The constant barrage of sensual images from the media have trained the modern eye to seek more and more visual stimulation. The fashion industry has responded by providing clothing that is revealing and provocative to allow men and women to display their bodies in ways that draw attention to the flesh instead of the person inside.
The Christian is challenged to train his eyes to focus on what is pure and to choose clothing that reflects an inward godliness (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Like Job, we should train our eyes (Job 31:1) and follow the New Testament instructions to let our minds dwell on what is pure (Philippians 4:8). Jesus said that one who looks on a woman to lust commits adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:27-30) but women especially should be careful not to place obstacles in a man’s desire to think pure by wearing revealing clothing (Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:12).
Here are some resources to help men and women watch out for each others souls in this important matter (not listed in any particular order).
Jonathan Perz Articles on Immodest Dress In this two part series, Jonathan discusses the Bible understanding of nakedness and the application of customs and modern standards to our understanding of this issue.
The Suddenly Uncomfortable Cheerleading Uniform Parents are disturbed after a man films cheerleaders at sporting events and compiles them into a sensual video. As bad as this was, parents need to reflect on what the girls were wearing in public as the man filmed routines they were performing in front of grandstands of hundreds.
A Father’s Plea For Modesty Yes I wrote this article but, as the father of girls and boys I wanted to share some observations that I hoped would help parents and young people with this issue.
David Hartsell’s Alabama Winter Camp Class on Modesty Another great resource on the Godly Youth website. Be sure to look at the lesson on lasciviousness as it lays the groundwork for the lessons on modesty and lustful dancing.
I recently preached a sermon on Modesty and referenced many of these resources. Here is the audio. (February 15-17, 2013 series)
Whether you are a citizen of the United States or another nation of the world, at times you may look at the choices of your fellow citizens and feel that the nation is wasting within and interpret events such as election results and natural disasters as the punishment of God on the wicked. It could be, for who can know the mind of God. But it may be that other purposes are being accomplished.
As I’ve written before, I do believe God rules in the kingdoms of men. However, I think that while one cannot rule out that a particular natural disaster may be God calling some to repentance, we also cannot rule out that it may just be the product of the natural laws that God put in place when He created this world. In a series on God and suffering, I addressed this (particularly in the second article)
A question from my young friend Dana about the trends towards wickedness in the United States prompted my thoughts on this subject. In particular, could God allow America (or any other country) to elect leaders who encourage ungodly practices?
Since we ultimately trust that God rules in the kingdoms of men one can interpret certain outcomes as punishment on a people, but those outcomes could also serve other functions.
A preacher friend suggested that if the US falls, perhaps it will demonstrate the foolishness of building a government on humanistic wisdom. When a nation builds on a foundation that does not incorporate the principles of God’s word, it can be our Tower of Babel so to speak. Those who know me well understand that I love history and two periods in particular: ancient history and the establishment of America. It is easy to get me to watch a documentary on the American Revolution and I would be hard pressed to pass on an opportunity to visit a historical site from that period. Yet, for all the mentions of God and providence by the founding fathers, the revolution was also a product of Enlightenment humanism. And while I will not complain about the formation and principles of our government, when we seek to establish a nation whose citizenry embrace the works of the flesh more than the fruits of the Spirit and “put their trust in chariots and horses (Psalm 20:7),” we should not be surprised when it weakens from within. It may be the punishment of God but it can also be the consequences of wickedness that is part of God’s order (i.e., Proverbs 5:21-23).
If our nation becomes more immoral (not determined by an election but the choices of each citizen), perhaps it will provide opportunities for the gospel since people are often seeking the light when they have journeyed far into the darkness and realize they are lost. Remember in Luke 7:36-50, it was the immoral woman who realized her wickedness that sought Jesus with a sorrowful heart and washed His feet with her tears. Simon was just as lost yet he didn’t realize his perilous condition because his wickedness was not so obvious in his own eyes. Perhaps a nation is allowed to wander into wickedness for the salvation of souls.
