Modesty in an Immodest World

~Erin Blair

“7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

8 And they heard the sound 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 among the trees of the garden.

9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”

10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” – Genesis 3:7-10


When we read about the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, we automatically think of and talk about the sin of disobedience. Absolutely they sinned via disobeying God’s command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of good and evil. But what about the second sin that was committed? I’m sure you are thinking, “Whoa! Wait a minute! Second sin? What second sin? Where are you getting that?”

So, what was the second sin? Look closely at the text from Genesis 3. It was immodesty.

Soon after they ate of the tree that they were told not to, they knew they were naked and used, or tried to use rather, leaves to cover themselves. Well, we all know leaves are not the best items to use for clothing. They are thin, sometimes transparent, don’t knit well together so they gape, and quite frankly, depending on the leaf, you would have to use a lot of delicate leaves to patch together anything resembling clothes. Yet, for all their efforts, when God came into the garden, they still thought they were naked and hid in shame. They felt guilt from being immodestly dressed and they knew that it was wrong.

My how things have changed!

Take a look around. The world we live in is covered, or rather uncovered, in immodesty! Immodesty dominates much of what is watched on TV, seen on the streets, in schools and even in the workplace. What’s more is our nation has an entire industry devoted to immodesty – the porn industry. So, with all the immodesty around us, how can we remain modest in a world that glorifies the bikini, shorts that aren’t much longer than underwear, men walking around shirtless, and see-through sundresses?

We need to know God’s standard for modest dress! After God cursed Adam and Eve, he made “coats” for them (Gen. 3:21). Why did God do this? He deemed the clothing they made for themselves was not sufficient and thus better, more dignified clothing was needed. The word “coat” in this passage, kthoneth, indicates that they were covered from their shoulders on down. So therefore, logically, we can infer that this includes the upper and lower portions of the torso.

God also made sure that the Israelites understood what needed to be covered. “Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.” Exodus 20:26. “For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics, and you shall make sashes for them. And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty. 41 So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests. 42 And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.” Exodus 28:40-41. God made sure they were covered to the degree that their nakedness was not exposed. What the priests wore was what we would call a robe, or a dress/skirt. God commanded them to have undergarments worn that covered them “from the waist to the thighs.” I think of basketball-type shorts (or something similar) when I read this description. Could this be applied to today’s fashion? What about those skirts or dresses that are see-through and you can see everything up to where no one but the woman’s husband should see? Or skirts or shorts that are so short that they expose the majority of the thigh? Or expose your backside when you bend over?

Basic morality has not changed from the Old Testament to the New. After all, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Christians are all priests of God (1 Peter 2:9). We have no right to serve God immodestly today than the priests under the old law. What’s more is, women are commanded to be modest! “…in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.” (1 Tim. 2:9) The point Paul is making here is that women are not to draw attention to themselves by their attire, whether from lack of clothing or excessive clothing and jewelry. If a woman walks in clothes from neck to feet, but has 5 rings on each finger, 3 gold necklaces, huge jeweled earrings, jewel pins, etc., are you eyes not drawn to her automatically? It is no different if a woman walks in in skimpy shorts and a skin-tight top that looks painted on, leaving nothing to the imagination, but screams “look at my body!” Both scream “look at me!” God’s standard for modesty, as we can see, is to cover ourselves, our most private places that are meant for our husband only (the places from the shoulders to the knee – breasts, hips, back, thighs, and vagina/crotch area) and to cover ourselves in a way that won’t draw unnecessary attention to ourselves.

After all, if we are dressed immodestly, whether via over-excessive “bling” or exposed legs and cleavage or skin tight clothing, while trying to study with a man in a Bible class, are we not possibly tempting him? (Matt. 5:28) We need to remember Matthew 18:6 “Whosoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” I don’t think any of us would want to be the cause of someone else’s sin! Especially if there is something we can do to prevent it!

As Christians we are to reflect Christ. What are we reflecting if we dress in a way that promotes our bodies in a sexual manner? We need, rather, to dress in a way that is blameless and harmless and draws attention to God rather than ourselves. (Phil. 2:15).

