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Women's Dress in Church - sensual or pretty?

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servant101

Hello

First of all i must state that i have in the past and still do struggle with sexual lust. That is a story in itself and even though i see some repentance in my life there is still a long way to go for purity to reign in me.

The reason i post this question on a public board is i don't trust my personal opinion due to my own struggles with lust. I could be skewing things in my heart or spirit.

What is appropriate dress in the church, church functions or for Christian women in general? I am aware of the scripture that speaks of inward beauty however i can't help notice women dressing at church functions in a way that seems to be quite sensual. I am speaking of tight form fitting clothes, low cut tops and dresses above the knees, at times mini skirts and the like which bring attention to their curves.

I do not wish to judge these women and i know i am responsible for my own desires in my heart as well as my actions no matter what women wear or act in front of me.

My only question is is this appropriate wear for Christian women in your opinion? I know it is up to the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and obedience to God's will in our thoughts and actions and i don't wish to try and institute "the law".

I guess i am just wondering if i am way out of line just noticing they way these women dress or if it is all just my sin in my members that needs to die.

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sermonindex

"...i know i am responsible for my own desires in my heart as well as my actions no matter what women wear or act in front of me."


This is Good! We can't escape how people dress, so your statement is Good in the Eyes of GOD - Amen!

If should go without saying that a Christian woman should dress Very modestly. Loose fitting cloths should be a must. And nothing like what you've described, that's for sure.
To put a stumbling block before your "Brother in Christ" is sinful on their part and the Pastor of your Church should gently preach on this topic.
Sometimes, people bring unsaved friends to Church with them and what they wear can't be helped - but they'll catch on if the congregation dresses appropriately.
It shouldn't just be 'at Church' neither. Modest dressing should just be a way of life.


But again, congratulations on the part quoted above!!


Your Sister

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sermonindex

Men need to be aware that girls & women are not necessarily really aware of what men see or how their attire affects men.They don't "get" the whole "guys are visual" thing. And because (most--there are exceptions to every rule) women aren't ruled by lust themselves they cannot understand the male struggle with it.

Even some of the most attractive women feel that they are ugly or unattractive, and many dress this way to try to make up for this sense of feeling ugly. They feel that their body is all they have to offer because they think their face is ugly. You also have the overweight women who feel ugly in both body AND face so some will try to highlight their breasts or cleavage because that is the last thing THEY feel they have to offer. Girls in general grow up sensing that if they don't have their looks they don't have anything. This continues even into old age.

Modesty in dress should be encouraged but a woman should not be condemned for her "curves"; if a woman has natural curves that God created her with how is this her fault? She would have them no matter what she wore, unless you confine her to a Burka or muslim dresscode, at which point men are still left fantasizing and lusting about having 72 virgins.

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Lysa


Have you tried fasting? (edited) I shouldn't have said, "tried," that implies it won't work and I know it does! I will start again.. Have you made fasting a part of your Christian lifestyle? (/edit) I have listened to a couple of preachers who believe that the abundance of food and sexual lust go hand in hand in a man (or woman's) life.

So when I say fast, I am talking about fasting from food. If you have never fasted before, start small with one meal (dinner). If one can do that, they have fasted for 18 hours. (Tidbit, if you never have time for lunch, then don't fast your lunch because that won't be much of a denial of your flesh, will it?!!)

Then you can fast up to two meals a day (36 hours) when you get victory over the one meal!! I'm just saying start small because we need victory in our live's to encourage us! And if you start out on a 40 day fast (all three meals), what are the chances of that working out for you (or me)?

Bro David Wilkerson, Derek Prince, and I'm sure a host of other preachers fasted one day a week. For years they have done this, not for a month. In one of David Wilkerson's earlier sermon, I think he said that he also fasted twice a week for a long period of time.

And whatever meal you are fasting, read the Word... do a word study on lust or whatever you want to know more about in the Word of God.

Fasting is the lost art of the church, brother. And never has the church been under more bondage to "things." (edit) See the correlation? (/edit)

Jesus did not say "IF" you fast... no, he said, "WHEN" you fast. I believe He thoroughly expected His Church to have a lifestyle of fasting. Jesus also didn't say, "IF" you pray; He said, "When you pray." Isn't it expected for a Christian to pray?!! He wants us to have a lifestyle of fasting, prayer and giving!