Maybe another purpose accomplished is that Christians will realize that God’s purposes will not be achieved through worldly leaders and legislation but taking the gospel to their neighbors. There are many immoral practices that are legislated and approved by worldly governments. Though Christians do not have to participate in these ungodly behaviors and can speak out against them, they should not expect that governments will consistently legislate in ways that harmonize with God’s will. As mentioned before, even allowing citizens to participate in such behaviors may ultimately work out for the good when some realize that the behaviors do not provide peace or joy and seek God’s way.
Regardless of whether our nation wastes from within or repents in sackcloth and ashes, God’s people, citizens of that heavenly kingdom, can take courage that their kingdom shall stand forever.
I have attended many church business meetings considering purchases for furnishings, the outdoors, classroom supplies, material for edification, gospel meetings or special services (with associated advertising efforts), and a host of worthy matters. Inevitably some decision arises where members express the concern that it is a waste of the Lord’s money (money contributed to the local church on the first day of the week). I contend that Bible Class books are a waste of this money that is to be used for benevolence, edification, and evangelism.
From Freefoto.com. Free for Commercial Use
Looking at an online bookstore I found some very educational material by Robert Harkrider for about $6.95 per book. Bob and Sandra Waldron published excellent books on the history and geography of the Bible that will take you on an insightful journey through the Bible for about $9.95-14.95 per book. These books reflect extensive study, organization, and writing by true Bible scholars. Even question books at the low cost of $3-4 per book would still fall into this category of wasted money.
Why is this a waste of the Lord’s Money?
Growing up, my mom’s greatest frustration was when we would “throw our money away.” Buying candy and playing coin-operated video games seemed like a wise investment of funds to my ten year-old mind but fell into her “thrown away money” category along with unnecessary fees for late library books or movies, gas used on wasted trips, and food purchased but not eaten. As a father I have adopted her view. We hate to see hard earned money wasted. It is frustrating to see Christians contribute hard earned funds and see it wasted. But you say Bible class books are useful material and provide direction for the class, how could it be a waste of the Lord’s money?
Lost Books: Few things frustrate me more than students–adults and kids–losing their class books by the second or third class period. By the middle and end of the quarter some are using replacement books or the visitor copy. The average class quarter is three months! Some students are costing $15-30 per quarter (serial offenders then are wasting $45-120 per year). Anyone who is responsible for ordering class material has known the frustration of counting the members and adding copies for visitors then reordering books after the first month because some brethren need a book. It is especially frustrating for those who have to copy, collate, and assemble class books (a boring job) to hear a teacher say “we need you to print some more books for our class.” Several years ago I spent hours making a class book (not counting the many hours writing it) and told the class that I would email them an Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word copy of the material if they lost their book and they could reprint copies to their heart’s desire. Some chose to share a book with their neighbor instead.
Unused Books: The often unspoken disappointment of teachers (and I am speaking it here) is walking around an empty classroom or auditorium seeing Bibles and class books left behind for retrieval at the next class period. You know that lesson will not be read and those questions will not be answered in preparation for the next class. Once I asked an adult class to turn to the question page, close their eyes, and hold their pages up and out so that only I could see them. Sadly, a large percentage of the lessons were blank. I wonder if their children had completed lessons?
If many in the congregation will leave their class books in the church building or car or lose them quickly, then it is wasteful for the church to continue to spend money purchasing the material. If 90 class books are ordered (for members, visitors, and replacement copies) and 60% will be unused or lost, then $540 will be wasted that quarter, $2,160 for the year.
Fantasy Solutions
I have some fantasy solutions to address the problem. They are fantasy solutions because I doubt anyone would actually do it; but a man can dream.
Solution 1: At the end of the last class for the quarter announce the topic for the next quarter and direct the students to a bookstore to purchase the material. After the shock and silent outrage sets in, tell the class that if they will bring a completed class book to the teacher immediately after class, the church will purchase the next quarter class book for them. After students purchase at least one quarter of material themselves to turn in (completed) at the end of the quarter, they might realize the cost involved and the educational value of completing the material.
