not design things to be tight or low by accident. One fashion magazine I read several years ago even advised that to be most alluring, a woman shouldnot show off as much skin as possible, but that she should wear a conservative outfit with one prominent hint such as a low keyhole or a high slit up the side of a long skirt because this is much more attention-grabbing. Is that not the opposite of the purpose of clothing? God gave Adam and Eve something to hide their nakedness, their secret parts, not to call attention to them.

Everybody knows the bare minimum of what is to be covered, but how far up the leg does God consider nakedness?

Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shameshall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man (Isaiah 47:2-3).

And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach (Exodus 28:42).

The linen breeches were worn underneath the priests’ coats, robes and ephods, which were long to the ground. But the linen breeches covered them when they went up the steps to the altar. At least these verses indicate the leg and thigh are nakedness. God does not say if he meant halfway down the thigh, most of the way down, or what? So how short can we wear our shorts, or should we wear shorts at all? We might argue that our society does not consider the thigh to be nakedness, but has our society simply lost its ability to blush?

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD (Jeremiah 6:15).

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves (Romans 1:24).

How much have women of every nation covered throughout all of history? In the first century? In the second century? In the third, fourth, fifth, seventeenth, eighteenth, or nineteenth centuries? What about our century? Considering these questions should be thought provoking. What should a Christians mindset be - to get away with something or go as far as possible? Some young people say, “Hey, Mom, this is the 21^st Century. Lighten up!” The principle that our bodies need to be covered was the first thing God made humans aware of when they learned the difference between right and wrong.

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another (Romans 2:14-15).

Is it becoming to the gospel of Christ, or is it living soberly, righteously and godly, if we disregard the innate knowledge God gave all mankind concerning what is good?

Mark E. Teske used the following passage from Isaiah in his paper on “Modesty” and then commented briefly.

At that time Merodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered. And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them (Isaiah 39:1-4).

“Hezekiah’s exposure of his household treasures to the Babylonians eventually led to the looting of these treasures by the Babylonians a few years later. His desire to show off his possessions led to his losing them. We can look at this story and see the great folly of his actions, yet this story is repeated time and time again in our society today.

“Just a single walk through a shopping mall (viewing either the advertisements or the shoppers) would allow one to see countless women displaying the personal, private possessions of their bodies. If that is not evidence enough for you, a look through a clothing catalog or nearly any popular secular magazine will provide one with ample evidence that modesty is nearly non-existent in our society today.. The more flesh that is exposed, the more everyone (including the girl’s parents) seems to like it.

“Like Hezekiah, when a woman displays all her treasures, leaving very little to the imagination, there is a real good possibility that someone will take away what she has. Is the flaunting of her worldly possessions any different than Hezekiah’s? Is it any wonder that the lack of modesty has gone hand-in-hand with the overall degradation of morals in our society?” (Teske, Mark.Modesty, N.d.).

COMMAND #1

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV). Getting to the specific commands God gives us about our clothing, God commands that women adorn themselves in modest apparel. The word modest is the Greek word kosmios, which means orderly or decorous (Strong, 43). Merriam-Webster gives synonyms for orderly: groomed, kempt, neat, tidy, and trim. It gives the antonyms:disheveled, messy, slovenly, unkempt, and untidy. This might seem surprising. Does the Lord care if our clothes look as though they have sat for a week in the bottom of a laundry basket, and if our hair looks as though we just got out of bed? Why would that matter to him? We know God looks not on the outward appearance, but rather the heart? “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17).

We saw earlier that this verse commands us to consider what is beautiful or good in the sight of all men. The world has a saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” This is not God’s word, but what do people think of someone who is dirty or disheveled? While it may not always be true, people’s automatic assumption about someone dirty and unkempt is that they are lazy and likely dishonest - all that is opposite of diligent. Is this a glory to God?

Keeping ourselves tidy and clean would seem to be part of dressing orderly. What about decorous? The Merriam-Webster defines decorous as, in keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained, and lists synonyms, decent, seemly, proper, becoming, and respectable. Is it in keeping with propriety or politeness to wear jeans to a wedding or flip-flops to an interview? Would you wear pajamas to the store? Public school students might accept such unconventional outfits, but they know it is not good or beautiful even so. They deliberately dress down to be perverse. So is that a glory to God?