I believe if you (or any Christian) who has problems in their life will begin fasting (denying your flesh for spiritual purposes), they and you will begin to have victory in these areas that have plagued you for years.

God bless you brother!!!
Lisa

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ginnyrose

My only question is is this appropriate wear for Christian women in your opinion?

No.

i can't help notice women dressing at church functions in a way that seems to be quite sensual.

Other females notice it, too. If you want to make a female mad all you have to do is say anything negatively about her dress unless she is walking with the LORD. And most are not.

I am a female and struggle with disgust when one sees such undress. It is worse in the south - I think - then in the midwest. Because of it, I will limit my time in public places...but if one sees it in church, well, you may just have to withdraw and find fellowship where others will support your convictions. Still, if you really do have a serious lust problem, that needs to dealt with and other brothers can help you better then a female can.

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DEADn

I think the way women dress in the church does show a lack of wisdom in teaching by the church. I think it stems from society. Women want to dress comfortable and so some will dress a bit loose totally oblivious to how it affects male. I can tell you there is major lack of understanding in this. I tell my wife this all the time. It is easier for a girl to seduce a guy without trying than the other way around.

I know of ladies who dress modestly and carry themselves well as a result. It doesn't necessarily involved wearing long 'garden' dressed but maybe stylish dresses and they still have appeal to them.

I think legalistic dress like some independent churches teacher has good values as well as bad values. It keeps the ladies 'wrapped up' while also tormenting others because it is an issue of understand why and not just because 'the bible says so'. That is a cheap cop out.

I would think if ladies were more understanding of the way they dress they would use more wisdom in dress. After all, ladies are smart aren't they? Smart has to be combined with wisdom in order to be intelligent.

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MaryJane

Other females notice it, too. If you want to make a female mad all you have to do is say anything negatively about her dress unless she is walking with the LORD. And most are not. I am a female and struggle with disgust when one sees such undress. It is worse in the south - I think - then in the midwest. Because of it, I will limit my time in public places...but if one sees it in church, well, you may just have to withdraw and find fellowship where others will support your convictions. Still, if you really do have a serious lust problem, that needs to dealt with and other brothers can help you better then a female can.

________

I agree with what you shared here Ginnyrose and will even go so far as to say that females(sisters in Christ) "should not" be counceling a male on how to deal with lust. This is an area that one brother should go to another brother on.

I know some will say that women don't realize that they are dressing so immodestly and that they have no clue the effects their clothes have on a young man, its not true. Most know exactly what they are doing and that the way they dress draws attention to themselves. They want that attention and have little regard for the stumbling block their behavior causes their brothers in Christ.

God bless and will pray for the OP to find some brothers in Christ to help in this situation.

mj

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ginnyrose

John,

For the interest of ladies here on SI and others who log in to read, I would like throw out a challenge to the males here on SI to share how they think a female should dress and what constitutes modesty! No debate, just share...:-) This applies to any concerned male, not just John.

ginnyrose

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DEADn

I think that any clothing that hugs the body tightly is warning #1. By nature ladies have natural curves and guys take notice of this. Tight clothing accents those curves and invites eyes to watch.

Watch out for skirts because they show the legs and legs can do things to a guys mind.

legs, butt, bust, waistline and the face are the key points on a ladies body.

Dress in loose clothing OR dress in a color/design scheme that causes the eyes to be overwhelmed so that the eyes get tired and look elsewhere.

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hoohoou

Here's my take on the topic. Now days it's very difficult for women to dress modestly and in style. Jeans and a shirt is about it for guys. Can't get too crazy there without being made fun of anyways. It's far more difficult for women. My wife likes to be fashionable and has a hard time finding clothes, blouses in particular, that are not revealing. She typically buys an undershirt thing to go underneath.

I would agree that women know what they're doing, but what they know is limited. They dress a certain way so that men will find them attractive, but I don't think they fully understand the depths that it goes, or the frustration that it can cause to single men trying to live pure.