Erin resides in Ben Wheeler TX with her husband Jordan as they await the birth of their first child, Judah. Erin has been involved with preparing and organizing the work of the church since she was a teenager by teaching all ages of Bibles classes, helping prepare and organize Ladies Days, Prom Alternatives, Youth Rallies and VBS.  She is currently works as a paralegal for a law firm. She and her husband also spend their time enjoying their garden, dogs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, quail…etc.  Life is never dull at her house. 

Women—As God Would Have Us (part 2)

~ Veronica Brown

 In this follow up article let’s continue our focus on three remaining groups of women from the book of Genesis.  Following the daughters-in-law of Noah and their example of being willing to be counted among the few we turn our minds to Sarah. Sarah is recorded by the Hebrews writer as one who judged God faithful in regard to His promises (Heb. 11:11). She trusted that God would fulfill what He had spoken to her with regard to a homeland and a heritage. Did she obey perfectly what God expected of her? No. She became impatient. She laughed. She faced doubt, discouragement, and difficulties. Yet she trusted. She waited. She complied. So, in like manner, God judged her faithful and He counted her among those great heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. What hope, encouragement, and strength we can gain from her very real example of faith in God and His promises.

Next, let’s look at Hagar the bondwoman. On the surface we tend to read about Hagar in light of Sarah’s attempt to facilitate God’s plan and the undesired results that followed. While we learn that any attempt to commandeer God’s will is futile, God reveals the true spiritual meaning of the bondwoman vs. the free woman. In Galatians 4 we learn that these two women and their two sons are symbolic (v. 24). They represent the two covenants (v. 25). The Old is represented by Hagar and Ishmael. The New is represented by Sarah and Isaac. Under the Old there is bondage—the bondwoman’s son was born according to the flesh and was therefore subject to the same bondage as his mother. But under the New there is freedom because the freewoman’s son was born according to promise (v. 23). “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). True freedom from the bondage of sin can only be found in the New Covenant system and in the promised Son. Therefore, Paul exhorts us to “stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free” (Gal. 5:1). To return or adhere to Old Testament tenants is to return to bondage.  May we ever be mindful of the price that was paid for our true spiritual freedom.

 Finally, let’s notice the women in Lot’s life—his wife and their two daughters. While a casual read of their accounts in Genesis may raise more questions than answers it remains that what we can glean from their record is clear—sin always reaps adverse consequences. Living in such sinful cities as Sodom and Gomorrah undoubtedly left its fateful impression on Lot’s family. It clouded their minds and their eyes. Lot’s wife apparently couldn’t completely turn her back to such wickedness and she paid the ultimate price. Their daughters, likewise, followed suit with misguided judgment and sacrificed their purity. May we ever remember that sin always reaps gross by-products and is never an island unto itself.

From the dawn of creation to this present hour womankind has been and continues to be a most vital component to either the good or ill of humanity. Of course, God desires us to use our influence for good. Just as He expected from Eve, He expects the same from us. May we aspire to use our efforts and energies for good—to love our husbands, care for our children, and do good to all, especially those of the household of faith.  May God help us to be women, as HE would have us, and in so doing, not grow weary (Gal. 6:9)!

The Walk Of Life

~Nancy Goring

   While walking the track at the community center today, I started noticing the various "walkers/runners." They were all different in age, gender, weight and health. One couple, in particular really impressed me. They were a couple about 80 years old and moving very slowly. The lady had looped her arm through her husbands to help support him, as he was having difficulty even ta...king small steps. It was so sweet to see how she supported him so carefully, never trying to make him move faster, always being patient with him.

     I also saw young people running as fast as they could, others jogging at a regular pace and some fast walkers at various speeds. Like most tracks, there are 3 lanes; the inside is for slower folks, the middle for fast, and the outside lane for runners. I couldn't help but think how much our Christian lives paralleled the scenes unfolding before me. 