COMMAND #2

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Timothy 2:9). The word shamefacedness is the Greek word aidos, which means bashfulness, and is from another Greek word, which has the idea ofdowncast eyes (Strong, 8, 25). Does this sound like a woman who is the center of attention? Some kinds of clothing shout to be noticed - bright and flashy sequins, beads, colors, accessories at the height of style, pencil fit jeans and skyscraper heels. Do we dress to be noticed? Are we noticeable, regardless of our intentions? Even the definition of modest carries some indications that modest clothing is not noticeable; Merriam-Webster lists synonyms of modest: humble, unassuming and un- pretentious. Is our clothing calling for attention?

Certainly a woman’s clothing can attract inappropriate attention, but downcast eyes and bashfulness really refers more to her behavior. One website advised young girls how to dress modestly and still get attention too, “Make plenty of eye contact and let your eyes do the talking for you!” God warns against women who use their eyes to get attention: “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids” (Proverbs 6:25).

1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us that evil companionship corrupts good manners. We might not consciously behave in a way intended to attract attention, but the behavior of those around us rubs off on us. Have you ever noticed a group of noisy, giggling teens? What words would you use to describe them?

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks (Ephesians 5:3-4).

Foolish talking literally means silly talk (Strong, 48). Silliness or even just laughter and loudness does attract attention, but not in a way that is becoming to saints. “A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing” (Proverbs 9:13 KJV). Clamorous is the Hebrew word hamah, meaning to make a loud sound. Our society has conditioned ladies to be bold towards everyone, and feminism has taught women that they should be the center of attention. Proverbs tells us that a clamorous or loud woman is foolish, and knows nothing. She might think she is making herself attractive because she gets a lot of attention, but see what God says about a woman without discretion: “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion” (Proverbs 11:22).

Just like jewelry cannot cover up the fact that a pig is a pig, if a woman’s behavior or talk is indiscreet, all the beauty she possesses cannot cover up the fact that she is not honorable. In contrast, behaving ourselves with wisdom and discretion is a beautiful, honorable thing: “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck” (Proverbs 3:21-22).

COMMAND #3

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Timothy 2:9). The literal definition of sobriety in this verse is Strong’s #4997, soundness of mind. In other contexts similar words are often associated with not being drunk; in contrast to being impaired by drink, a person with a sound mind is able to exercise good judgment and wise reasoning. How could we adorn ourselves with sobriety? Are there certain ways of dressing and acting that seem either to indicate sound judgment, or the opposite?

When an employer interviews an employee, who are they looking to hire? Is it the person who is most sober and serious about the job, with the best and soundest thinking? Does a person’s appearance help convey this impression to a potential employer? All websites on preparing for a job interview unanimously advise that a woman should avoid low necklines, short skirts, excessive jewelry, or heavy makeup. One website advised, “Because a teens level of maturity is a significant factor for employers looking to hire young people, its especially important that teens dress modestly and tastefully” (Doyle-Online). Another site summarized, “Do not let your outfit detract from the focus of the interview; you, your work experience, and how you would be the best fit for the job you want.” People know what is decorous and restrained, and recommend such clothing in instances where the employer is looking for someone dependable, honest and sober-minded. Could this give us some ideas as to the kinds of things a sober-minded, dependable and honest Christian might wear (or might not wear)?

COMMAND #4

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Both of the Scriptures, which speak directly of a woman’s adorning, emphasize strongly that her adorning should not be the outward man, but should rather be the hidden man of the heart. According to 1 Peter, our ornaments should not be on our outside but should be the kind of qualities that shine from our hearts - particularly a meek and quiet spirit. Is this not reflective of where our focus should be as Christians anyway? “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

If people see my treasure on the outward man, is that becoming, or suitable, to the Gospel of Christ, which tells me my focus should be on things above and not on things of the earth? Yet focusing on the outward man can be a huge temptation for us since the physical things are the only thing that our physical eyes can currently see. We need more faith so that we can walk by faith and not by sight, remembering what is eternal and therefore most important:

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

We also need to remember from where promotion comes. We might think that having an attractive appearance is necessary if we want to be able to get a good job, find someone to marry, or be respected in others’ eyes. But remember the example of Esther. She had just one evening to impress the king more than any of the other fair ladies in the kingdom, or else she would be shut up, forever, in the house of the concubines. How much would I be thinking about my appearance in that situation! Esther was offered anything she wanted to wear or take with her, but chose nothing except what the chamberlain thought was necessary. She knew that her future depended on God, not her appearance. So I might think my future depends on how I look, but the appearance God has given me is not going to impede his plans for me.

