MODESTY IS THE BEST POLICY (continued)

Another error Christians should guard against is the casual usage of God's name. In Matthew 6:9, as Jesus began His prayer, He said, "Hallowed be thy name." God's name is holy; it is to be revered and respected. Therefore we should not be guilty of using such casual expressions as "thank God," "my God," "honest to God," etc. If God's name is to be hallowed, it must not be used in such a common fashion.

Dress

Although men can wear clothing in such a way as to arouse lust in women, generally speaking women are the ones guilty of immodest dress. One almost cringes at the approach of summer, knowing that on the street corners and in the shopping centers, women will be parading around in various stages of undress.

Even Christian women and younger girls have not followed Paul's instructions as well as they might. "I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…" (Rom. 12:1-2a, ASV).

Some Christian women and girls have fashioned themselves by the world's standards to the extent of causing embarrassment in the assembly. In more congregations than one, Christian men have complained how difficult it is to serve the Lord's Supper because of the way that some women are either improperly dressed or sitting.

Jesus condemns the one who lusts (Matt. 5:27b). But He also censures the one who provokes the offense. "It is impossible but that offenses will come; but woe unto him, through whom they come!" (Luke 17:1).

Certainly, modesty is the best policy (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Christian women ought not to wear miniskirts, halters, hot pants, short shorts, swimsuits, etc. These were designed to glorify the flesh and not God. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

Mixed Swimming

Many brethren feel that mixed swimming is acceptable. Swimming apparel has changed a great deal over what it used to be. At one time, the body was covered, but through the years beach attire has dwindled to practically nothing. In France last summer, many beaches were being invaded by people entirely nude. Are decency and shame extinct? The world glorifies the flesh. Christians must not participate or condone in any way this age-old idol.

Whether we admit it or not, a great deal of lust is spawned at public beaches and swimming pools. Peter wrote, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11). Therefore, Christians ought to avoid those places sure to cause a conflict between the soul and the flesh.

Christians who are determined to head for the beaches this summer need to ask, "Does Jesus approve of my undress? Does my Lord approve of the place I will be? Can I participate in mixed swimming without experiencing any shame? Am I 'glorifying' God in my body?" (1 Cor. 6:20). "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness" (1 Thess. 4:7).

Whether we discuss speech or dress, without a doubt modesty is the best policy. (Please consider also: Matthew 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Colossians 3:17, Titus 2:11-12, and 1 John 3:1-3).