Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
July 30, 2017

Questions to Answer About Our Dress
by Bryan Gibson
Do I get a little upset when this subject is even raised, and if so, why is that? Is it because I still want to do what I want to do? Could it be that I have yet to crucify myself? (Matthew 16:24; Galatians 5:24).
Am I willing to be different—to not be conformed to the world, but transformed? (Romans 12:1-2). The way I dress right now—which does it reflect more—Biblical principles, or current fashion trends?
Am I responsible at all for what others think when they see the way I’m dressed? For sure they’re accountable for their own thoughts, but I can be a stumbling block to them (Matthew 18:6-7). If speech can be enticing (Prov. 7:21), so can dress.
God says to put on these virtues: self-control, modesty, shamefastness, sobriety, meekness and quietness, humility, chastity and discretion. How much impact will these virtues have on what I wear or don’t wear? And just how much effort have I put in to developing these virtues?
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:13-14)—can I put Him on and then put on something even slightly suggestive, or enticing? Is it possible that I wear things right now that encourage the very things to which He is so completely opposed?
The dress code for a Christian—should it be less stringent than what’s required in schools? The Autauga County Dress Code prohibits these items: “strapless dresses, tee tops, muscle shirts, shorts with wide legs, short tops and low-waist pants that expose midriff, clothing made of sheer fabric or spandex, clothing which is too short, too tight, or too revealing.” The purpose behind these prohibited items? To avoid “causing distraction of others.” Hmm, wonder what that distraction might be?
Is it possible to dress modestly AND attractively? Absolutely. People every day prove it’s possible. Actually, dressing in a completely out of date style can draw undue attention to oneself.
Ladies, which gives you the better hope for finding the right kind of man—dressing suggestively, or dressing modestly? What you want on “full display” is those virtues mentioned in question #4.
Yes, the heart matters most to God (1 Samuel 16:7), but is it possible for me to dress in such a way that draws attention to everything but the heart?
The way I dress—does it represent the pursuit of holiness—for myself and for others around me? (Hebrews 12:14).
Contrasts like these are often presented in Scripture: resist...draw near; abhor...cling; flee...pursue. In light of these admonitions, is it a good idea to get as “close to the line” as possible?
Maximizing my influence—doing the most good and the least harm for the most people—that’s a clear Biblical principle (1 Cor. 9:19-23; 10:23-24, 32-33). When it comes to the way I dress, am I maximizing my influence, both with my brethren and the people of the world? The feedback I’m getting on my dress, especially from conscientious people, may just answer that question for me.
What I wear (and the virtues reflected by such)—does it commend the gospel to others, or does it distract from or reflect poorly on the gospel? The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life—these are the things in the world (1 John 2:15-17). Does my dress and my conduct oppose or support these things?
When Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6), was He talking about me? On this matter of dress, am I searching for every relevant passage and principle? Am I concerned enough to search for answers? Does being pleasing to God matter to me more than anything else?
“It is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:16).

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