July 30, 2000 Humble Messenger
Humble Messenger
Volume 8, Week 31 July 30,
2000
Three Views of Modesty
Bill Hall
Three women face the problem of modesty. All three recognize
the teaching of 1 Timothy 2:9: "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves
in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or
pearls, or costly arrayŠ" but their attitudes toward modesty differ
considerably.
The first woman takes the "Where do you draw the line?" view. If someone could
draw the line for her (at the knee? ankle? calf?) and prove by the Bible that it was the
line separating modesty from immodesty, she would abide by it (she says). But, meanwhile,
until someone comes up with the Bible line, she wears what she wants to. If anyone
approaches her about her immodesty, she justifies herself with one question. "Where
do you draw the line?" followed by one observation, "Grandma wore her dress at
the ankles, you know."
The second woman takes the "follow the dress code" view. She has listened to
sermons on modesty, and has established for herself a code of dress by which she lives
religiously: no shorts, no halters, no swimsuit, skirt below the knee, high neck, etc. She
is a good woman and is to be commended for her conscientiousness, but it has never
"dawned" on her that a woman can dress by her code and still be worldly,
suggestive, and immodest in appearance. She would be shocked to learn that reasonable
people consider her to be immodest at times.
The third woman is concerned about dress, but is more concerned about the character of
which dress is a reflection. Recognizing Bible teaching concerning purity and chastity,
she has become genuinely pure and chaste, not only in conduct, but in heart and
disposition. She is pure "through and through," "inside and out," and
her clothing reflects that purity. Decency of dress is not a mechanical, "follow a
dress code" type of thing with her. It is a natural outgrowth of her modesty from
within. While other sisters in Christ grope with 1 Timothy 2:9, and wonder why the Lord
would be so restrictive in their dress, she sees that teaching as being perfectly natural,
an obvious supplement to Bible teaching concerning purity and chastity of heart and life.
Her dress reflects her character in other areas. For instance, she seeks to be lady-like
in heart and demeanor, and this attitude is reflected in her dress. She remembers the
warnings in the scriptures concerning pride, and has become truly "poor in
spirit." This is also reflected in her dress. Her dress in every way is a true
commentary on her character. One glance reveals that here is a women who is pure,
lady-like, humble, and genuine.
And is this not what 1 Timothy 2:9 is teaching? The verse says that we are to dress with
modesty, shamefacedness, and sobriety. When we all develop these three qualities in our
hearts, then -- and only then -- will our problems of dress vanish.
***
NEWS
Megan Hutson was married to Jason Henson yesterday
. . . Susan Dunbar's tests on Thursday showed no cancer. Gall stones were found and
she will need to have gall bladder surgery in a couple weeks . . . Craig Moore's
step-father, Bill Reeves, successfully underwent prostate cancer surgery last
Tuesday . . . This is the fifth Sunday of the month. The evening assembly will be devoted
to signing . . . Articles are being published in the Humble, Kingwood, and Montgomery
County editions of the Observer newspapers. If you do not receive an Observer newspaper at
your house, call 281-4461071 and let them know. Copies of the articles appearing the
newspapers are posted on the bulletin board. A few copies on card stock are available in
the foyer. You may find uses for them such as mailing or giving them to a friend, or
distributing them at work (e.g. leave a copy where it will be read - bulletin board, break
room, etc. Feel free to put your name on it if you would like the reader to contact you.).
Maybe one will open the door for discussion. You can also download them at the church's
web site http://www.kingwoodcable.com/colblip/humblechurchofchrist/. If we find that the
card stock copies are useful, we will need volunteers to copy and cut additional copies .
. . Please check for paper or other trash around your seating area before you leave . . .
New Report in foyer: Wayne Chamberlain . . . Gospel Meeting: July 30-Aug. 4,
Bacliff, TX. For speakers and directions, see announcement in foyer . . . Lord's Supper
preparation for August: Bobbie Jean Schindler . . . Ralph and Toy Robinson
have provided for Zelma Bobbitt's transportation the entire month of July. August
is almost filled. There may be one opening left (August 6). It is good to see this work
zealously and graciously pursued by the saints here. "For God is not unjust so as to
forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered
and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same
diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end," Heb.
6:10,11 . . . Jason Swann has suffered several setbacks the last week or so and is
still not able to leave the hospital . . . Jamie Whitehead is to have outpatient
surgery on Monday . . . June Hodges fell last Sunday. Thankfully,
nothing was broken . . Misty Coody's new daughter, Jade, is being monitored
for her breathing rate. At present there is not thought to be a problem. It is simply
being done as a precautionary measure. Thus far, the monitor has not indicated any
abnormalities to be concerned about.
Our gospel meeting begins FRIDAY,
THIS WEEK, August 4, 7:30 p.m.
Chuck Durham, who preaches in Capell, Texas, will be
doing the preaching. His wife, Wilna, and their son will be with him. We will
meet on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Note the earlier than usual
meeting time on Saturday evening.
There may be one opening left for providing a meal for the Durhams. Check
the meal list in the foyer.
Wednesday Evening Close
Aug 2 Charles Tu
Aug 9 John Whitehead
Aug 16 Arthur Wilborn
Aug 23 Verlan Wilson
SCHEDULED TO SERVE
August 2 - Wednesday
Announcements: Boyd Hurst
Song Leader: David Dickey
Close: Charles Tu
August 6 - Sunday
AM
Announcements: Johnathan Bernard
Song Leader: David Osteen
First Prayer: Verlan Wilson
Preaching: Chuck Durham
Closing Prayer: Glenn Bogs
PM
Song Leader: David Dickey
First Prayer: Jeff Bogs
Preaching: Chuck Durham
Closing Prayer: Eddie Crain
Lord's Table, AM & PM
Bread: Doug Bernard
Fruit of the Vine: Tod Aldridge
Contribution: Mark Ary
Assistant: Johnathan Bernard