Old School

[Bro. Bill]

I desire . . . that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel. —1 Timothy 2:8-9
As we hurtle through the first part of this new century, we see an increase in people questioning time-honored standards. This was plainly detailed recently by a teen pop star—a girl who professes faith in Jesus.

While discussing standards for modesty in how she dresses, she discounted criticism of her skimpy clothing by saying, “That’s so old school.”

This young woman is both right and wrong. In a sense, she’s right. The standards of dress for Christians are “old school.” They were written down more than 2,000 years ago. But her attitude that suggests ancient standards can be set aside is wrong. In the truest sense, the principles in the Bible are not “old” as much as they are timeless. While written ages ago, they are still fresh and applicable.

As to the question of modesty, when the Bible says women should “adorn themselves in modest apparel” (1 Tim. 2:9), it is still true today that we shouldn’t dress to draw attention to ourselves. A more general principle, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed” (Rom. 12:2), is a 2011 command that can guide the question of how we dress.

So whether you’re a pop star or a pew sitter, don’t worry about being “old school” if what you are doing is done according to the Book.


Dear Lord, help us to follow the timeless
standards of the Bible in speech, clothing,
and other lifestyle matters. May all
we say and do bring glory to You. Amen.



Do my choices bring glory to God or draw attention to me?

[Deb]

Thanks, Bro. Bill, this ought to be good.

[Uncle Saggy]

I desire . . . that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel. —1 Timothy 2:8-9
As we hurtle through the first part of this new century, we see an increase in people questioning time-honored standards. This was plainly detailed recently by a teen pop star—a girl who professes faith in Jesus.

While discussing standards for modesty in how she dresses, she discounted criticism of her skimpy clothing by saying, “That’s so old school.”

This young woman is both right and wrong. In a sense, she’s right. The standards of dress for Christians are “old school.” They were written down more than 2,000 years ago. But her attitude that suggests ancient standards can be set aside is wrong. In the truest sense, the principles in the Bible are not “old” as much as they are timeless. While written ages ago, they are still fresh and applicable.

As to the question of modesty, when the Bible says women should “adorn themselves in modest apparel” (1 Tim. 2:9), it is still true today that we shouldn’t dress to draw attention to ourselves. A more general principle, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed” (Rom. 12:2), is a 2011 command that can guide the question of how we dress.

So whether you’re a pop star or a pew sitter, don’t worry about being “old school” if what you are doing is done according to the Book.


Dear Lord, help us to follow the timeless
standards of the Bible in speech, clothing,
and other lifestyle matters. May all
we say and do bring glory to You. Amen.



Do my choices bring glory to God or draw attention to me?

Are you typing this while sitting in an air-conditioned house?

[jerp]

I have mixed feelings on this. I agree that the sexualization of young girls is a huge problem in our society - the pendulum has swung way to far in that direction. But is the answer that we make our daughters dress like a Mennonite? Or like someone from the 1st century? I think smart parents and smart girls deserve more credit than that. It's all about the values we instill in our children. That, and a good understanding of human sexual nature and a huge dose of self respect.

[Bro. Bill]

lol Uncle Sag yes sir am ...

Jerp Great to hear from you....i do wish some of these young ladys would cover up some...

it was the next devotional in line that i receive...

[Bro. Bill]

ttt am crowd

[Cuz]

I think the way some of these younger girls dress is ridiculous too BUT "Don't dress to draw attention to ones self"? Don't we ALL do that in one way or another? From what our shirts say and jewelry and belt buckles.
Bro Bill, aren't some things "acceptable" now, in the eyes of GOD, that weren't in Biblical times? (Serious question)

[MeatEater]

Times change, but do moral view points change with them?

[LeanMachine]

I think the way some of these younger girls dress is ridiculous too BUT "Don't dress to draw attention to ones self"? Don't we ALL do that in one way or another? From what our shirts say and jewelry and belt buckles.
Bro Bill, aren't some things "acceptable" now, in the eyes of GOD, that weren't in Biblical times? (Serious question)

IMHO, no. God has not and will not change.

While i will not make my daughter dress like she is amish, i do believe it would be better if i did.

Do yall wathc 19 kids and counting? The duggars have got their act together! I really enjoy that show. I think they are setting a great example for how to raise our families.

[Jesus is Coming]

My wife was Amish, seriously; Old Order Amish and in-laws still are up in Indiana. She was forced to wear "plain clothes" which meant a solid color dress approved by the church and a head covering at all times. She felt like she was in a cage and felt ugly because her femininity was suppressed by it so when the teen years came along so did all the clothes you see teen girls wearing in the mall today. She then went back to the Amish church and dressed "plain" again but eventually left and this suppression was part of the reason why. After she left the Amish church she still dressed modestly (she went the Mennonite route but did not wear a head covering anymore). She is feminine and dresses modestly to this day because she believes it is pure and that it's pleasing to God; which is her heart, to please God. She does not want the wrong kind of attention and why should she? Why would a Godly woman want to be lusted after? That is an ungodly desire no matter how you "dress it", make sense?

[Deb]

You know, designers are now making clothing for young girls designed to look as if they had breasts and such. This can't be good. While I don't believe young girls (or grown women for that matter) should have to go around like the Amish chose to do, I don't think they should look like little tarts, either. Dress for the kind of attention you want to get. It is obvious that God enjoys color and creativity, but is not pleased by flaunting ourselves around the men in public.

[miket]

What was acceptable to God in biblical times, is still what is acceptable to him now. He doesnt change. What we think of as modest is affected by the social evirons that we live in. But truth doesnt change. Human nature leads us to believe that the way we were raised is right. Society changes, but God does not.

[miket]

What was acceptable to God in biblical times, is still what is acceptable to him now. He doesnt change. What we think of as modest is affected by the social evirons that we live in. But truth doesnt change. Human nature leads us to believe that the way we were raised is right. Society changes, but God does not.