     There were little ones who ran fast, then walked, then skipped around, not really sure what they should be doing, but having fun anyway. They weren't aware of the "rules" yet, but they watched and picked up very quickly. I thought about those who began their Christians walk - eager, excited, unsure, happy, learning to follow the lead of those who were older and more experienced. Then there were the ones who had been doing this for many years. They were steady, consistent, always watching before they changed lanes so they wouldn't interfere with other walkers - courteous, well-balanced, well-paced, experienced. Most of the older people were in the slower lane, some doing better than others because they were just trying to stay healthy by walking consistently.
Then there were the ones who walked 3 abreast, talking, having fun, paying no attention whether someone was approaching from behind that might run into them or that they may cause to get off course or lose balance. Their strides were slow then fast - they wandered all over the track, oblivious to their surroundings. On a rare occasion there would be one who was irritated with the talkers and would be rude to them, almost pushing them out of the way because they were a nuisance to their workout. There is no need for me to make a spiritual comparison here - I will let you do that.

     The walk at the track is so much like our walk in life as a Christian. I was so impressed with the older folks who kept on keeping on, though it was at a much slower pace. That encouraged me to keep exercising even when I feel tired, ache, and want to stop, even for just a little bit.
My doctor told me I needed to walk for my health, so I set goals, at his instruction, to keep me on task. Our heavenly Father has also told us what we need to do to stay spiritually strong. He also provided the goal! Are we following His instructions? Are we studying daily for our spiritual strength? Are we serving as we should? Are we assisting others on the pathway if they need us to loop our arm through theirs to help them/support them when they are weak? Are we being a consistent example of Christ-like behavior in our daily walk? Hopefully we are not wandering around, oblivious to all that is about us that might harm us spiritually, or perhaps another!
We have a goal that was given to us. It is heaven. The apostle Paul said, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 3:14). Let us "run with patience, that race that is set before us," as the Hebrew writer said in Hebrews 12:1. Let's all strive for strength, patience, consistency, and balance as we walk His walk, always keeping the end goal in sight.

 

Nancy is the wife of Bill Goring, who serves as a gospel preacher and elder for the Chipman Road church of Christ in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and has taught Bible class for over 40 years, speaks at Ladies Day gatherings and has published several books including: Behavior Becoming Holiness: Studies in Titus Chapter 2 and Overcoming our Self-Imposed Prisons.

 

The Dangers of Complaining

~Nancy Goring 

 Numbers 11:1-3

Do you ever complain or gripe about anything? I know, it’s a rhetorical question, and yes, I am the chiefest of sinners here, but it is not a godly trait to complain. We have all been blessed abundantly; Christians specifically, but even the ungodly are able to reap the temporal blessings our Father has provided us. Much is written in both the Old and New... Testaments regarding murmuring or complaining. We are told to be a joyful, thankful people, even when we endure various testings (James 1:2). Numbers 11 gives us some insight as to how God feels when we complain. God has finally delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and they are making their way to the promised land of Canaan. Verse 1 of Numbers 11 begins, “And when the people complained…” Here we go! We don’t know exactly what this particular complaint was (there were soooo many complaints to follow), but It Has Begun. Immediately, God’s anger is kindled. Why is that? Perhaps because He showed forth His power and mercy and love in delivering them; perhaps because they doubted His continued care for them; the list could go on of “perhapses,” but needless to day, they were rebellious and disobedient, without patience or faith in this matter. God Sent Fire! The camp began to burn and people began to die! The people cried to Moses and he had to pray for God to quench the fire. God did so. Again the power of God was displayed to a rebellious Israel. There were consequences as a result of their complaining. Some died. This generation would not see the promised land they so longed for. Promises were unrealized as a result of their complaining. We can learn a lesson from this. Our God has always provided our needs and will continue to do so. We have a promise of eternal life if we would not dismiss His commandments and behave as Israel of old. We have a promise that He will never leave us or forsake us if we remain faithful. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” Hebrews 13:5. Paul understood this well: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,” (Philippians 4:11). There are dangers in complaining. They may not be realized immediately, but they are there. Just to name a few:
1) It discourages others.
2) It discourages US!
3) It shows an ungodly disposition to the world.
4) We miss out on the blessings of God.
5) People will not want to be around us so we miss out on fellowship.
6) Our focus is turned inward instead of upon evangelism and edification.
7) It grieves the Father and causes us to seem ungrateful for the blood of our Savior who was willing to die for us. It causes us to lose our faith.
A wise lady once taught a group of young ladies, “Be careful what you complain about, whether it be your children, your husband, your job, your mother-in-law or whatever – they can be removed from you!” That was an eye-opener for me. Let’s make an effort not to be a complainer – it’s just one more foothold for the devil.

