. The Israelites melted down earrings and made a golden calf to worship (Exodus 32:2-4). Answer. Likewise, swimming in mixed company is immodest. But if you go back to the original text the word used is the Greek word keiro. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. The perfume boxes, purses, and mirrors were usually worn on the body as ornamentation. If we are with someone who thinks we are bold, humorous, brilliant, or seductive, we tend to act in accordance with those expectations. . The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a womans garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God (Deuteronomy 22:5). I Timothy 2:9 and I Peter 3:3 stand in direct opposition to gold, silver, and precious stones for personal ornamentation; apparently they are always excessive in appearance and cost. Would He wear it? Do not be conformed to this worldthis age, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs (Amplified). Obviously not. They were considered so much a part of those who wore them that they not only told who and what they were, but were intended as external symbols of the individuals innermost feelings and deepest desires and his moral urge to represent God aright. We can see this by the use of special dress for religious ceremonies, festive occasions, mourning, and repentance. He has asked us through His word to present our bodies, yes that includes our hair, as a sign of our separation from the world to show that we are true believers and followers of His word. If for God, it does not impress Him at all. Her many lovers gave her bracelets and crowns, but God warned that all her jewels would be stripped away in judgment (Ezekiel 23:26, 42). What is wrong with Gods creative ability? R.C. Though you clothe yourself with crimson, Though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, Though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; Your lovers will despise you; They will seek your life (Jeremiah 4:30, NKJV). What clothing did Paul have in mind when he warned against immodesty of dress? Many times what we wear helps to mold their expectations as well as our own. The primary reason Christian women choose to wear head coverings during worship is to adhere to the Holy Tradition of the Church. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids (Proverbs 6:25, NKJV). The greater masculinity in dress and conduct helps to confuse societal, familial, and sexual roles. Christian conduct and deportment are far more effective. When we take Peters advice and look at the holy women of the Old Testament, we find that women should not wear clothing pertaining to men, and vice versa (Deuteronomy 22:5). God desires for His people to display the spirit of holiness in outward appearance. We seek to be decent, chaste, and proper in dress, specifically avoiding immodest exposure of the body before someone of the opposite sex (other than ones spouse). Adult Apostolic Pentecostal women often wear their hair up in a bun, but there is no requirement to do so. If for her husband, he should be more interested in her inner beauty, and any physical display should be in private for his eyes only. The other things mentioned all have valid purposes other than ornamentation or seduction, but makeup does not. Even if this objection were valid, why was it detestable for a soldier to wear feminine attire? 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. Today I want to take a little time and explain to you just why it is that I do not cut my hair. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. The perceptions others have of us also affect the way we think about ourselves. Transvestite dress is an abomination to the Lord (Deuteronomy 22:5); it is a sterile and perverse hostility to Gods created order.4 He cited Keil and Delitzsch with approval: The immediate design of this prohibition was not to prevent licentiousness, or to oppose idolatrous practices. Like women, men are not allowed to wear cosmetics or jewelry other than wedding bands and wrist watches. We must not only be right in the sight of God, we must appear right in the sight of all mankind (Romans 12:17; II Corinthians 8:21). If I am showing myself as opposed to that by cutting my hair then I am failing to be the Christian I am called to be. Perfume could possibly play a small part in seduction (and should not be Ko used), but it has only a fraction of the power that im-modest dress, makeup, and ornaments have to attract attention, accentuate sensuality, and encourage lust. Furthermore, there is a qualitative difference between smell and sight. Apostolic Pentecostal denominations include the United Pentecostal Church, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and several smaller denominations. What is wrong with the complexion and hair we inherited? to a woman, a male, Deuteronomy 22:5; Jeremiah 30:6; 31:22; and even used of male offspring newly born; Job 3:3. . So did Elizabeth Rice Handford in Your Clothes Say It For You, teaching that women should have long, uncut hair while men should have short hair. . * Jewelry and makeup reflect a false set of values. Men and women wore different types of robes and headgear, and women wore veils. