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HOW DO YOU DRESS....... MODESTLY?
The Christian is to take up his cross and follow Christ. Those who are born anew in Jesus Christ are new creatures
in him and have "put off the old man with his deeds [and] put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge" (Col.
3:9, 10). Because of this change, they will no longer live by the world's life style. As Paul wrote, "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" (Rom. 12:2).
This is a central truth in the Christian knowing what the will of God
is. To "be not conformed to the world" is to "be not fashioned according to the world" (ASV) and "do
not conform any longer to the pattern of this world" (NIV). This is the natural outcome of discipleship, in response
to the preceding verse: "by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom 12:1). This can be done by being "transformed by the renewing of your
mind" (v. 2b). The two actions allow the Christian to "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will
of God" (v. 2b).
These truths will effect the Christian's appearance and dress. The serious Christian
will not follow the fashions of the sinful world. The world is not interested in living a life patterned after the Word. The
unregenerate prefer dress that draws attention to their bodies, and which reflects extravagant and changing fashions. Christ
spoke of the danger men face: "That whosoever looketh on a women to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already
in his heart" (Matt. 5:28).
The motivation behind the Christian woman's appearance is not to draw undue
attention to the physical form of her body. The Christian man, likewise, should seek a godly appearance. There are evils to
avoid and principles to follow in Scripture for proper Christian dress. Christian must remember that the way a person dresses
is a definite indication of what kind of person he or she is. Attire can be an important part of our testimony.
Dress for both man or woman should respect the Bible principles of modesty, with ornamentation, non-conformed to the fads
and fashions of the world, and express humility and simplicity. A person should ask himself, What does my dress tell others
about me? Does it draw attention to the me or bring glory to God? Am I consistence in my dress?
Whenever we look
at the Word of God, let us keep the principles in mind and not violate or avoid the intent of its teachings. Improper dress should not be a problem for the Christians,
and if it is, the person should do some soul searching. The person who has repented, being born again, and having taken up
his cross to follow Christian should lovingly and joyfully follow the Word.
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| WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT SUCH A DRESSING TO CHURCH |
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THE HOLY KISS
The word "kiss"
can be defined in many different ways particularly as it relates to its intended context. In a religious sense, however, "kissing
is a universal expression in the social life of higher civilizations of the feelings of affection, love".
In the
mystical body of Christ brethren employ the holy kiss as an expression of love and veneration. It is done so, idealistically
at least, to convey love, reverence, and esteem for fellow believers in the Lord.
In the Apostolic Christian Church the
use of the holy kiss is, of course, confined to each particular sex. That is, men salute men, and women salute women. The
Bible is filled with many examples of the kiss: Jacob kissed his father (Genesis 27:27),
Esau kissed Jacob (Genesis 33:4) , Laban kissed Joseph (Genesis
29:13) , Joseph kissed his brethren (Genesis 45:15), Aaron kissed Moses (Exodus 4:27) , Moses kissed Jethro (Exodus 18:7) ,
David kissed Jonathan (I Samuel 20:41), The father kissed the prodigal son (Luke 15:20) , The elders at Ephesus kissed Paul (Acts 20:37) .
Further in the Bible, a kiss portrays the feelings individuals have for
one another. As indicated above in Genesis 27:27, it indicates affection between parents
and children. In Ruth 1:9 and I Kings 19:20
it is used by members of a family or near connection. In the Song of Solomon 1:2 and
8:1 the kiss is given as a token
of love. The "kiss of charity" (or the "holy kiss" as it is sometimes called) is one of the forms of Christian
greeting taught in the New Testament. There are three forms for greeting brothers and sisters in Christ. There was greeting
by name (3 John 4); greeting by right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2: 9); and greeting with the kiss of love (1 Peter 5:14;
Romans 16:16; etc.).
The kiss of charity is a holy kiss; it is to be observed between brethren and brethren
and sisters and sisters. There are appropriate times and places for all three of the forms of Christian greeting mentioned
in the New Testament. However, the handshake does not quite convey the fullness of emotion that is demonstrated by the holy
kiss. The early church practiced the kiss of love on each of the following occasions; (a) At the close of a worship service
(or at some specific time during the service). (b) When persons separated for a long time (or met after a long separation).
(c) During the love feast service. (d) When a new member was received into the church fellowship.
The kiss of charity
is a symbol of love and affection. When fellow Christians practice it, they are saying, "I love you; there is no enmity
between us." The kiss is also a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness. The husband who plants a kiss on the cheek of his
wife as he leaves for work in the morning, says "I'll be true to you."
The holy kiss was a common practice
among early believers. Augustine said that Christians demonstrated their inward love by the outward kiss. The kiss among fellow
believers is a sign that all injuries are forgotten, all wrongs are forgiven, and that believers are indeed one in the Lord.
In cultures where kissing is still a form of greeting, this would be appropriate. Other cultures use the "handshake"
as the common expression of greeting/farewell, so that would be an appropriate gesture also. However, "holy Kisses"
are also a common expression of love and affection between Christians in other cultures (for some people who feel comfortable
doing it). It is always good to be sensitive of other people cultures.
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