Solution 2: There are two classrooms. Someone is posted at the door to the first classroom and those who show a completed lesson (or are visiting) are allowed to enter. Those who have lost books or have not completed their lessons go to the second classroom. In the first classroom the students have an engaging class on the topic because they know the material and perhaps have brought questions developed in the preparation of the lesson. The teacher doesn’t have to teach what was supposed to be prepared ahead of time so the class can get into the material at a greater depth. In the second classroom there is no teacher but a facilitator and the class can discuss whatever jumps in their head. Brother “I Think”, Sister “Preacher So-and-So used to say”, and Brother Internet, who does a quick commentary reference and concordance search and spouts off what the search returned, can opine to their hearts content. It won’t really matter what they discuss since there is no prepared material to know whether the discussion is on track or not, or even scriptural for that matter. It will be full of discussion though, and that can’t be a bad thing!
How Bible Class Books Can Be A Wise Purchase
Keep them: Bible class books are not cheap either in finished product cost or the labor of someone to print and assemble. Keep up with your class book. Kids in public school are given several books and are expected to keep them for a whole school year–nine months! Generally we just have to keep books for a third of that time. Great books like the ones mentioned above are great resources to keep permanently and one can build a useful library with good class books (especially with completed questions and notations of lessons learned).
Use them: A class is enhanced when students come prepared, having read the texts, answered the questions to reinforce their understanding of the subject, and developed their own questions or observations to share with the class. Consider that preparing such a lesson in this way will take longer to complete than the time it takes to ride to the church building.
If we keep the books, the church will not have to purchase more material than necessary, exhibiting wise stewardship of the Lord’s money. If we use the books, then the money will be expended for edification, not an illusion of it, and a wise use of the Lord’s money.
A medical MRI exposes bone, muscle, and organs in detailed three dimensional pictures for detailed examination. The doctor sees every normal and abnormal feature to find what is wrong and determine a course of treatment. Imagine a spiritual MRI exposing memories of words spoken and actions taken, and the inner thoughts that you share with no one. In the presence of God, the thoughtful person realizes his own unworthiness and inferiority.
When God spoke to Job of his great power and wisdom, Job said he would cover his mouth and say nothing else, Job 40:3-5. When the prophet Isaiah beheld the glory of God, he cried out for he was “a man of unclean lips dwelling among unclean people” (Isaiah 6:1-7). The apostle had a similar experience with Jesus on the shores of Galilee.
In Luke 5, Peter allowed Jesus to preach from his boat to a large multitude on the shore. I imagine the powerful words of truth echoing off the water to the eager multitude and Peter listening attentively in the boat, perhaps mending his nets after the long night of fishing. Jesus asked Peter to go fishing again. Peter and the other fishermen had an unsuccessful night having caught no fish and his words suggested that fishing now would produce no better result. Encouraged by Jesus, Peter lowered the nets and caught so many fish that James and John were called to bring back the bounty. Peter returns to the shore amazed but troubled.
Peter saw Jesus as he really was
Peter heard the words of Jesus. The preaching of Jesus caused guards sent to arrest him to return empty handed marveling that no one spoke like Jesus, John 7:46. Jesus amazed the people by speaking with authority, Matthew 7:28-29. The preaching of Jesus pricks the heart and leads hearers to examine themselves. The reputation of Jesus’ power had spread throughout the region and Peter witnessed that power in his own boat. Peter did not see a great teacher; he saw the Son of God.
Peter saw himself as he really was
Jesus’ power and holy teaching cut Peter to the heart. Peter begged Jesus to depart from his sinful presence. Peter was not holy like Jesus and considered himself unworthy to be in the presence of such righteousness. Like lepers forced to warn others to avoid their defiled diseased bodies, Peter warned Jesus to depart from his spiritually wretched body.
Jesus saw Peter as he really was
Jesus didn’t contradict Peter’s self-condemnation. Jesus knew the hearts of men and knew Peter’s sinfulness. Though Peter begged Jesus to depart from him, Jesus invited Peter to follow him as a disciple. Far from being repulsed by Peter, Jesus wanted Peter to remain in his presence.
Jesus saw Peter as he could be
Jesus looked beyond the boats, the fish and the sea to a future Peter casting the net of the gospel into the mass of humanity to catch the souls of men. Peter the sinner would be transformed into a godly servant doing great work in the Lord’s kingdom. Peter’s heart was pricked by the presence of Jesus and he would prick the hearts of others by preaching the gospel of Jesus, Acts 2:36-38. Jesus saw the man Peter would be before Peter would see it in himself.
