ving water what not to wear” (according to the bible) · gresh, dannah secret keeper: the...
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LiLiLiLiving Water ving Water ving Water ving Water ((((Life changing vLife changing vLife changing vLife changing verses)erses)erses)erses)
Modesty=Modesty=Modesty=Modesty=constraintconstraintconstraintconstraint
This topic can be a tad bit This topic can be a tad bit This topic can be a tad bit This topic can be a tad bit controversial. Our goal is not controversial. Our goal is not controversial. Our goal is not controversial. Our goal is not
to condemn but instead to condemn but instead to condemn but instead to condemn but instead to to to to
challenge each ofchallenge each ofchallenge each ofchallenge each of us to make us to make us to make us to make
the best choices possible. the best choices possible. the best choices possible. the best choices possible. WWWWantantantant
to know the right direction to to know the right direction to to know the right direction to to know the right direction to
pursue? Consult Scripture!pursue? Consult Scripture!pursue? Consult Scripture!pursue? Consult Scripture!
Proverbs 11:22
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s
snout is a beautiful
woman who shows no
discretion.”
Psalm 45:11
Proverbs 1:1-7
Proverbs 3:21
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 31:30
I Timothy 2:9-10
I Peter 3:3-4
““““What Not to Wear” What Not to Wear” What Not to Wear” What Not to Wear” (According to the Bible)(According to the Bible)(According to the Bible)(According to the Bible) 1 Timothy 2:9 New Living Translation (NLT) “And I want women to be modest in 1 Timothy 2:9 New Living Translation (NLT) “And I want women to be modest in 1 Timothy 2:9 New Living Translation (NLT) “And I want women to be modest in 1 Timothy 2:9 New Living Translation (NLT) “And I want women to be modest in
their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attentioattentioattentioattention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or n to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or n to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or n to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.”expensive clothes.”expensive clothes.”expensive clothes.” Modesty should not be defined by the world around us but by Gods Word.Modesty should not be defined by the world around us but by Gods Word.Modesty should not be defined by the world around us but by Gods Word.Modesty should not be defined by the world around us but by Gods Word.
Okay – I’ll admit it. I have watched episodes of that TLC show. Usually with abject
fascination – a little bit shocked at the discussions but often agreeing that the “after” is better
than the “before.” (Mainly thankful that they would probably not scope out a heartland mom
because goodness knows I could qualify for my preference of comfort over style.) One interesting
note: that show often challenges women to stop revealing so much. This is in stark contrast to the
way most women dress on television.
Modesty is not an easy issue to address. When I was in college, I was a part of a singing
group that traveled around some week-ends to minister in churches, and we always stayed with
different host families. One Sunday, my friend and I were a bit shocked when the host family’s
college age son showed up to eat his breakfast in a towel. I thought at first he didn’t realize that
we were there, but when he sat like that the whole meal and his mom didn’t even say anything, I
decided to try to be gracious and act like this was normal. Not a lot of modesty going on there!
Our culture definitely seems to have a “flaunt” it philosophy. How do we respond as
Christian moms? How do we keep ourselves attractive but yet be appropriate? How do we teach
our children how to appreciate outer beauty yet focus on their inner qualities? I knew that I
needed to have assistance in tackling this tough issue. Mentor Sandy Schindler agreed to help, and
she found an excellent article by a pastor’s wife, Pam Hardy, entitled “Modesty Matters.” Sandy
graciously summarized/excerpted the article for us, and we wanted to share it with you today.
One reasonOne reasonOne reasonOne reason that this is such a difficult issue to tackle is because the popular
culture is so strongly opposed to the biblical standard. There is a scripture in Jeremiah
that talks about the children of Israel and it says, “They were not ashamed, and they did
not know how to blush” [Jeremiah 6:15, 8:12]. Well, ladies, today I think we live in a
culture that does not know how to blush.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss has written a great book called, The Look, and in this
book she contrasts what the world says about how we should dress and what the Bible
says, and as is often the case they are diametrically opposed to one another. For
instance, the world says beauty is external and physical.
The Bible tells us that beauty is internal and spiritual. The world says you should
dress for people to notice you. The Bible says we are to dress to please God and to
glorify Him. The world tells us that the purpose of clothing is to uncover and to reveal.
The Bible says the purpose of clothing is to cover and to conceal.
