Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
March 25, 2018

Don’t Break the Look
by Doy Moyer (via mindyourfaith.com)
Dress codes are common—not always liked or appreciated, but still a regular part of many organizations and services. One of the more well-known organizations with a dress code is Disney. They have what is called the “Disney Look,” and “Cast Members” (employees) aren’t allowed to break that look. For example, they aren’t allowed to dye their hair an unnatural color, have visible nose rings or tattoos, or wear wild nail polish. They aren’t really allowed to have their own individualized look. They must conform to the “Disney Look” standards.
This gets me thinking about the “Christian look.” I know there aren’t specified codes in the same exact sense that organizations will spell out dress codes, but there is still a modest look that Christians are expected to demonstrate. Since Christians have “clothed” ourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:27) and are to “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect” (Titus 2:10), we need to realize that what we wear is a reflection of our inner character. Scripture plainly warns against the two sides of the “dress code” violations: 1) immodesty, or wearing that which is meant to draw special attention to yourself, and 2) nakedness, a failure to not wear enough.
We can get so wrapped up in trying to define the exact lines of what is too much, too little, too low, too high, etc., that we lose sight of an even more fundamental fact: as Christians, we are not to “break the look” of the adornment of Christ. Here, then, are some reminders about our “look” as Christians:
It’s NOT about individuality, personal expression, or personal comfort. Christians recognize that we are to deny ourselves and take up the cross daily (Luke 9:23). When we try to make Christianity just another mode of personal expression, to make it our own look, then we have completely missed the point. This is true whether we are talking about dress or anything else. Our privilege is to glorify God, to make it all about Him. Christianity has never been a religion of convenience or self-will, but one of sacrifice and self-emptying.
On the other hand, it is about representing something (or someone) bigger. It’s about being a team player, knowing that there are others who need to be edified and encouraged. No Christian will want to run over the sensibilities of others, even if it is something that is a personal “right” (Romans 14). It’s about knowing our limits and understanding that we live by standards that are not our own. It’s about submitting to others. You may disagree with a particular dress code. You might even think it’s silly. But those in positions of authority had reasons for doing it the way they did. They have reasons for asking you to abide by the code. Submission isn’t about agreeing; it’s about giving up self even when you don’t agree or understand.
Don’t break the “Christian Look.” You have clothed yourself with Christ. You adorn His doctrine. Let your outer dress properly reflect godly inward character.
The Ideal Marriage
The ideal marriage takes place between two people who are already married to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2), for several reasons.
Their faithfulness to Him will make them faithful to each other (Matt. 19:3-6).
The love they learned from Him is the love they’ll show to each other (1 John 3:16-18; 1 Cor. 13:1-8).
Because His relationship to the church is their model, they will reflect that same relationship in their marriage (Eph. 5:25-33).
Thankful for their salvation in Him, they will work together to save others (Acts 26:29; 18:26; Luke 19:10).
Giving, attending, raising children, etc.—no conflict in these things, because His priorities are their priorities (Matt. 6:33; Luke 10:38-42; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Eph. 6:1-4, Heb. 10:24-25).
Nothing will ever mean more to the one than to help the other be “in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming” (1 Thess. 2:19-20).

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

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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.