Titus 2:3 “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.”
There is a rising phenomenon in Christian circles and it’s especially noticeable in many local churches. I call it “preppy Christianity”. This growing trend is seen in professing Christians who still desire to make a statement with the world - while at the same time trying to impress God with their spirituality.
Their standards for dress, makeup, jewelry, body language and entertainment, come so close to the line between immodest and questionable and what is biblically acceptable, that they can easily fit in with the world, while at the same time feel justified that they are “spiritual” and not totally ungodly in dress and behavior.
It has become “cool” to be a “preppy” Christian. Since when has tighter, lower necklines, trendy clothing styles, movie star make-overs and chunky, statement making jewelry that draws attention to the body---ever been apparel for a Godly woman? Anything that draws attention to the body is carnal. Godliness desires to live in moderation in all things. Ladies we need to re-examine what is Christ-like in our dress and deportment. When our clothing, makeup, jewelry, body piercings and the way we wear them are over done and excessive, we draw attention to the flesh and that is anything but Godly. Does your “look” radiate Christ-likeness or is it the “look” of the world. It really isn’t hard to tell.
When the Holy Spirit of God is truly in control of our lives, He will expect obedience to His written Word. Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God.”
Ephesians 4:24 “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Too many Christians would like to be full of the Holy Spirit and then go on and live as close to the world as they can and still be considered a Spirit-filled Christian.. A Christian woman is to “be in behaviour as becometh holiness…”. That means our life must be lived in obedience to the Holy Spirit inspired Word of God. When we don’t do this…we quench His Spirit in our lives and take on worldliness instead.
“Preppy” Christianity is an easy “Christianity”. You’ll win more friends with “easy Christianity”. II Timothy 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Living Godly in this present world will take sacrifice on our part. There has to be a desire to “abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22 True Christianity is a life of self-denial. Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
This is a far cry from the form fitting, neckline exposing, jewelry laden, self exalting, attention seeking female of this day and age. Where is humility and holiness in that kind of demeanor?
Take a trip through Facebook sometime and you will see many who “talk the talk” of Christianity, but you hear and see little spiritual substance that exalts the Lord coming from them. The pictures you may see of these “preppy” Christian girls and women are full of cleavage and pouting poses that are seductive, playful and anything but Godly. The God of the Heavens does not view our carnal Christianity as acceptable. We need to be in obedience to His written Word and seek the Holiness of God with an extreme desire to be like Him in every way we can.
Christianity is not a life of wearing a crown and showing off self. It’s a life of bearing a cross for the One who bore a cross for us.
All of us who claim to be a child of God, are as full of the Holy Spirit as we really want to be. If it is “preppy Christianity” that you are content with…then you are not willing to pay the price to meet God’s conditions. Perhaps you should examine your soul’s condition a little closer.
I John 5:5-6b “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”
Are you truly walking according to His Spirit? If you are….it will show.
Matthew 16:24-25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
6 comments:
This is so true! I'm noticing this is the "trend" with teens and singles. Walking the line is a dangerous spot.
wow, what great thoughts! so often it's easy to fall into that trap, because of not wanting to be "frumpy" or whatever else the devil might tempt with, but it's so true. our clothing, jewelry, etc is not to draw attention to our body, but rather draw attention to the Lord Jesus Christ. this is becoming such a huge thing in churches, with all ages it seems, but more so with teens and the 20s-30s...wanting to fit in, and not look too much like an amish person or mennonite...i think we need to be very careful how we dress, but yet, i do think there is a level of needing to be professional, not needing to look like we just stepped out of the house after fishing through the hand-me-down bag. thanks for these thoughts! i am a youth pastor/assoc pastor's wife and also the mom of two girls that are entering the teen department. This is so needful in today's society, thanks for speaking the truth, no matter how hard it might be to swallow!
I am thankful that the Lord does not leave us in whatever state we are in. He changes us and that can be painful sometimes, but necessary.
Before I buy my clothes, jeweler or makeup, I check with the Lord and he gives me peace to buy it or not. There is so much peace and joy in knowing your not a stumbleing block to other people.
To beable to look pretty, healthy and glad to be a lady instead of exsposing your flesh.
It really is degrading to women who wear low cut shirts or a skirt that rides up above your knees. Its even worse if she is a Christian.
Thanks Mrs. Shaffer for putting a finger on what is happening to dress standards in our churches. I have looked at young girls and ladies in our church and have thought they are getting their necklines lower and lower. I wondered, "Am I just to picky"? You have cleared that up for me. It's a matter of drawing attention to our body or Christ.
I'm so tired of carnal Christianity. We all need to keep a close eye on the skin we let show, the statement our clothing is making when we wear it and the "spirit" of our attire. We need to look classy as Christians because we represent "The King", without looking poorly, cheap or frumpy. Great article!
Thank you for "putting the cookies on the bottom shelf." The truth is hard to swallow sometimes, but it's so needful! I think after being bombarded by the world's philosophy on "image," we need to be bombarded by the reality of God's Word. I needed this truth-- this spiritual sharpening. Thank you, Mrs. Shaffer!
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