 

Nancy is the wife of Bill Goring, who serves as a gospel preacher and elder for the Chipman Road church of Christ in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and has taught Bible class for over 40 years, speaks at Ladies Day gatherings and has published several books including: Behavior Becoming Holiness: Studies in Titus Chapter 2 and Overcoming our Self-Imposed Prisons.

A Word of Thanks...

~Tracy Frederick
 

Here we are in the middle of the week. Some call it “hump day” in reference to having climbed the last few days to get to this middle point and it will all be downhill from here. It says that it has been an uphill climb to this point, and sometimes it is, isn’t it? We worshiped our Lord on Sunday, praising Him and thanking Him for the blessings of air, food, clothing and the many riches He has provided. It was perfect wasn’t it? It was a blessed day of thinking of Him and thanking Him and rejoicing in the goodness that He is. Then we headed into the week where Satan lives and prowls at work, in school and sets his traps of discouragement, pain, sorrow, heartache and deception. Then I realize how privileged we are to gather together at the mid-week Bible study to refresh ourselves together in the word together and encourage one another together, to exhort one another together and to fortify ourselves together for the last few days of the week as we look again toward gathering around the table in anticipation of the bittersweet time of remembering the death of our Savior. I appreciate those that will encourage me tonight to get over this “hump” and will gather in my Father’s name and see the evening of Bible study as a priviledge as they crave the word and appreciate the gathering together to refresh and renew my spirit. I appreciate those of you who will put aside your personal needs and selfish wants to think of ours and consider encouraging me and my other brothers and sisters as we try to get through this week, and over this hump. I appreciate those of you who will choose the body of Christ over a television show, a barcalounger  (or the lazyboy). I appreciate you considering us, and helping us get over the “hump.” (And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25).

Without Dissimulation

~Nancy Goring

 

Every now and then I like to tear down a Scripture with some word studies so that I will have a better understanding of what God expects of me. I am partial to in-depth word studies, even though I also love to read through the Bible in a continuous study. I think when we do both, we get a better understanding of the Bible and a more perfect application for our everyday lives.

In a recent word study of Romans 12:9, I was a bit surprised to learn how important it is to do this and also how we need to keep in mind the context of where we are studying.

Looking at the phrase, "Let love be without dissimulation," we can break down the word dissimulation to mean, "unfeigned or insincere." Then we have "Abhor that which is evil." Abhor means to utterly detest or have a horror of something. "That which is evil." The word "evil" here comes from Strongs (4192) (ponayros in the Greek), meaning hurtful in effect or in influence. "Cleave to that which is good." Cleave means to glue or cement, and good here means useful, honorable or excellent.

Okay. Paul has told the brethren that we are to present our bodies to God as a living sacrifice. We are not to be conformed to the world, but that we are to be transformed by renewing our minds; to prove the acceptable will of God. The emphasis then goes to how we are to work together building up the body, not thinking more highly of ourselves than we should, with each of us using our own God-given talents, working for the cause of Christ; teaching the gospel to all.

Then we shift to our Scripture, "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Looking at our word study and keeping our context in mind we can read, "Let your love be sincere, not false. Detest those things which are hurtful to the cause of Christ and cause our influence as Christians to be of no effect. Cement yourselves to those things which are honorable, excellent and useful."