The thing is, men are supposed to find women attractive. That's the point of why God made them the way He did. So when you see a beautiful woman you want to look, which is natural. It's when you linger that it becomes a problem. When women do wear revealing clothes it makes it difficult not to linger. I think women do need to be careful with what they wear and how much they reveal. Men on the other hand need to understand that just because a woman looks a certain way and you want to look at her doesn't mean she's sinning. Someone once said that sin is a good desire expressed in the wrong way. We all appreciate beauty whether it's mountains, or people. Let's not rush to judge women when it is men that are fighting a natural inclination. And let's not excuse women who would attempt to make that fight nearly impossible.

Just my thoughts.

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sermonindex

This is a topic that has come up many times on this forum. Consistantly, I think that Ginnyrose has the best take on it. I believe that there should be no rules on what a person should or should not wear, I just believe its a reflection of their walk with the Lord. Also, I do not buy into the theory that a woman does not realize what effect she is having, I believe that is the point of dressing in a certain manner in the first place, to have a certain effect. The way people dress is definately linked to a form of insecurity. If you go to my community in Scotland, where insecurity reigns supreme, you will see the shortest skirts and the lowest tops. Men will have the latest fashions as well there.

There is freedom in Christ, freedom from insecurtiy and freedom from what others think. My own wife is in total bondage to what other women think. If, for instance, she has worn an outfit to work, this same outfit could never be worn to a social function because " what would her co-workers think." Just trying to keep it real :) .....brother Frank

PS I think the original poster presents two different issues which have overlapping qualities. There is his lust issue which he must deal with, and then there is the issue of the way women dress. This overlaps because he is tempted and drawn into sin by the seductive way that some women dress.

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Veronica226

I think this is one of the hardest areas to gently confront people on. Thanks to feminism (sp?) most women do not want you to tell them how to dress. Also the attitude of our age is that no one can tell you to do anything or that anything is wrong. The generation coming up has a REAL problem with athority (or at least here in America and what I've heard from my friends in Canada) and that will be reflected in their dress.

I also think modesty isn't preached on anymore because many pastors are afraid of losing members. I also don't buy the "women don't know what they're doing." If your a sister talking to another siser and you pry deep enough, they almost ALWAYS know what they are doing.
Working with teen girls I have a hard time getting it across that skinny jeans are just as imodest as a mini-skirt! It is one of the hardest things to get through to them.
I like Paul Washer's wife's saying: If your clothing is a frame for your body, it's sensual and sinful. If it's a frame for your face (where Christ is reflected) it's God-honoring. That's how I determine how to dress. I think it's straight forward without being legalistic.

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sermonindex

I hesitate to weigh in on this issue but I can identify with the posters concerns being a male myself. I do believe Appolous broke it down to two issues sexual lust and womens dress in church. The first can be dealt with by the word and prayer. I would recommend to the brother to meditate on verses that speak of a pure thought life. Verses such as Phil.4:8 and Rom.12:1-2 are good places to start. Psalm 119:9,11 speak of a young man living a cleansed life by he word of God. The second issue is a bit more touchy. The scriptures in 1 Tim. 2:9-10 leave room for the Holy Spirit to apply to each.sisters heart. I might add use our God given common sense. I do not believe that legalistic dress codes are the answer. But as I work in government and business I find that the professional women do dress with a bit more modesty.than some do n churches. Companies that establish dress policies are expecting their workers to.focus on work and not sex. When coordinating a seminar on employee conduct I heard the trainer exhorting the young women to dress professessionally. Her words. Sex does not sell in the work place. My point. If companies on the temporal realm establish reasonable dress polices that give rise to professional modesty should not the church be setting a higher standard for spiritual modesty.???

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rbanks

Brother,

The bible teaches that women are to dress modestly and are to be in a behavior that is of a holiness lifestyle. The older women need to teach the younger women and their needs to be admonition from the pulpit at times but not legalistic in laying down rules.

The problem is their will always be women and their will always be those dressing inappropriately until Jesus returns to rule and reign.

The problem that you are having by looking at women needs to be dealt with according to the message of the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to be dead to sin and alive to God. Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. The only way to be free from lust is to be dead but at the same time alive to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. If you keep lust alive by stirring it up with thoughts from the flesh you will always have problems. The scripture says that they who are thinking from the flesh and minding the things of the flesh will be walking after the flesh and will not be able to please God. The only way to please God is by walking according to the Spirit.