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. Per-fume helps to mask, eliminate, and replace unpleasant body odors caused by bacterial activity and perspiration. Certainly a Christian woman should seek to be attractive in both appearance and personality. We must ask what practices of the time concerned God enough for Him to inspire this passage. ////////////////////* Don't forget to pick up some AWESOME Yapa Apparel! The Christian must discipline the flesh, subdue its desires, and turn the spotlight away from it. Again, in Hosea 2:13, God likened His unfaithful people to an adulterous woman who wore jewelry: She decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.. This teaching is based on 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, where the apostle Paul provides instruction on proper conduct in the church. Cutting the hair off symbolized disgrace, mourning, and glory departed. They often braided into their hair strands of pearls and silk cords with gold coins attached. You have entered an incorrect email address! Finally, the heart must be modest and motives pure. The ACCA requires all male members to shave all facial hair off. * Our culture now accepts the use of makeup; the negative connotations of makeup no longer exist. Perhaps society does not associate makeup with harlotry as it used to, but does this mean God no longer thinks of those associations? Would He spend His time and money in this fashion? Also, societys acceptance does not change all the spiritual reasoning we have discussed. unmarried, she should seek to attract those interested in true beauty rather than in false, transient trappings. .and the use of ornaments may possibly have been involved in the custom.3. Skirts may be required by employers as part of their dress code policies. Those articles of clothing which are one step away from nuditysuch as bikinis, miniskirts, shorts, and halter topsmust be considered immodest. We can give many examples: dress and hairstyle of hippies in the 1960s, Mao suits of the Communist Chinese, use of uniforms by many organizations, business clothes, clothing of ethnic groups, similarity of dress among teenagers, dress of rock stars and fans, styles worn by homosexuals, clothing worn by prostitutes, and fads and fashions in general. To the contrary, it shows that God is not interested in adornment. . Otherwise, if society condoned total nudity, Christians could walk around nude. As part of Christian stewardship of the body, we believe in being physically fit, neat, clean, and attractive. As with other jewelry, the primary motivation for wearing rings seems to be for ornamentation, show, and impressing others. The Bible also shows that certain types of clothing can be particularly associated with adulterous behavior. . .Judges 5:30.16 Nelsons Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament says, The root meaning to be strong is no longer obvious in the usage of geber, since it is a synonym of ishA geber denotes a male, as an antonym of a woman. 17 It also says the word appears sixty times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Long Hair!Check it out in today's video!!! 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. *Is this wise stewardship on my part? When a woman wears an immodest dress, she begins to think of herself as seductive and acts accordingly. : By the author, 1976), p. 27. 20Dress and Ornaments, The Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible (Nashville: Abingdon, 1962), I, 871. They overemphasize the temporal, the unimportant, the physical, and even the ungodly. Furthermore you sent for men to come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and there they came. Do they see it as inconsistent with the Bibles stand and my own stand against ornamentation in general? Sproul explains that the writings of the Apostles bear the authority of the Lord who commissioned them. * The Old Testament descriptions of wicked women who wore makeup also describe those women doing accept able things such as washing with water and wearing colored clothing. Many acceptable things can be done by an evil person or can become evil only because of an evil motive. * Immodest clothing, jewelry, and makeup appeal to the lust of the eyes, which is the second major area of worldliness. It doesn't really bother me to shave once a day, but having to shave twice is too much. In this chapter we address several important questions that have arisen with respect to hair. * Ultimately, ungodly dress styles have a profound impact on society as a whole. Different cultures have different types of clothing. The adulterous woman in Ezekiel 23:40 also allured her lovers by ornaments. ), The Pulpit Commentary clearly states the teachings of Deuteronomy 22:5 and dispels the foregoing objections: That which pertaineth to a man; literally, the apparatus of a man, (including, not dress merely, but implements, tools, weapons, and utensils). (3) It is a sign to angels of the Christian womans obedience to God. According to Paul and Peter, a woman develops her beauty by concentrating on spiritual values. Using this objection, we could condone these practices today. R.C. We find only one clear exception to these categories: ornaments on clothing as a sign of luxury in Sauls reign (II Samuel 1:24-27). Wight stated, As a rule, Jewish men did not indulge in extravagance of dress, and there was little ornamentation among them. What is wrong with the beauty that emanates from within? Are these laws void? No hair touching a man's collar "We can honestly proclaim that the basic principles of godly appearance that apply to Christian women should also apply to men; namely, modesty, moderation, decency, elimination of ornamentation and costly finery, and distinction between male and female in hair and dress," the UPCI says. Some things classified as jewelry actually have a valid purpose other than adornment, such as watches. After Moses interceded for them, God spared their lives but announced He would not go with them to Canaan. Ralph Woodrow, Womens Adornment: What Does the Bible Really Say? I happen to have very sensitive skin with heavy facial hair. It is as though she has shaven (cut) her hair. Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or cost-ly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works (I Timothy 2:8-10, NKJV). Curly hair and straight hair have to be treated differently in regards to washing and brushing. At this point, let us consider a number of objections to the teaching on adornment and dress. .The plaiting of the hair was a usual feature of Jewish womens hairstyle, and in the more elaborate types the plaits were fastened with ribbons and bows. A passage that mentions hair length in the New Testament is 1 Corinthians 11:3-15. Hams reaction to seeing the nakedness of his father Noah was sinful (Genesis 9:20-25). In the Old Testament, God used abundant hair to symbolize perfection, strength, glory, and separation for a holy purpose. Most of the listed items can be used only for ornamentation and so always come under condemnation for their association with pride and vanity. Does God really care about our hair? It goes into a lot more depth on the reasoning behind holiness standards. Other translations of this verse elaborate upon its meaning: Do not live according to the fashions of the times (Norlie). (See NKJV, NIV.) The more accurate translation is probably articles of silver and gold. Makeup still highlights lust, sensuality, vanity, and pride as much as it ever did. We obey this teaching for the following reasons derived from that passage: (1) It demonstrates the wifes submission to the husband. .The extreme view that God requires a dull appearance (often accompanied with a dull personality) is certainly not consistent with the over-all teaching of the Bible.. Apostolic Women's Standards!!! These things breed pride and vanity, building up the human ego. When a woman was brought before the Persian king, she was allowed access to anything she desired in order to beautify herself (Esther 2:13). Here are some examples of Old Testament functional use: (1) People in ancient times used seals or signet rings to transact legal business (Genesis 41:42; Esther 8:2, 8; Haggai 2:23; Luke 15:22). In the Old Testament, God used abundant hair to symbolize perfection, strength, glory, and separation for a holy purpose. With this in mind, it is easy to see how long hair on a woman fulfills all the objectives described above. A girl who always wears dresses can learn how to conduct herself modestly in most activities. Should we take the teachings of Jesus more seriously than those of Paul? There was no need for false modes-ty between husband and wife, for they were one flesh. . * Our dress reflects what we truly are inside. Elizabeth Handford has elaborated on this subject: Clothing a woman puts on can affect how she feels. (It is no use responding that a womans curves make the difference, because this retort would concede that womens pants are immodest! Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. The material is copyrighted and should not be repainted under any other name or author. The immoral woman in Proverbs 7:10 wore the attire of a harlot. This statement actually insults both God and women. 3:1-11; 3:12-13; Titus 1:6-9). There is no reference . Most of them encourage their members to dress and live modestly, but do not have specific teachings about hair and skirts. Sproul. There seems to be no clear way to distinguish a finger ring from an earring, a nose ring, or a bracelet. The atmosphere became charged with sensuality. They come under the condemnation of this passage whenever they are worn with the wrong spirit or with great extravagance, expense, and show. Uncut Hair Is A Covering It goes on to say that a woman's hair is given to her for a covering. Apparently Christian faith implies a different standard of dress and adornment from the world s. 2, Paul and Peter did not oppose the simple braiding or arranging of the hair. The Bible does speak on the subject of adornment and dress. Excessive preoccupation with adornment, significant alteration of the natural physical appearance, and lavish expenditure of money on ornamentation all violate this principle. Apostolic Pentecostals cite 1 Corinthians 11:14 to teach that nature itself teaches that men should not wear their hair long. Why will they be part of the New Jerusalem? This objection misses the whole point of our refusal to wear gold and jewelry. A man ought not to have long hair. .A woman sets herself up for falling into sin when she chooses hair styles and clothes that are sensual. It brings out a dark current of sensuality and seduction. Apostolic Pentecostals historically have taught that women should not cut their hair, and that men should keep their hair cut short. Women who wear immodest clothing and adorn themselves sensually are actually placing temptation before men. God was concerned about modesty of dress in a day when even exposing the upper leg was considered immodest. However, gold earrings, nose rings, necklaces, and so on can have no function other than adornment. When heathen Queen Jezebel tried to seduce Jehu so that he would not execute her, she used makeup and ornamentation. If these do not apply, why should the prohibition of verse 5? We must certainly dress in a manner that would be considered modest for the occasion and in the judgment of our culture. Wight, p. 97. At least part of our daily attire must be exclusively associated with our gender, providing an unmistakable visual identification at first impression. In addition, we should avoid low necklines, sleeveless dresses or shirts, very tight clothes, very thin clothes, and slacks on women because they immodestly reveal the feminine contours of upper leg, thigh, and hip. In reality, I Timothy 2:9-10 describes two contrasting, mutually incompatible lifestyles. In answering this question we must look to the biblical context, the purpose behind modesty, our culture, and our motives. (1847; rpt. Can it be she subconsciously invites a proposition to sin? * Deuteronomy 22:5 was only given to oppose cultic transvestitism (transvestite behavior associated with pagan worship). If so, that hardly commends the practice to us today. Why dont you cut your hair? . Some of them, such as the articles of clothing, can be used innocently, but in this case they too were worn with ostentation and pride. Ke. When Judahs daughter-in-law seduced him, she took off her widows garments and put on prostitutes garb (Genesis 38:14-19). I dont know about you, but I do not want to be seen in the eyes of man, let alone God, as one that is opposed to modesty and purity. Dr. Brown points out that while the word "long hair" kme () occurs in the NT only in 1 Cor. What you wear affects your performance. However, makeup does not fall under this category. We can give many specific examples. According to Thayers Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, aidos