Especially for a young girl whose appearance is quite lovely, focusing on the outer man can be a great temptation. But we need to learn to think the way God thinks. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15).

Man highly esteems the outward appearance, but the Lord doesn’t think very highly of those who focus on the outer man:

Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes [8265. to ogle, i.e. blink coquettishly], walking and mincing [2952 to trip (with short steps) coquettishly] as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments [5914 a fetter; hence an anklet] about their feet, and their cauls [7636 a netting for the hair], and their round tires like the moon [7720 a round pendant for the neck], The chains [5188 a pendant for the ears], and the bracelets, and the mufflers [7479 a long veil (as fluttering)], The bonnets [6287 an embellishment, i.e. fancy head- dress], and the ornaments of the legs [6807 a march; (concr.) an (ornamental) ankle-chain], and the headbands [7196. an (ornamental) girdle] and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples [4304 a wide cloak (for a woman)], and the crisping pins [2754 cut out (or hollow), i.e. (by impl.) a pocket], The glasses [1549 a tablet for writing (as bare); by anal. a mirror], and the fine linen, and the hoods [6797a head-dress], and the veils. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair [4748. something turned (rounded), i.e. a curl (of tresses)] baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground (Isaiah 3:16-26).

If I am trying hard to gain respect of men by my appearance, then I should remind myself that in God’s judgment I am gaining the opposite. If I want to adorn myself in a way that is beautiful to him, I need to be working on my inner man. And who do you love best, anyway? The prettiest, most stylishly dressed person you know, or the sweetest and most humble, most selfless and compassionate person you know?

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates (Proverbs 31:30-31).

COMMAND #5

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God,adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement (1 Peter 3:1-6).

God tells us two very specific qualities of heart with which to adorn ourselves - being in subjection, and having the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. These are rare and valuable qualities, and adorn us much better than valuable jewels or expensive clothing.

This is really showing how we may adorn our inner man. No matter how femininely I might dress, if my heartis not submissive, I am not keeping this command. But Colossians 3:17 tells me that everything I do should be by the authority of Christ, and what I wear is a small part of that. Could I dress in a way that contradictsthe quality of heart that people should see in me? Even if I am truly respectful and submissive in heart, that is not others impression of me if I am dressed in an obviously masculine way. If someone saw me for the first time, would their impression of me be that I am happy in the role in which God put me? The next command is somewhat related:

COMMAND #6

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man havelong hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God (1 Corinthians 11:3-16).

Here we are told that if a woman prays with her head uncovered, she is dishonoring her head (her husband), and that her long hair is given to her as a covering. God says that even nature itself teaches us so - that it is a shame for a man to have long hair, but a glory for a woman. Why? God designed it that way. Some may understand this passage to mean that God is judging from the outer man. The point can be added that long and short hair customarily (in all cultures) indicates whether the person is a woman or a man. If the woman indicates she is a woman (by her long hair), she plainly states that she is under the authority of her husband - where God has placed her. Submission to Gods authority is a glory to the woman, not the outward beauty of long tresses.

The command that women should have long hair is really the most specific command God gives us concerning how we should dress. Most commands have to do with the heart we should have, but we have seen that the heart we have helps to make our decisions about what we wear. We might think that if the heart is where our focus should be, then what we wear really should not matter. But people judge us by what they can see. For their sakes, what I wear does matter, and is why God tells us to dress in a way that is modest, with shamefacedness and sobriety, adorning our inner man and not our outer man, and being in subjection. Most of these things have to do with our hearts, but God shows that these qualities of heart should determine my choice of what to wear.

Are there any other commands of God, not specifically applied to dress, that might influence what we choose to wear?

CONSIDERATION #1

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). This verse directs us not only to abstain from what is evil, but also to abstain from anything that looks evil. You would not want to be seen in a beer joint even if you were not drinking there, since it might appear to others that you were drinking. In many ways we need to take thought for what is honest in the sight of all men.

“And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart” (Proverbs 7:10).Obviously this lady was wearing some kind of clothing that identified her. What was the attire of a harlot? The account of Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38 seems to indicate that at least part of her attire was a veil; Judah thought Tamar was a harlot because she had covered her face. Was it that the veil was indecent, or that it simply identified a woman as being of a certain type?