I. THE NEED FOR MODESTY
A. The Fall (Genesis 3). The first reason is because of the Fall that we find described in
Genesis 3. We need to understand that there is a theological foundation for modesty
that goes back to Adam & Eve. The very first thing after the Fall—what did Adam & Eve
do? They looked for fig leaves to cover themselves up. They immediately tried to cover
their nakedness. So the very first result of the guilt of sin was the recognition that they
were immodest. When you read the account of the Fall it becomes clear that clothing is
a direct result of the guilt of sin. Before the Fall, Adam & Eve had no fear that their
nakedness could ever be used for evil purposes. But when sin entered the world it
changed everything and the innocence of nakedness was lost forever. And you will find,
as you study the Bible, after Genesis, chapter 3, whenever nakedness is mentioned,
except in the context of marriage, it is always associated with shame. (Continued on p.3)
First Free MopsFirst Free MopsFirst Free MopsFirst Free Mops
Newsletter # Newsletter # Newsletter # Newsletter # 8888
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Dive into Five for Moms Five books to read Five books to read Five books to read Five books to read about about about about ModestyModestyModestyModesty
As you can imagine, finding proper books at the library
about this topic is almost possible. I found one: And
the Bride Wore White: Seven Secrets to Sexual Purity
by Dannah Gresh. (She and her husband wrote
another book about sexual integrity in the culture
that is also available). So my other book suggestions
are ones that would need to be purchased. Find a
friend who is also interested in this topic – each buy a
book, then swap! So, here are 5 more books.
Andreola, Karen Beautiful Girlhood
Courtney, Vicki Your Girl: Raising a Godly
Daughter in an Ungodly World
Gresh, Dannah Secret Keeper: The Delicate
Power of Modesty (Bonus: she also wrote Six
Ways to Keep the Little in Your Girl)
McDonald, Stacy Raising a Maiden of Virtue
Note: I did not preview ANY of these booNote: I did not preview ANY of these booNote: I did not preview ANY of these booNote: I did not preview ANY of these books ks ks ks –––– all all all all
but one must be purchased. Also, several of the but one must be purchased. Also, several of the but one must be purchased. Also, several of the but one must be purchased. Also, several of the
books are rather conservatibooks are rather conservatibooks are rather conservatibooks are rather conservative, so if you are not that ve, so if you are not that ve, so if you are not that ve, so if you are not that
way, you may want to read reviews before buying way, you may want to read reviews before buying way, you may want to read reviews before buying way, you may want to read reviews before buying
the titles. Please suggest further titles if you know the titles. Please suggest further titles if you know the titles. Please suggest further titles if you know the titles. Please suggest further titles if you know
any. We are glad to pass on good informaany. We are glad to pass on good informaany. We are glad to pass on good informaany. We are glad to pass on good information.tion.tion.tion.
Life Preserver (Time tested tips from other moms (Time tested tips from other moms (Time tested tips from other moms (Time tested tips from other moms for for for for
when you are up a creek without a paddle)when you are up a creek without a paddle)when you are up a creek without a paddle)when you are up a creek without a paddle)
I think all of us moms have a checklist (or at least a mental one) when we
need to leave the house the house. Maybe we need one for modesty as
well. I love these tips from one of our MOPs moms.
The one suggestion I have is the Mirror test. Bend over in front of mirror to see if your cleavage is too much. Many ladies don't think about how people can see straight down your top when you lean forward (or bend down to pick up a kid) with most shirts. Also, do a bend over view from the back. Make sure when you bend down.... no undies hanging out :) I asked a girlfriend once if my dress was too low-cut that I bought for a wedding. She said do the mirror test, then imagine you are sitting across from your pastor during the meal. If you would feel uncomfortable with the thought of your pastor seeing you like that, that probably means that the outfit is too revealing. For a more detailed modesty checklist, please visit: http://www.thepentecostalchurch.net/files/Documents/MDModestyChecklist.pdf
Here are some recommended resources from Pam Hardy (the Here are some recommended resources from Pam Hardy (the Here are some recommended resources from Pam Hardy (the Here are some recommended resources from Pam Hardy (the
author of author of author of author of today’s column entitledtoday’s column entitledtoday’s column entitledtoday’s column entitled “Modesty Matters “Modesty Matters “Modesty Matters “Modesty Matters....” )” )” )” )
Nancy Leigh Nancy Leigh Nancy Leigh Nancy Leigh DeMossDeMossDeMossDeMoss, , , , The LookThe LookThe LookThe Look.... [Buchanan, MI: Rev [Buchanan, MI: Rev [Buchanan, MI: Rev [Buchanan, MI: Revive Our ive Our ive Our ive Our
Hearts, 2003].Hearts, 2003].Hearts, 2003].Hearts, 2003].