means a sense of shame, modesty, and reverence. Women in the Apostolic Pentecostal Church wear long dresses and do not cut their hair, according to Synan. Women should not wear attire that is distinctively male, which for Western clothing means trousers, slacks, or pants. * There was little difference between male and female clothing in the Old Testament. The Bible only records that she used oil of myrrh, perfume, and other preparations to purify (beautify) the skin (Esther 2:12). .but to maintain the sanctity of that distinction of the sexes which was established by the creation of man and woman. An Apostolic Pentecostal woman of African descent will learn to do her hair differently from a white, Hispanic, or Asian Apostolic Pentecostal woman. If so, we could delete I Timothy 2:9 from the Bible as irrelevant. And you washed yourself for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments (Ezekiel 23:40, NKJV). If we act out a part long enough it affects the way we think about ourselves. It is important for Christians to appear to be holy and godly in front of others. Hey, ladies! Hair. Instead of accepting themselves for what they are and what God wants them to be, many mistakenly try to fight nature. An individual woman may not see how her particular violation of this principle will cause great moral damage to her, but we must obey God whether we understand His reasons or not. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1980), p. 241. We desire to make a consecration to God in this area, after Old Testament examples. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright APOSTOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE, Scriptural Teaching on Adornment and Dress, Scriptural Teaching on Adornment and Dress | Apostolic Information Service, Secret to Church Growth by Tim Massengale, Church Growth Must be Intentional by Tim Massengale, Faith Goal Setting Only Works When You Do It By Tim Massengale, Home Bible Study Success By Tim Massengale, Relationship Evangelism by Tim Massengale, Key Elements of Church Growth by Tim Massengale. Men should not wear attire that is distinctively female, which for Western clothing means dresses and skirts. For whom is she adorning herself? The original word used was the Greek word aischron which refers to something that is a disgrace. Outward ostentation is not in keeping with a prayerful and devout attitude. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. The Authority of Apostolic Teaching Renewing Your Mind with R.C. However, we reject the notion that it takes cosmetics to make a woman attractive. Some things have both functional and ornamental use, such as cuff links, tie clasps, tie bars, watch chains, and brooches. This is a respectable position as demonstrated by a footnote in the New International Version of the Bible, which offers the following alternative translation of verses 4-7: Every man who prays or prophesies with long hair dishonors his head. Since the primary effect of makeup is to highlight sex appeal, we reject makeup as immodest. Like women, men are not allowed to wear cosmetics or jewelry other than wedding bands and wrist watches. 2The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Charles Pfeiffer and Everett Harrison (eds.) This objection also ignores New Testament support for distinction of male and female in appearance. If He hated a certain practice in the Old Testament, He hates it now. According to Gesenius Hebrew Lexicon, geber means a man. INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, To Download the Entire Article, Outline, or PowerPoint, Click Here. Other people perceive her as pro-vocative and treat her as such, which reinforces her behavior. A demon-possessed man tore the clothes off seven Jews who tried to exorcise him (Acts 19:13-17). . Instagram - http://bit.ly/2tc2JxV Twitter - http://bit.ly/2tp7wqR//////////////////// What is Yapa238? Which is a shame to her and as though she is praying uncovered. Thanks for watching!READ MY NEW BLOG P. * Immodest clothing, jewelry, and makeup feed the lust of the flesh, which is one of the three major areas of worldliness (I John 2:16). What is considered immodest? We must never use dress to promote immodest conduct, and no degree of external modesty can cover up an immodest, lustful spirit. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall. So if I am living a life that speaks of opposing Gods standards for His people, what kind of Christian am I truly being? Who says a womans personality is dull unless she attempts to look seductive or showy? Hair adornments such as barrettes and hair pins are typically expected to be simple and functional. If Paul found immodest clothing in an age characterized by greater modesty of dress than our own, certainly he would consider many styles of clothing today to be immodest. A preoccupation with outward adorning invests time and energy in something that simply is not profitable. When Jacob went back to Bethel to renew his relationship with God, he disposed of all the idols and earrings belonging to his family (Genesis 35:1-7). (4) It is a shame for a man to pray with long hair or for a woman to pray with short hair. The feminist movement is certainly aware of this; they promote the wearing of pants as part of their liberation. Feminist Susan Brownmillers recent book Femininity holds that femininity is a nostalgic tradition of imposed limitations and that women who adopt a feminine style are trapped.12 As part of her revolt against the God-given distinction between male and female, she stopped wearing dresses and skirts altogether. One writer tried to justify the Christian woman in wearing makeup and jewelry by saying, If the motive of her heart is right, her efforts are not wrong.9 However, sincere motives are not enough; it is possible to be sincerely wrong. (3) Jewelry w; is used as a wedding token, with the bride and groom adorning themselves for each other (Genesis 24:22, 47; Song of Solomon 1:10-17; Isaiah 61:10; Jeremiah 2:32).
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