Similarly, we might not be wearing anything indecent, but it may still identify us with the wrong type of people. Are we going along with a fad started by some singer? With what or with whom would that cause people to identify us? Whose styles are we following, and why?

What about the graphics on our clothes? Do we want the names or pictures or sayings of immoral people on our clothing to indicate that we like or admire them? Some T-shirts are so lewed, I have actually asked my students to turn them inside out before they entered my classroom. Perhaps the graphics are not associated with a particular worldly person or type of people, but are just foolish or brash. What should our speech be as Christians? By having something written on our clothes, we are saying it to everyone who sees us - not just people with whom we stop and talk. Is it something that would sound wise if it came out of our mouths?

CONSIDERATION #2

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

This is a covenant we make with God when we decide to follow him. Is our work and focus supposed to be the same as the world’s, or are we to have a completely different mindset - something entirely different to work on and be consumed by? Remember the things the world is working for:

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:31-33).

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (1 John 2:15-17).

We were all in the world at some point, living for the same things that the world lives for, thinking about the same things that they think about, and loving the same things that they love. But if we have chosen Christ, we have chosen to come out from that. We cannot continue to be the same kind of people. We have to be transformed.

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 (Romans 12:2).

Am I willing to be transformed - willing to change what I work for, what I think about, what I love - or am I hanging on to the world? Am I still trying to be as much like the world as possible, without breaking any commands of God? I cannot live that way! If I still love the things that the world loves, the love of the Father is not in me, and if I still want to be accepted by the people in the world, I am the enemy of God:

Ye adulterers and adulteresses know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4).

Applying this understanding to how I dress, am I trying to dress like the world so the world will accept me, or am I willing to come out from the world and be separate? If I love the good of God and His ways and hate the evil which surrounds us, will I be mimicking that evil as closely as I possibly can? I cannot be accepted by the world, and be a stranger and pilgrim in it at the same time.

IN SUMMARY

Having looked at many principles, commands, and considerations concerning our behavior and our clothing, how should a Christian dress, who is trying to live soberly, righteously and godly? At a minimum, we shouldnot disregard the basic sense of right and wrong that God has instilled in all mankind.

Our bodies need to be covered. Anything that draws attention to what God intends to be covered is doing the opposite of why God gave man clothing (Genesis 3). This includes both men and women. And it certainly means that we would willingly obey any command which He does give concerning our apparel:
- Our clothing should be modest (orderly and decorous);
- With shamefacedness (bashfulness);
- With sobriety (a sound mind);
- Our adornment should be our inner man and not the outer;
- Specifically a meek and quiet spirit;
- And specifically in our submission to God and the authority he has placed over us;
- Our hair should be long so that we honor our head (our authority over us).

If another command would apply to what we wear or the way we wear it, we would definitely take that into consideration:
- Providing for things honest in the sight of all men;
- Abstaining from all appearance of evil - not even mimicking it;
- Remembering the spiritual focus we should have; we are not trying to be like the world.

IN CONCLUSION

Our culture puts extreme pressure on us to be accepted. From the time we are children, our values are shaped by the values of the people around us. But most of these people do not care about the fact that God has revealed to everyone - that we have a creator, and we have a responsibility to him. But we should care. If Jesus made me (and bought me as well!), then how should I be living?

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you (1 Peter 4:1-4).

My mind should be determined that everything I do from now onward should be only for the Lord. That is going to mean that I have a lot of things that I was accustomed to doing that I now need to change. Am I willing? Now that I am a Christian, I cannot go on doing things in the same way that I have always done them. Yes, that means that all the people of the world who once accepted me are going to think I am strange.I may even think I am strange if I am accustomed to thinking the way the world thinks! But where do I want my home to be - with the people who surround me here, or with God and his people for eternity?

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city (Hebrews 11:13-16).

Would God be ashamed to be called my God? “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Beth Johnson

WORKS CITED

Biblesoft’s King James Bible. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.

Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek- Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.

Doyle, Allison. “9 Things You Shouldn’t Wear to a Job Interview,” www.jobsearch.about.com (Accessed 20 August 2015).

"Modest." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2011. Web. 25 August, 2015

"Orderly." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2011. Web. 04 August, 2015

Teske, Mark. “Re: Citing Your Paper.” Message to the Author. Tue, Aug 4, 2015 at 12:10 AM. E-mail.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
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