|
Modesty and Fashion: Is there a problem?
I have heard many young ladies comment to me
about modesty and fashion. Perhaps you have
heard or said some of these statements below?
"It's okay to be modest and be in style."
"Fashion doesn't have to end where modesty
begins."
"Everyone else is trendy and I'm so out of place."
"Why can't I fit in?"
I have understanding for these comments as I
myself have definately pondered over the style
vs. modesty/modesty and fashion myself. Yet, I
have come to the point where something seems
twisted. I ask myself:
What is the focus?
Focus; the word applies to every single area of
our lives as Christians.
What is the focus?
In my opinion, the above comments are deluged
anbd twisted by the devil to sound appetizing to
us easily-swayed women. The goal is to get our
focus off the Lord.
How do we lose our focus through thoughts and
comments like these? We start to lose our focus
on the Lord when we start giving our focus to the
world and its fashions. When being fashionable
and stylish becomes a focus, it becomes a sin and
stumbling block in our faith walk. When this has
become a focal point in a girl's life, all she
can talk about is fashion and seems to be
constantly defending it. Trust me, I've had
experience.
It becomes dangerous when we allow something to
override our godly focus. Why? Well, once we
allow some of the world's lies and ways in our
lives, it becomes easier next time to allow more
deceptions and ungodly ways. Be on your guard
continually against polluting influences; they
will master you if you allow them (Genesis 4:7).
The devil's ways are very subtle; stay alert and
examine everything under the light of the Word.
Constantly focus on the Lord and study His Word
diligently to seek His ways. Please Him, not
yourself or the world. Focus!
Note: This does not mean I believe that dressing
stylishly is sinful. I'm saying check your
motives and make changes. Always try to dress
presentably and honor God with all your life.
|
|
{A Special Note from Miss Taylor on an Important
Current Issue that May Affect You}
Dear Friends,
This morning I was reminded of these verses:
"If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated
me first. If you belonged to the world, it would
love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong
to the world, but I have chosen you out of the
world. This is why the world hates you.
Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is
greater than his master.' If they persecuted me,
they will also persecute you also. If they
obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
They will treat you this way because of my name,
for they do not know the One who sent me." (John
15:18-21 NIV);
"For we do not have an enduring city, but we are
looking for the city that is to come." (Hebrews
13:14 NIV);
and also, "For our struggle is not against flesh
and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the forces of evil in the
heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV).
These verses did not come to mind because of my
mother's back gave out, or because I heard
traffic was horrible this morning, or because I
had to make bread in the new bread machine
(though this all did take place). No, it was
alarming news that reached my ear that made me
tremble inwardly and remember this world is not
my home. Horrific, terrible, shocking news.
At 9:30 a.m., we listened to a Focus on the
Family program concerning a grave matter. In
California, it was ruled that homeschooling will
become an illegal practice if the parents do not
have a teacher's credentials. Of course, most
parents do not possess what the state is
requiring and now, over 200,000 students are at
risk and homeschooling parents are in danger of
criminal charges, that is if we do not take
action. For if this becomes a law and since
California has great influence upon the rest of
the nation, what could happen to your family or
your friends? Even if you do not know anyone
homeschooled or who is currently homeschooling,
please stand up for our rights! What can you
do?
1. Pray. Pray continually that God would be
merciful and spare His children this calamity.
Pray continually for our nation (1 Thessonians
5:6-18).
2. Take action. How? Go to http://www.hslda.org
and sign an important petition that will
help 'unpublish' this ruling. You do not have to
a member, but please, for the sake of families
everywhere, sign your name to this petition.
3. Be informed and inform others immediately.
For more information, please visit
http://www.family.org and go to the page
concerning current social issues. Read more
there and tell others what you know about this
cruel
ruling. Tell them to see this blog entry at
http://www.godlygirlhood.zoomshare.com/3.shtml.
4. Prepare yourselves. If you are a
homeschooling
parent and desiring assistance with the
protection of your family, the Home School Legal
Defense Association (HSLDA) can help you. If you
are not a member, please become one at their
website: http://www.hslda.org.
5. Finally, remember, "Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
Thank you and God bless.
In His Grip,
Miss Taylor
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life
in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men
and imposters will go from bad to worse,
deceiving and being deceived. But as for you,
continue in what you have learned and have been
convinced of..." (2 Timothy 3:12-14a NIV)
|