Here are some scriptures that you need to get in your spirit and memorize them by reading them over and over until you get the revelation. This will be important to you walking in the victory of Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ is our victory.

Romans 6:1-14 (KJV) 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 8:1-14 (KJV) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Notice verse 13 that we through the Spirit are to mortify (kill) the deeds of the body (wrong desires from our flesh) so that we can live in the Spirit of God. We are to hate those lustful desires because it is sin against God. God wants you to overcome them through the power of the Holy Spirit that Christ Jesus has given us by His sacrifice on the cross. The ones who are born of God overcome through their faith in God..

I’m telling you brother the only way to be free is to be dead to your selfish desires and alive unto God and be filled with the Holy Spirit and walk continually in the Holy Spirit.

Pray through and be filled with the Holy Spirit and live above the sins of the flesh by recognizing yourself as an ambassador of Christ and refuse to live like an ordinary man.

Galatians 2:20 (KJV) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Blessings to you!

S
savedtoserve


I believe that there should be no rules on what a person should or should not wear...

This idea is widespread, but in the church, you might be surprised at how much it simplifies and straightens things out so that all is done "decently and in order." So many hold that a standard of dress is binding and legalistic, but it's simply a matter of principle that only becomes legalistic WHEN YOUR HEART WANTS SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

I mean, if someone is satisfied that this is modest, this is discreet, this will not cause any brother to stumble, why call it "bondage" when it's simply a godly effort to walk uprightly and blamelessly before God and man? If your heart's there saying, "Yes, this is what I want," then it's yes, an outward effect of your walk with the Lord. But again, no one's making you do it, it's your choice. HOWEVER, this is how things ought to be, I'm not claiming this is how things always are.

I found an article related to this that likens standards to battlements. Very edifying; do read it if you have time... http://www.charityministries.org/pdf/2010-03-Rem-battlements.pdf

Like it or not, every church has a standard of dress, whether spoken or unspoken; it's just a matter of how high or low your standard is. I read one book in which the author said if you have a problem with lust, it won't go away just because the ladies are covered from head to toe--all you're doing is making the imagination work overtime. His conclusion? Something like, "Therefore, you might as well not cover up so much, so they won't have to imagine so much...Remember, you're under grace and you needn't be under condemnation either!" What in the world? That's an awful twisting of God's word, using extreme cases to prove a point. Through the principles found in the Bible, I believe there is light for anyone to follow in this matter.

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servant101

Hello all

As the original poster asking this questions i would like to thank you for your thoughts.

Yes i battle two issues, lust and the modesty question. Yes i am dealing with lust. I am always open to admonishment in regards to battling sin however i was focused on the clothing issue in this thread.

An example is on our last church social a woman who is a member and heavily involved in the church stepped out of her vehicle with a very low cut dress that i was shocked to see. So i spent the rest of the evening avoiding her as well as another woman as i did not wish to tempt myself.

Actually my first reaction was to bolt and leave but i realized that is not very mature especially since it was God's will that i socialize and use this opportunity to get aquainted with people i have not yet met.

I just remember thinking... has lust changed me to the degree that i cannot handle "normal" womens dress in church? Or is this clothing out of line and i should be shocked to see it?

Anyways i will operate under the belief that these women do dress immodest from time to time and it is my responsibility to continue to die to self and say yes to God so that this will not affect me as much.

Ideally i would like a safe place (the church) to not have to worry about me eyes seeing what i consider sexy attire however if i struggle with sin on a daily basis it is reasonable to believe these women do as well. So i will learn to practice forbearance, as i would wish this from them if they realized what i struggled with.

Thanks for listening.

S
savannah


At the request of Ginnyrose in her post,I did a search and found this article written by a brother in Christ to women.The article was on a website owned by a mother of nine.

http://www.momof9splace.com/sinof.html

If some think he's gone overboard then just throw him a life jacket.

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ManofGod0000

A woman or a man needs to dress how they feel or are led until the holy spirit changes there heart on that subject or any subject for that matter

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Veronica226

At the request of Ginnyrose in her post,I did a search and found this article written by a brother in Christ to women.The article was on a website owned by a mother of nine. http://www.momof9splace.com/sinof.html If some think he's gone overboard then just throw him a life jacket.