What Jesus sees in us
When we experience the presence of Jesus through his word, we are exposed for who we really are. If we do not resist him, his word will peel away the illusions we have about ourselves and expose our sinfulness in the brightness of his light. Do not fear this intimate dissection of the inward person (Hebrews 4:12-13) but understand that facing the sinful self is necessary to heal the cancer of sin within.
Instead of driving us from his presence, Jesus calls us to follow him. When we obey his gospel, the filth of rebellion and disease of sin is cleansed with his holy sacrificial blood and we are transformed to reflect his glory in our lives, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. We reflect his light into the dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). Our sinful self becomes part of our past and we are declared righteous though we do not deserve such a title, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
Jesus can use us, as he did Peter, to accomplish great things in the kingdom. We can rescue others from the darkness and slavery of sin by sharing the gospel. We can build up fellow Christians and rescue those who stray from him, James 5:19-20. We can see in others what they do not see in themselves and encourage them to follow Jesus.
Jesus sees us as we can be when we see Jesus as he is.
It sounds like the beginning of a joke, “a widow and some hypocritical scribes went to the temple…” but it describes a contrast of characters that Jesus addressed in Mark 12:38-44. He warned his disciples about the hypocritical scribes and commended the simple actions of an impoverished widow. Consider the sharp contrast between the widow and the scribes
Seeking Society’s Attention vs. Ignored by Society
The scribes loved to hear the sound of their names and the prestige accorded them by the multitudes. They loved to walk through the marketplace and receive greetings that indicated that they were on a higher spiritual level. It was this same condemnation Jesus leveled against those who love to be called by spiritual titles: reverend, rabbi, father, and teacher (Matthew 23:1-12). Even today men covet such titles and wear them as badges of honor and pride instead of being content with the name Christian that all saints wear. The scribes also loved the seats of prominence in the worship and social gatherings. They loved to have the attention of society and played the part of a righteous person though they were corrupt within.
Contrasted to these hypocrites who were praised by society, the simple act of giving a couple of small coins in the treasury was almost unnoticed. Jesus had to draw the attention of the apostles to her act of generosity. While the rich are drawing the eyes of the people in the temple, the widow appears to be moving as a shadow among them, giving a small amount, and disappearing into the mass of worshipers. Yet the Lord noticed her gift and praised her service to his apostles.
Oppressor vs. the Oppressed
Jesus charged the hypocritical scribes with devouring widow’s houses. They used the prominence they enjoyed in society, and perhaps their knowledge of the law, to take advantage of the widows. They should have pleaded the widow’s cause (Isaiah 1:17) and not oppressed them (Zechariah 7:10). These who were weak needed the protection of the scribes but they were victims to their schemes.
It may be, since these stories appear so close in context, that this widow was a victim of the scribes. If so, what great faith of this woman who though “men of God” took advantage of her she did not lose faith in God and continued to serve Him with the little she possessed. It reminds us that the hypocrisy of others, even people esteemed as great people of faith, does not allow us to be unfaithful. God knows the heart of every man and woman. If Jesus could see and judge the scribes as hypocrites on earth, how much more when all are gathered to his throne and every thought, intent, and action is laid open before him. Never let another’s hypocrisy stop your obedience.
Self-Seeking vs. Generosity
As mentioned before, the scribes craved attention instead of giving glory to God. The rich gave to the treasury from their abundance (the extra) but held onto their wealth for their own pleasure. The poor widow gave out of her necessity because she esteemed spiritual treasures of greater value than physical treasures.
Important Lessons For Us
Do we want people to praise us for who we are or what we do for them or are we happy if only God knows who we are?
Are we giving from our abundance or are we sacrificing in order to give to God? This would include money, time, and our selves.
Would we continue serving God even if others were esteeming hypocritical people as godly men and women?
Can we be happy with only God knowing what we do in service to Him? Remember, the widow’s generous gift would have gone unnoticed by men except Jesus brought their attention to it while the scribes and the rich were the objects of the attention of others.
Let us do all things to God’s glory and seek no glory for ourselves.
Godly Youth 