First, I want to state clearly that there are scores of very discreet women in this world who are godly and who dress pleasingly to the Lord. I've been privileged to have met and worked with many such through decades of pastoring. However (and here I go getting to the purpose of this paper), on the other hand, too many prance around, primping, mirror-gazing and seem woefully lacking in any pursuit of the Bible's ideal, namely, that of prioritizing a quality known as inner beauty. They may not know it, but it's more obvious than they think. Their very body language gives them away. They strut as if on a world stage to which all fixedly gaze but are sadly and carnally sucked in by their alluring and warped self perception. But, be that as it may, thank God for others, who, with humble bearing, dress modestly, forego the stage strut, put away their obsession with mirrors and behave in a lady-like manner. For any guy looking for a wife, this latter type should be the preferred kind. Of course guys would easily say that both outer and inner beauty are the perfect combination, if in the same package. But if not, should not just inner beauty be preferred? Such will be the preference of a man who is both sensible and spiritually sensitive.
Phillip, a 16 year old New York State guy, once remarked, "What really bothers me about girls is that they often say, 'Why can't guys just like me for who I am, rather than for my body?' And then, they dress like they want the guys to look at their bodies. Wearing tight jeans and shirts isn't the best thing to do when you want guys to stop looking at your bodies. Try dressing modestly."
Considering the observable fact that the female gender is so beautifully designed by its Creator, THE BIBLE (which has much to say about sex, appearance, lust, etc.) plainly instructs the often-gazed-upon female this way: It assumes the gaze saying "...as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:2,3).
A lady's "adornment" (Greek kosmos = the world), that is her world with which she is preoccupied, the sphere in which she spends much time, ought not to be overly concerned with the "merely external." There is nothing wrong with 'dressin' up all fancy like and lookin' pretty,' but, if that is with what a girl or woman is obsessively preoccupied, then a correction is vitally necessary. Of course, the world system of fashion, does a robust business emphasizing the mere outer appearance. Therefore, a female desiring to please the Lord is at once faced with overwhelming odds.
But, a Christian should be very attentive to God's idea of beauty. He looks on the heart, not just mere outward 'looks.' A follower of Jesus should strive for the same mind-set.
A sixteen year old New Jersey girl once said, "Recently, one boy said that if girls want to be liked for who they are (and not what their bodies look like), they should 'try dressing modestly.'" Then, with a smarty remarked she continued, "Excuse me! Clothing is a person's signature of individual freedom. If a girl wears 'tight jeans and shirts,' does that give guys license to harass her? I think not. Any female should have the right to wear what she wants, free of harassment." Then she continued, "I don't understand how, in this day and age, guys are still saying the same old thing. This reminds me of the rapists who give the excuse that the woman, the victim, was asking for it. Everyone is responsible for his/her own comments and actions. Please respect one another's body and soul."
What? Is this gal serious? The first question in the Bible is "Am I my brother's (sister's) keeper? The rest of the Bible says MOST CERTAINLY, YES! Early on a concerted and hopefully parental effort must be made to thoroughly educate girls about the opposite sex. I say the process needs to start early, quite a bit sooner than many think. Far too many are way too naive about this. They think such information is ingrained at birth, but a good sitting down and frank information session on what makes the male gender tick and the female perk cannot be overly stressed. Girls need to understand the male drive and libido. The degree differs in males but can in many cases be extremely powerful. Jesus talked about men being eunuchs, some born that way, others made that way (as in the case of a slave), and yet others voluntarily making themselves such for the sake of a worthwhile cause. But such are the exception. In other words, the libido force ranges from zero (the born eunuch) all the way to one-hundred. Now, a woman's libido can fit anywhere on a similar scale. The point I'm trying to make is this: Given the power of the sexual drive in most of us, don't we have a responsibility to NOT unnecessarily or carelessly stir up that drive in the opposite sex? And if we do, don't we bear some of the responsibility, at least, for any aberrant behavior on the part of the other? Common sense, let alone Scripture, clearly says, "Yes."
So, in conclusion, this Bible injunction needs to be heeded by both sexes: "make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts" (Romans 13:14). Such "provision" which stirs up lust should be made neither by the guy or the gal, not only in behalf of themselves but for the sake of the others too.
Dear girls and women, you are God's beautiful creation, and SMART. Be well informed on these matters and behave accordingly.
Once there were eleven people (10 men and 1 woman) hanging onto a rope that came down from a helicopter. The rope started to fray so it was agreed that one person should let go; if not, then the rope would break and everyone would die. No one could decide who should let go. So finally, the woman gave a really touching speech. She said she would give up her life to save theirs because women were used to giving up things for their husbands and children and since men were the superior sex, they must be saved.
When she finished speaking, all of the men clapped. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A WOMAN!
dick christen