Wow savannah, that article was amazing! I've never read such an in depth article about different types of clothing. Much there to think about and chew on. Thank you for posting!

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MaryJane

by savannah on 2011/5/26 15:35:34


At the request of Ginnyrose in her post,I did a search and found this article written by a brother in Christ to women.The article was on a website owned by a mother of nine.

http://www.momof9splace.com/sinof.html

If some think he's gone overboard then just throw him a life jacket.

_____________

This is an interesting read. It does go over in detail all the articles of clothing that's for sure. Not sure what to think about all that was shared as another said much to think on. I have always felt more should be taught on modesty but am thinking maybe this goes to far the other direction....praying about it though.

Thanks for sharing
God bless
mj

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rbanks

I have always felt more should be taught on modesty but am thinking maybe this goes to far the other direction.

Wise thinking, for some of the teaching leads to bondage.

Sister we are to be lead by the Holy Spirit and not the wisdom of men.

Paul even said that our faith was not to be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Blessings!

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ginnyrose

Ok, I have another question for you males. The title mentions 'pretty' but it not addressed in the lead post or any other subsequent one. So...

Does a godly male appreciate a garment that is pretty? or, does it trip him up as well? In answering this question, maybe the writer needs to explain what he means by 'pretty'.

I look forward to the responses....

I
iansmith

I'm only commenting because I had an interesting interaction with a young refugee man this afternoon after teaching a bible study.

At the bible study were six young men, one who attends the church that I serve in, three from different churches, and two who are not following Jesus (one is from a family where the grandfather has explicitly forbid anyone from converting to Christianity).

After the bible study we sat around chatting as the host's mother brought in some cold drinks.

I asked one of the other young men about his fellowship which consisted of two refugee families from that community, one from another community and two white families. This group refuses to interact with either of the other Christian communities in the city, even though the one I serve in has seen about forty people put their faith in Jesus in the past two years.

When I asked what differentiated this boy's home fellowship from the other Christian groups he said, "You know earrings... we don't wear earrings." I kid you not! He went on to explain how they taught that men and women should not wear earrings, bracelets and nose-rings.

I then took him on a short trip through the bible, we visited Rebekah in Genesis where it talks about her receiving the nose-ring and bracelets from Abraham's servant, then we trotted over to Exodus where it talks about bond-servants having their ears pierced as a sign of ownership, and talked about how this concept was used in the New Testament, and then I took him to 1 Timothy where the verse in question where I believe they probably get their teaching originates before dropping him smack dab in the book of Galatians.

I hope you can see what I was doing for this young man. We need to read the bible in context--and that goes the same for a certain verse about modesty. Certainly God used Esther's beauty to save the Israelites, can you imagine how the bible might be different if her uncle had wrapped her up in a veil and kept her out of the sight of other men (think Isalm).

Modesty has to be voluntary. Modesty starts first with a pure heart of devotion to Jesus. Modesty is not just dress, but also a lifestyle choice. A modest man or women protects his or her heart, and does not attempt to tempt others. They are aware of others' weaknesses, and therefore are sensitive to how they display themselves.

That doesn't mean though, that a beautiful woman should hide her face. Or that a man with an athletic build should stop working out in order to hide his physique. Ultimately, one can do a lot to keep other people from stumbling, but they are not entirely responsible.

I think about how men in a certain period of English history had lustful thoughts about women's ankles, because that was the only part of their body that they could see.

Islam is an aberrant form of Christianity--think Mormonism with 1400 years to ferment. The teaching of Islam on women have their roots in the early church, but without the grace of the Gospel, nor the example of Jesus' interaction with women, one can see what that is like. For this purpose, it is important that we don't make rules about how women should dress, or we fall into a trap set by Satan. Instead, we should desire true heart-change in both men and women that can only happen through the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

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sermonindex

I agree with all the comments on this thread except for whoever the woman was at the beginning that seemed to be making excuses for women and blaming it on the men. Thats typical though sometimes. I remember 15 yrs ago or so working with a girl in an office situation who flaunted her body and dressed very inappropriately for not just a professional environment, but for ANY environment. And she constantly complained that men gawked at her and that men were perverts. Well duh! I can not imagine that she couldn't make the connection.

