Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
October 29, 2017

Three Views of Modesty
by Bill Hall
Three women face the problem of modesty. All three recognize the teaching of 1 Timothy 2:9: “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 costly clothing…” but their attitudes toward the subject 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 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 a 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 her 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 outside,” 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 grope with 1 Timothy 2:9, and wonder why the Lord would be so restrictive in their dress, she sees that teaching as 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 ladylike in heart and demeanor, and this attitude is reflected in her dress. She remembers the warnings in Scripture concerning pride, and has truly become “poor in spirit.” This is also reflected in her dress. Her dress is a commentary on her character. One glance reveals that here is a woman who is pure, ladylike, 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 qualities in our hearts, then, and only then, will our problems of dress vanish.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

Phone Numbers

E-Mail Address
Web Address
We

Mailing Address

The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.