The way others see us as Christians is extremely important. We may be the only living testimony they see. Our behavior may cause one to seek out Christianity or it may cause them to decide that they want nothing to do with God because we have shown ungodly examples. As living sacrifices we must be pure in mind and body. There is no room for sin. We need to be working together with our brethren building up the body, and loving one another with a pure heart fervently. When those who are not Christians see our godly behavior, they too, may desire to serve God. This was Paul's desire and prayer and should be ours as well. May each of us strive to fulfill this command.

 

Nancy is the wife of Bill Goring, who serves as a gospel preacher and elder for the Chipman Road church of Christ in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and has taught Bible class for over 40 years, speaks at Ladies Day gatherings and has published several books including: Behavior Becoming Holiness: Studies in Titus Chapter 2 and Overcoming our Self-Imposed Prisons.

A Sweet, Sweet Sound

~ Nancy Goring

 

We have a very faithful sweet gentleman in our congregation who has been a member here for probably fifty years plus. His lovely wife worshiped with us too, until she passed from this life to her heavenly reward some years ago. He always enters the building with a smile on his face. He always has something encouraging to say. He is over eighty years old and every time you ask how he is doing, he ...always says, " Well, I was able to get up this morning," or " I can still take nourishment." He has a very humorous side to him. He is such a joy to be around. Last Sunday morning I walked up to him as he sat on "his" pew and asked how he was doing. He said, "Shh! Listen." So I got quiet, puzzled by what he was doing. " Do you hear that?" he said. "All I hear is the sound of little children laughing and running around," I replied. (Our congregation is comprised of forty percent children under twenty-one - we are blessed). "Yes, he said, " Isn't that the most beautiful sound?." It was then that I realized how very important for those who are older to know that the church will continue growing long after we are gone. I am also older, not as old as he is, but I too, am often concerned about where the church will be in twenty, thirty, forty years. His remarks reminded me that the Lord's kingdom will endure forever. He went on to say, " This is so much nicer than coming into a building and looking at a bunch of sourpusses, frowning and complaining." What a great attitude he has! And what a great example of godly wisdom he gave to me. I just wanted to share this with all of you, because so often we take for granted the blessings of our little children. We see the problems of finding teachers for them, and getting them to behave properly in the services, the crying during worship etc. But can you imagine a congregation with no laughter of little voices or cute little things they come up with in our Bible classes? I appreciate so much this older godly man. He is there most every service and is willing to help others in any way he can. I pray that I will have this attitude as I grow older with the accompanying aches and pains, and that I am able to smile and encourage as he does. We never know the impact that we have on others:)  Just some thoughts for the day, sisters. Love you all. Nancy

 

Nancy is the wife of Bill Goring, who serves as a gospel preacher and elder for the Chipman Road church of Christ in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and has taught Bible class for over 40 years, speaks at Ladies Day gatherings and has published several books including: Behavior Becoming Holiness: Studies in Titus Chapter 2 and Overcoming our Self-Imposed Prisons.

Living Letters

~Tracy Frederick

Have you noticed how letter writing has become a lost art? There are a couple of sisters who write the best letters/cards. I have kept them in a special box and take them out from time to time to reread them. I wish I could write like that, with such sweetness and eloquence. I admit that I am intimidated to send them letters in embarrassment of how I stumble over my words. However, I was reading in the letter from our brother, Paul today to the brethren at Corinth, it was his second letter to them. I took a pause over a few verses that really made me think: “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” (II Cor 3:2-3). He writes this about the people in the church there because he says in the previous verses that he needs no letter of recommendation, because those he has taught are living letters of his teaching and of God (v. 4-6). I never thought of it that way- that I am a “living letter.” But, yeah, I am. It is a sobering thought to consider that I am a letter to the world who is reading about God and my Savior, Jesus the Christ. Have you considered what they are learning about the Father and His Son as they read you? Are they getting a letter from the Father? or are they seeing the same magazine articles they can get in any popular magazine ad or tabloid? The idea that I am a living letter to others who are reading my life is a sobering thought my sisters. Perhaps we need to get to editing and rewriting, huh?