It's like a person who is covered in tattoos and then complains that everyone is looking at them.

Now, this does not excuse men either! We have a responsibility before God for our actions and lusts. If there are women in the church who are dressing inappropriately then we must do several things. First, pray for them and pray for ourselves. Second, look away! Third, go to your church leadership and express your concern and make sure you do so in love and not indignation. Fourth, if your church leadership is too spineless to address the situation... then you must leave that church. You're not leaving that church, you are removing yourself from a situation that is causing you to sin. Thats Biblical.

Ladies, let me assure you that we men struggle with lust. Show me a man who claims he doesnt and I will show you a man who also struggles with lying. As God takes us through the process of sanctification in this life He gives us the strength to overcome it more and more... but I do not believe that in this life most men ever gain complate victory. It's literally a thorn in our side put there by the Lord to keep us humble.

Just as it is a man's responsibility before God to pray and seek victory and take measures to avoid lustful thoughts and looks... it is also a woman's responsibility before God to not be a stumbling block. If you dress inappropriately then you too are sinning.

What is inappropriate? Well, thats the thing... everyone has their own opinions. The Lord will have to lead you in that. Fact is with some men you could wear a potato sack that goes all the way to the ankles and they would lust.

I guess what I am saying is that men and women within a church family situation need to be able to work together on this. No, men should not approach a woman other than their wife and tell her she is dressed inappropriately. The Bible speaks about the older women in the church guiding the younger women in their walk with the Lord and with their husbands. If you are an older women... this is your calling, to train the younger women.

The real problem is that this type of mentoring is not happening in the church, and the churches are becoming more and more worldly. Today's church "culture" is more shaped by TV and Hollywood than the Bible, and until THAT gets turned around this will topic will continue to be a problem.

Krispy

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MaryJane

I guess what I am saying is that men and women within a church family situation need to be able to work together on this. No, men should not approach a woman other than their wife and tell her she is dressed inappropriately. The Bible speaks about the older women in the church guiding the younger women in their walk with the Lord and with their husbands. If you are an older women... this is your calling, to train the younger women. The real problem is that this type of mentoring is not happening in the church, and the churches are becoming more and more worldly. Today's church "culture" is more shaped by TV and Hollywood than the Bible, and until THAT gets turned around this will topic will continue to be a problem. Krispy

I can say AMEN to that! Well back Krispy.

God Bless
mj

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gazzer

it think we fail to see that a woman who dress to show of any part of her body also has a problem with lust ,and not just the man who seems to be noticing these parts of a woman

and same goes for a man that feels he needs to where somthing to show of his masculinity


you no brothers and sistes , iv never in my life seen a man where a siglet in church ,, for some reason this seems to be inaproprate in the eys of men ,and i would agree ,,,
but we always see woman with siglets on in church even in winter when it is cold

iv hered christan and non christan ladys say that girls only whare this sort of think in winter ,because they want to be look at

this still and issue of lust ,wanting others to look at you body

the stubling block issue arrise when we are talikg about wharing clothes that show parts of our body ,,in the same way when we are around certaint christans we should not drink wine ,or eat meat


pride is allways the cause in theses situation

humily is where modesty lies


just looking at what the world conciders sexy clothing ,shold remind us as confessing bornagain beleievrs ,what we should not be wharing,for we are not of this world ,,or are we of the world
has god realy changed the heart of a person who wants to were a mini skirt to church ,,,,,,,i doubt that verry much

are we new creations in christ ,have old thing truly passed away

does not the holy spirit bare witness with our concence

i relise baby christans dont yet have the full knowlage of good and evil ,as the bible says
but this issue is not just with baby christan

just the command of paull should eventaly convict the concence of sining against the brethern ,and puting a stumbling block in front of the opasite sex


and that goes for men as well ,,

we have men wharing tight little t shirts to church, showing of how much they go to gym ,,,this is tepting to the ladies ,and men should get over them selfs and grow up and act like a man that nows god ,,,but maby the problem is that they dont know god that is why they dont act like they do ,,,puffing up the selfeseem is what it s all about ....you know not many teahers teach about this in there church any more,,,they seem to busy teaching the prosparity gosple and things of the carnal nature ,,,

