Oh,
how I love the preachers of old who were not afraid of the culture they lived
in and spoke the Gospel plainly and unashamedly. They were not afraid of the
feminists and women leaving their church in droves because they spoke the Truth
of Scripture. They didn't water it down; making it lukewarm to make sure those
listening were comfortable in the way they were living. No! They wrote boldly
and fearlessly; fearing God rather than man {or woman}! I came across this
great commentary by Matthew Henry ~
Women who profess the Christian religion, must be modest in apparel,
not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness. Good works are the best
ornament; these are, in the sight of God, of great price. Modesty and neatness
are more to be consulted in garments than elegance and fashion. And it would be
well if the professors of serious godliness were wholly free from vanity in
dress.
They should spend more time and money in relieving the sick and
distressed, than in decorating themselves and their children. To do this in a
manner unsuitable to their rank in life, and their profession of godliness, is
sinful. These are not trifles, but Divine commands. The best ornaments for
professors of godliness are good works.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price {1 Peter 3:3, 4}.
When trying to figure out what picture to use for this post, I decided
to use one of Nancy
Campbell who has raised ten godly offspring with a godly husband. She
has been ministering to women for over 27 years teaching them in the ways of
the Lord. She began her free magazine in a response to feminism to encourage
women in their high calling of having as many children as the Lord blesses them
with while being a keeper at home. She lives simply and dresses modestly and
neatly. She is a great role model for us!
We must not spend loads of money on our clothing since Scripture does
forbid it. We should be known more for our good works than how we dress! Our
clothing should be modest, clean and neat, not showy or always having to be in
fashion. Women today spend way too much time and money on how they dress and
look, instead of the good works they are called to do, including being the best
help meet to their husband they can be and caring for their children and home.
Look into women's closets and makeup drawers; many will attest to
where they are spending their money. We must not get caught up in this
culture's craze to stay beautiful, fashionable and perpetually young, but
instead spend more time working on acquiring a quiet and meek spirit which is
precious to God.
A young
woman's "good works" are clearly listed in Titus
2:3-5 and older woman's "good works" are as follows: if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers,
if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she
have diligently followed every good work {1
Timothy 5:10}.
Now that you clearly understand what the Bible teaches young and older
women, get to work living a life that is
pleasing to the Lord, instead of trying to fit into the stressful and
expensive societal mold of our culture that is on the broad road to destruction!
Logging you in...
sunnypatchcottage 14p · 487 weeks ago
Roxy · 487 weeks ago
Roxy
Lori Alexander 122p · 487 weeks ago
Lady Virtue · 487 weeks ago
I love this too, Lori! Your very first paragraph reeled me in. Sadly, these types of preachers are growing increasingly rare. There are a few left I listen to regularly online who take their God-given charge to shepherd the Lord's flock seriously and fear Him above offending any in the congregation. That holy, bold type of preaching is exactly what I need. Great post!
Lori Alexander 122p · 487 weeks ago
Diana · 487 weeks ago
elspethbreathinggrace 46p · 487 weeks ago
Second, I ran this one by my husband because although I dress modestly and don't spend a lot of money on clothes, I have received the compliment of "elegant" numerous times. So, when I ran it by him his first response was, "Well, in case I don't understand what 'elegant' means, look it up real quick."
So I did, and the definition was as follows: "Pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner." To which he said, "I want you to be modest AND neat AND elegant".
Here's the thing, Lori. Because I understand the gist of your post, I was hesitant to comment and my first comment when I initially read it was going to be based on the fact that as far as I can see, most wives aren't spending any money on makeup and clothes. They don't look neat or elegant or fashionable, and they are modest but only because there is nothing particularly feminine or provocative about jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers/flip flops.
But that word, elegant stayed with me so I went to my husband who has very strong feelings and preferences as it concerns my appearance. He wants me to look my best at all times because I represent him, and gracefully appealing is exactly what he wants me to look like. And yes, even a little stylish. So I do that, but I don't spend a ton of money or time doing it.
I go to second hand shops and buy well made cardigan sweaters that I can wear over a nice tank top and a matching skirt. That's sort of my go-to, and it always gets compliments even though the whole ensemble might have cost me $12. For three pieces!
I am discussing this from a practical angle because it is one of those Christian wedge issues that is best left to a husband to sort out and give direction to his wife. I had to learn this the hard way when I embarked on a modesty quest that was fully out of step with what my own husband desired.
Even though it was very neat and extremely modest, he found it unappealing (he hated it really) and it was the beginning of my learning how to truly submit to my own husband instead of following the prescriptions of other people, well meaning and godly though they may be.
Now, all that said, please know that this is not to detract from your initial post. I fully agree that spending large amounts of money and copious amounts of time on our outward appearance while spending little to no time serving God through serving others is completely out of line and outside of the commands God has given for women. On that we agree completely.
Lori Alexander 122p · 487 weeks ago
Maea · 477 weeks ago
I've seen a lot of the expensive clothing at Macy's and Nordstrom and the like. A lot of it is unsightly and even ugly. I've seen more elegant looking clothing at Penny's, Marshall's, and Target. I've shopped at thrift stores and have seen many elegant pieces. I wasn't surprised to find out a lot of them were vintage.
Elegance has more to do with looking polished and graceful than it does with expense. For instance, I'm not sure what you think of the Botkin sisters but they have great articles on modesty and looking your best. There's a webinar on Reclaiming Beauty, where they cover all of these topics. There's a free PDF and the first lesson is a free download. I thought it was Scriptural and prudent advice/commentary.
Women *should* refrain from spending an inordinate amount of money on clothing. They might need to learn how to make the best of their wardrobe and their complexion, body shape, and age.
Van Walter · 381 weeks ago