Friday, May 17, 2013

A Gentle Reminder for Christian Ladies


Just couldn't help but share this wonderfully written article by a godly friend from my seminary days. I stumbled across this post on facebook and I find it very concise, yet straight-forward, powerful and timely that I recommend everyone to share it too!

Read on and be reminded, ladies.
Written by Mark Evasco (link
Much has been said about a women's dress. Some said, "It should cover the sole of your feet!", while others simply say, "That's foolishness. God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance (Nice try, though!)." Let's look at what the Bible says, and where should a Godly woman stand. Note that I am saying this because I'm concerned.  
"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
Let me start by saying that the issue here is not the hemline, but the heart. It all starts with the heart. Now I look at these two words in the dictionary and find their definitions: 
SHAMEFACEDNESS - Extremely modest or shy; bashful.
SOBRIETY - the quality or state of being sober; marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor; marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness (in short terms - SELF CONTROL) 
Apostle Paul, commands the women of the church to wear something that is extremely modest, one that is under self-control. Now the questions that are to be asked are this:
  1. Does my dress edify believers and glorify God or does it make me feel that I'm the center of attention and all eyes are on me? 
  2. Whose approval do I desire and who wins over what I wear, the flesh or the spirit?
  3. Am I dressing to impress people or to obey God? 
  4. Am I dressing because of what the Scripture says or what the culture dictates? 
  5. Who inspires your dress and who does it identify with? Is it the women in the Bible or the women of the world? 
Now you might say that is too "legalistic", too "strict", and that we are living under Grace now. That is true, your heart should be motivated by the grace of God! Would wearing mini-skirts be considered as motivated by the grace of God? 
Christian women, your dress is a public testimony of your private convictions. Now, don't get me wrong. You can wear modest apparel and not honor God, but I tell you this, you cannot honor God and not wear modest apparel. 
Ask yourself this question, what is most alluring about you, your clothing or your character? You are not wearing clothes to flaunt your beauty but it is part of you being a witness to Christ. Do they see the change in you? If you were beside an unbeliever, would there be a distinction? You dress not to impress, but you dress for others to be blessed! Christian women, I hope your desire is that they may see more of God and less of you.
And just one final remark: If you don't sell yourself, please don't advertise!

God bless!

~Jeph