so you could say the falt doesnt realy ly with the lady in the short skirt and a singlet ,or the boy in the tight te shirt BUT THE PASTER WHO WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE

my wife went to a church last sunday ,she said most of the girls were dress in shorts skirts ,even tho it was frezzing cold temperture ,and on the stage there was a girl doing a dance ,that she decribed as a bum dance shaking it like they do on the inaproprate music programes,,,,,she was uterly shocked ,,,,and this was done in a sunday night service ,,,,,,and we all know the scriptures, we know what jesus said ,,anyone who looks on a woman to lust after her has commited ADULTRY WITH HER IN HIS HEART ,,,,,,,,,,,it makes you wonder what spirit is in the pulpit,this was the bigests church and fastest growing church in our town ,with thousads of members,,,,,,,

brothers and sisters the enemy has come in like a flood

let hope the spirit of god lifts up a standerd againsts it as the bible said

S
savannah

"...sensual or pretty?"

Can't say that I ever recall any men commenting about any women with, "Hey guys, don't you think she looks pretty."

But I can recall plenty of other comments by guys, describing the women using other choice words.

Let's not play stupid.

You'll never see a woman on the street corner dressed in modest apparel.

The motto, "If you're not selling, don't advertise" is a tight fit for this thread.

G
ginnyrose

Mind if share an experience I had last Friday? I had a conversation unlike any ever in my life.

I went to a distant town to buy some produce for our business. The fellow who carried my order to my van commented on how I dressed.

I wear a net head covering and after asking me why and sharing the reasons - symbol of headship, for praying and prophesying - I then mentioned how I Cor. 11 also mentions angels but am not sure how the wearing of a head covering impacts angels. This stranger then proceeded to preach a mini-sermon on headship, rebellious females, lust men have towards women.... BUT he said when you wear that cap we back off - you are untouchable! (Yes, I wore a simple dress I had sewn.)

Hmm.....this testimony made my day, believe it or not!

Sandra

J
Jstme

Sandra- I love that! Thank you for sharing. That made my day as well. I wore loose clothing while I was a young Christian and even a head scarf in church settings.
But as I aged I felt like there wasnt anything attractive about me to cause anyone to look, but I think I've been seriously wrong in all my reasoning. The poster of this thread brings up a serious and valid topic. If only we women would allow the Word of God to teach us, instead of the world to shape us and pastors also need boldness to speak truth in love. I'm sure these days many may also feel afraid to come off as legalistic.


Jstme

S
savannah


Some here on SI and on this thread particularly may appreciate this poem I wrote;

Once upon a time 
In a church far away 
There sat six young women 
In the pew one Sunday 

They whispered to each other 
As the preacher preached away 
And after it was over 
They all went their merry way 

The next Sunday they returned 
And did a repeat of the last 
They boasted to some others 
How at church they had a blast 

Now every Sunday morning 
With many many friends 
They make it a tradition 
To go with all the trends 

Their fashion and their pomp 
Is quite a sight to see 
It spread to all the women 
The church has been set free 

The preacher had been silent 
Not wanting to offend 
Now if any one takes notice 
You lose another friend 

Once upon a time 
It was understood 
That preaching wasn't relative 
But rather for our good 

Now everyone agrees 
It would not be polite 
For the preacher to in-sin-u-ate 
That some things just ain't right 

And now the sign upon the church 
Reads come just as you are
All are welcome in this place 
We've even got a bar 

Do not judge us any more 
We all cast in our lot 
If you do you have no love 
A True Christian you are not 

It is growing late you see 
And when this first began 
We couldn't see the consequence
That this would have on man 

Let me live just as I please 
And don't come to my church 
We have freedom can't you see 
Stop being such a lerche 

Everywhere in church-land now 
It's a common sight to see 
The women have no modesty 
They're all dressed like Sandra Dee 

So remember not to criticize 
You might incur their wrath 
Just shut your mouth and go sit down
And follow the new path  - RF

G
Gloryandgrace


somehow I missed that poem, very well done Savannah.

although...will anyone remember Sandra Dee?...besides me?

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