THE POUND
PROCLAIMER
Volume III
April 2008
Number 6
Sing
to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day
to day. Psalms 96:2
CLOTHING THAT
PLEASES GOD
I write this
article knowing that it will not make me popular. It is a sad truth, but
certain subjects are taboo even with Christians. Knowing this causes me to
acknowledge that what I write will be interpreted through the reader’s
prejudice. For this reason, I shall choose my words carefully and ask that you
give consideration to what is said within the context that it comes from a
sincere love for the souls of men.
Does God care
what kind of clothing the Christian wears? Are Christians free to wear whatever
is considered fashionable or socially acceptable? These questions are
legitimate and should be asked by all Christians.
This writer is
convinced that Christians choose their clothing based upon fashion and social
acceptability rather than upon what is pleasing to God. Is it any wonder that
we are not as effective in our evangelistic efforts? Why can’t Christians see
that being “a peculiar people” (1 Peter
2:9) and that letting “...
your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16) includes how we dress?
It is impossible to be a peculiar people and lights unto the world while
wearing the same type clothing as worldly people. I am not saying that all
worldly people dress inappropriately. Worldly people sometimes dress in a
godly, modest way. It is the wearing of clothing that is without moral
conscience or without consideration for the occasion and one’s station in life, that we condemn.
Christians must
be aware that clothing reflects the character of a person. Genesis 38:13-18 gives
the account of Tamar putting off her widows garments and putting on the
garments of a harlot. When she did this, not only was she treated like a harlot
but she acted like one. Proverbs 7:10 speaks of the harlot’s
attire as well. Shouldn’t this cause the Christian to admit that provocative,
sexually explicit clothing invites sexual activity?
At the
auspicious occasion of laying the foundation of the temple, the priests were
set in their priestly apparel (Ezra 3:10). The priests’ compliance
to this command shows respect for God. The leadership of the priests in this
way put the people in the frame of mind to praise Jehovah. Shouldn’t this cause
the Christian to admit that respectful, appropriate to the occasion type
clothing invites proper worship?
When the king
wanted to honor Mordecai, he had him dressed in the king’s apparel and carried
through the streets on the king’s horse (Esther 6:8). Why did the apparel
honor Mordecai? It let all who saw, know that he was
someone from whom the king would take council. Shouldn’t this cause Christians
to acknowledge that those who observe us make judgments about our station in
life based upon the clothing we wear? Upon consideration of the above, does
anyone have doubt that how a person dresses their body may influence their
actions and affects what others think about them?
When Christian
women [men as well], who profess themselves to be godly, dress in sexually
provocative clothing, what message are they sending to a lost world? When
Christian men, who proclaim to be children of God, undress themselves from the
waste up and parade naked in public, what message are they sending to a lost
world? Christian men and women who invite their friends and neighbors to visit
the assemblies, then dress in an unconcerned, sloven way (the type clothing
they might wear to work in their garden but not to meet the President of the
I accept that
when assembled for worship services, Christian men aren’t commanded to wear
three hundred dollar suits nor Christian women to wear designer dresses from
Before closing,
allow me to address the objections that some make concerning what I have said
about the question of inappropriate clothing in the assemblies of the church.
It is often
argued that if it is the best one has it is acceptable. I agree totally. It is
also argued that circumstance may dictate that one assemble
and of necessity be wearing clothing they would not normally wear to the
services. I agree totally. Assembling takes precedence over clothing in these
circumstances. These situations are exceptions not the norm. The point is that
where one can do better and does not, it illustrates an attitude unbecoming of
a faithful servant of God.
What if a woman
appeared at services dressed in clothing akin to
The heart that
holds God in high esteem will conduct itself in a godly manner; even in its
choice of clothing to wear. W
The Editor’s
Page
Have you heard
the expression “He is all talk and no do”? Growing up in the rural southern
culture of
In like manner,
talk about God’s word and living a spiritually motivated life is not as
effective as actually living the truly righteous life. Christians sit in Bible
classes and give the correct answers to the questions. They sit and listen to
biblically oriented sermons that are discussions about spirituality. The
average Christian is quite capable of giving a defense, with appropriate Bible
verses, of their beliefs. And yet, the message of the gospel is not resonating
among the lost as it should. Instead of the church growing with vitality, many
local churches are smaller and less active than they were fifteen years ago.
Could it be that we have become “all talk and no do”?
The apostle Paul
dealt with this problem among the Christians at
Christians can
speak truthful words and not have a real relationship with God. Our ability to
speak intelligently and with eloquence the Word of God, does not guarantee that
we have a close spiritual walk with God. It may be that we are nothing more
than an empty shell with the ability to verbalize the words of God. This is an
easy and pleasant way to live because it keeps us from dealing with our
personal failures as Christians. Talk that is a discussion of scriptural
matters has its own reward. It gives us a sense of spiritual satisfaction and
causes those who hear us to think we have great spiritual maturity and wisdom.
However, our lack of fruit is proof that we are “all talk and no do”.
The Christian
who relies upon words only is in grave danger of being hypocritical. Jesus
spoke of this problem when He said, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is
far from me;” (Matthew 15:8). Christians should
take Jesus’ rebuke as a warning not to assume that if their words are good then
their walk with God is acceptable. We ought to do this because having a strong
faith embodies more than using biblically appropriate words. Remember, “You are the light of the world. A city set
on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a
basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same
way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
When Christians
become “all talk and no do”, the world perishes without the gospel message.
Now, I ask you. Who will God hold accountable for the failure of presenting His
message of salvation to fallen humanity?
W
THE LAST WORD
A
[2 Corinthians 9:6-9]
If Jesus passed the collection baskets,
I wonder what I would do?
Would I drop in my usual two bits,
Or more than just a few?
I don’t think Jesus would understand
If He were on earth today,
“We had the vacation already planned,
And so many other accounts to pay.”
The debts of the church I see,
But of debts I have my fill.
Why should Jesus want money from me?
Let someone else pay the bill!
If a man is a bountiful and cheerful giver,
His righteousness will abide forever.
By James Glen Young