Nancy Leigh Nancy Leigh Nancy Leigh Nancy Leigh DeMossDeMossDeMossDeMoss, , , , What Does Your Clothing What Does Your Clothing What Does Your Clothing What Does Your Clothing CommunicateCommunicateCommunicateCommunicate? ? ? ? [Gresham, OR: Eternal Perspective [Gresham, OR: Eternal Perspective [Gresham, OR: Eternal Perspective [Gresham, OR: Eternal Perspective
Ministries, 2004].Ministries, 2004].Ministries, 2004].Ministries, 2004].
Mary Mary Mary Mary MohlerMohlerMohlerMohler,,,, ModelingModelingModelingModeling Modesty Modesty Modesty Modesty.... Southern Seminary Southern Seminary Southern Seminary Southern Seminary
Magazine, Magazine, Magazine, Magazine, TheTheTheThe Beauty of Biblical Womanhood Beauty of Biblical Womanhood Beauty of Biblical Womanhood Beauty of Biblical Womanhood.... Winter, Winter, Winter, Winter,
2003.2003.2003.2003. ( ( ( (www.sbwww.sbwww.sbwww.sbts.edu/resources/ssmag.phpts.edu/resources/ssmag.phpts.edu/resources/ssmag.phpts.edu/resources/ssmag.php))))
Josh Harris, Josh Harris, Josh Harris, Josh Harris, Not Even A HintNot Even A HintNot Even A HintNot Even A Hint.... [Sisters, OR:[Sisters, OR:[Sisters, OR:[Sisters, OR: Multnomah Multnomah Multnomah Multnomah
Publishers, Inc., 2003].Publishers, Inc., 2003].Publishers, Inc., 2003].Publishers, Inc., 2003].
Melody Green, Melody Green, Melody Green, Melody Green, Uncovering the Truth Uncovering the Truth Uncovering the Truth Uncovering the Truth AboutAboutAboutAbout Modesty Modesty Modesty Modesty.... ((((www.lastdaysministries.org/articleswww.lastdaysministries.org/articleswww.lastdaysministries.org/articleswww.lastdaysministries.org/articles.).).).)
Website recommendations from Gretchen: Website recommendations from Gretchen: Website recommendations from Gretchen: Website recommendations from Gretchen:
http://www.robinjonesgifford.com/ (Our speaker’s blog)
http://www.secretkeepergirl.com/index.aspx
http://purefreedom.org/ and http://www.shaunti.com/
Taking the PlungeTaking the PlungeTaking the PlungeTaking the Plunge
15 minutes at the spa15 minutes at the spa15 minutes at the spa15 minutes at the spa (Feeling refreshed in a short amount of time) Shopping!Shopping!Shopping!Shopping! Maybe today’s talk will provide a good
excuse for you to update your wardrobe or that of
your children. A recommended “mom’s” store:
White House Black Market. Even though the
clothes are bit more pricey, one MOPs mom noted
that clothes bought from there stay in style even
several years later. Need places to shop for kids?
Finding clothes that fit kids without making them
look too grown up can be a challenge. According
to secretkeepergirl.com, some of the stores with
the most age- appropriate yet stylish clothing are
Gap Kids, Old Navy, Lands End (found at Sears)
and Children’s Place. One of our MOPs moms also
likes to shop at Gymboree for fun kids clothes. If
you have any other “modest” store suggestions,
please post them on our Facebook page.
Plunging into First Free MOPsPlunging into First Free MOPsPlunging into First Free MOPsPlunging into First Free MOPs
Today at MOPs
Speaker: Robin Gifford
“Modesty”
MOPs 2nd Semester money is due: $56 Please pay this amount ASAP either to Kendra or leave a check in the envelope on your table.
MoppetsMoppetsMoppetsMoppets This winter we will be learning more
about Jesus & His teachings. Today
we are looking at Jesus as a boy at
the temple.
verse: Luke 2:52Luke 2:52Luke 2:52Luke 2:52
And JesusJesusJesusJesus grewgrewgrewgrew inininin wisdomwisdomwisdomwisdom and
stature, and inininin favor with God and
men.
Questions:
• How old was Jesus in our
story?
• Where did He go with His
parents?
• What surprised the people
in the temple?
Next MOPs
(1/24) Friendship Group Day
MOPPETS PJ DAY
Please have your child
wear their modest PJs to
class that day. Moms can
feel free to join them.
Friendship Day is a great
day to be comfortable!
(Continued from page 1 – the rest of the article will be concluded on page 4) B. The Similarities between men and women (James 1:14-15; 1 John 2:16).
In James, chapter 1, it says this, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by
his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;
and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” In 1 John 2:16, it says this, “For all
that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” These scriptures tell us how men and
women are similar in their temptation to sin. These things affect both of us: “The
lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” Both men and women
have to be on guard against those things.
C. The differences between men & women (Job 31:1; Proverbs 7:10;Romans 14:12-13).
And one of the main differences that is crucial here, is that God has designed men
to be more visual. Women tend to be more verbal—men tend to be more visual. In
Proverbs, chapter 7, verse 10, it says this, “And there a woman met him, with the
attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.” Look at that phrase, “the attire of a harlot”—
the Bible specifically calls attention to the way an immoral woman dresses. Why? Why
does it do that? Because that is one of the main ways that men are tempted. Now
think about it, the Bible never talks about how an immoral man dresses—why not?
Because for most women sight is not a major avenue of temptation, but for men it is
a different story, because men are tempted by what they see. Remember what Job
said, in Job 31:1, he said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I
look upon a young woman?” I think of King David. When did all his trouble start with
Bathsheba? What was he doing? Remember it tells us, he was walking on his roof one
evening and “he saw” Bathsheba. He saw her bathing and he was tempted through
what he saw. Nancy DeMoss, in her book, says this, “What a man’s touch is to a
woman, the sight of a woman is to a man.” That’s how important it is and how
powerful it is. My heart really just goes out to the men because they are surrounded
by temptations every day, and I think as Christian women we should take this very
seriously, that we are not to make men stumble with how we dress. When men come
to church they should be able to rest. They should have a little bit of a respite from
this constant temptation that they face out in the world.
Now, let me hasten to say this, immodesty is no excuse for lust. A man cannot
control what women wear, but he can control what he looks at. So yes, the bottom
line is this: it is still basically the man’s responsibility, but ladies they don’t need any
help sinning. Don’t be guilty of feeding those sinful thoughts by the way you dress.
Nancy DeMoss says this, “As Christian women, our clothing choices can either
help men succeed morally or can put temptation in their path that they may find
difficult to overcome. This means that both men and women are responsible for
moral purity. We should do everything in our power to help our brothers stand and
to be sure that our dress and our appearance brings glory to God.” I want to give
you a foundational principle to remember and this is it: if you dress in a way that
draws attention to a certain part of the body and makes a man take a second and a
third look—it is wrong. What kind of reactions are you trying to get?
A college pastor was preparing to teach on this subject & he asked his Bible Study
leaders to write down what the main temptations were to them in how a girl dresses.
And let me remind you, these are guys who love the Lord with all their hearts. They
are trying their best to live holy, godly lives. These are not men off the street. But
they were very honest about things that were temptations to them, and here were
the things they listed: 1. Low pants 2. Midriff showing 3. Bare shoulders 4. Cleavage 5.Low necklines 6.Thin tops 7.Tight form-fitted tops 8.Tight pants 9. High Skirt slits
January Birthdays
4 Paula Davis
13 Kristin Schulte
Kelly Watson
20 Tiffany Crounse
23 Amy Olson
25 Heather Hill
December Baby
Everett Benjamin to Rebecca
Reis on December 21st
Steering TeamSteering TeamSteering TeamSteering Team Members Members Members Members
Co-cordinators:
Sarah Opp and Christina Lovercheck
Creative Activities:
Anita Hains
Finance Coordinator:
Kendra Jantzen
Friendship Group Leaders Co- Coordinators:
Kelly Watson and Suzy Plettner
Fundraising: Tiffany Maly
Hospitality: Nicole Smith and Elisabeth
Woods
Mentors: Lorri Goode, Pam Larson, Danelle
Mills and Sandy Schindler
Moppets: Rhonda Otto
Publicity: Gretchen Garrison
To contact us:
[email protected]@[email protected]@gmail.com
First EvangelicFirst EvangelicFirst EvangelicFirst Evangelical Free Churchal Free Churchal Free Churchal Free Church
3300 S. 843300 S. 843300 S. 843300 S. 84thththth Lilncoln, NE 68506 Lilncoln, NE 68506 Lilncoln, NE 68506 Lilncoln, NE 68506
One last thing to consider here is modesty in the home. It is so
important to set a good example, be modest around your
children. Set a good example for them. My husband and I have
always been very careful around the house to be modest.
Cleavage is for your husband and nobody else—nobody else.
When you dress modestly, what are the results? You glorify God
and you please Him, and you will be an encouragement to both
men and women. You will not be tempting men and you will be
setting a good example for women.”
©2005 by Pam Hardy, All Rights Reserved To read the whole article visit: http://www.biblebb.com/files/ModestyMatters.htm
NotesNotesNotesNotes
Going for gold in the individual medley (celebrating our group!)Going for gold in the individual medley (celebrating our group!)Going for gold in the individual medley (celebrating our group!)Going for gold in the individual medley (celebrating our group!)