Hearty nutrition!
Last week, we had a small turnout, so this week, we are going to kind of repeat some of what we covered last time.
We are comparing what the world has to say about what should be our motivation for fashion/apparel choices with what God's word says. Even though there are no specifics on length of hems or bathing suits, there is TONS in the Bible about what should be the child of God's motivations, values and purposes, for nearly every decision we make, etc. God's word is a light.
We can count on the world to have "wisdom" that contradicts nearly everything in the Bible! Worldly wisdom or common sense are very inferior to
So, what does the world say about how we should make our clothing choices? Here are a few criteria which are recommended as clinchers for our choices:
Without attempting to create rules to counter each lie of the world, we can test each idea against the Bible.
For example, to what extent are christians to seek to display their unique personality? What is the purpose of doing that? (Note: this is not denying the fact that we have unique personalities, which the Bible substantiates, for example, in Romans 12. But the idea that we need to display our personality through our clothing -- an idea that most people would say is true, especially of teenagers.) Does the Bible substantiate that as a purpose for clothing?
(Would we do better to start with asking, "What does the Bible say is the purpose of clothing?" since God first instituted it to meet a specific purpose?)
With just about any area of life where we need to make decisions, the necessity of renewing our minds is so vital. It's also vital that we have wisdom to pass on to our children or younger sisters in Christ, so that they are strengthened against the false ideas of the world.
Romans 12:1,2
Romans 12:1,2
Romans 12:1,2
Romans 12:1,2
Another obvious area where most women recognize the need to test what the world says with what the Word says is in food choices. Yes, it's not neutral. We recognize that the formation of our children character is shaped in part by their motivation for eating.
Most women become fairly cynical towards food advertisements and cereal boxes, because they recognize the assumptions being peddled. We see the brightly colored boxes with "free" prizes inside, and we explain to our children that the product is overpriced and under-nutritious. We look for simple ingredients and try to focus on nutrition, rather than quick and easy frozen or canned stuff.
If our child picks up a strangely colored pouch with aliens on the front (portable applesauce), we wisely explain that the cost savings and food value of an apple exceeds the benefits of the pouch and its dubious contents.
But the food manufacturers are pretty solidly sure to generate a lot of revenue by packaging products in a way that attracts children. They recognize that marketing aimed at children will work because there are many parents who will purchase a certain amount of products based on their children's choice. If they can influence the children in various ways, either swaying them from their parent's influence or offering influence where their parents have not sought to influence their children very much, sales go up.
Here are some of the manufacturers' suggestions to consumers (parents and children in particular).
The Lord Jesus told us that even more concern should be shown for the hearts of our children. How much more important than physical health is dilligently guarding the influences which we allow to shape their hearts.
While a significant portion of the Old Testament laws did pertain to health preservation, God's primary purpose was for spiritual blessing in and through Israel (Genesis 22:18). Even in the Bible, we see the Lord Jesus addressing the issue of emphasizing physical health over spiritual well-being.
As we discussed previously, modesty (and any other virtue) should not be the working of rules in our lives. The Bible does not support that. What the Bible commends is the outworking of the fruit of the gospel in our lives.
While we are evaluating the many ideas and assumptions and promises being marketed to us from every angle, from clothing to food to books to cars, what is so awesome, what is so obviously just the wisdom and foreknowledge of God, is that by seeking those things which are above, not seeking approval or applause from man but from GOD, we will be given the discernment we need in every area. Here is some more precious assurance-- with some fashion advice to protect us from relying on worldly wisdom thrown in!
We are comparing what the world has to say about what should be our motivation for fashion/apparel choices with what God's word says. Even though there are no specifics on length of hems or bathing suits, there is TONS in the Bible about what should be the child of God's motivations, values and purposes, for nearly every decision we make, etc. God's word is a light.
We can count on the world to have "wisdom" that contradicts nearly everything in the Bible! Worldly wisdom or common sense are very inferior to
"... the wisdom that is from above
is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. "
James 3:17
is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. "
James 3:17
So, what does the world say about how we should make our clothing choices? Here are a few criteria which are recommended as clinchers for our choices:
- My personal comfort
- Showing my style
- Being casual
- Feeling (or even just looking) sporty
- Showing I have unique style
- Standing out
- Looking pretty/Looking my best
- Attracting men/Being alluring
- Being hip
- Wearing what is popular
- Fitting in
- Looking natural
- Looking bold or assertive
- Looking wealthy
- Looking intelligent or intellectual
- Looking like a professional
- Showing my favorite team/movie/college/band
- Looking ragged/grunge
Without attempting to create rules to counter each lie of the world, we can test each idea against the Bible.
For example, to what extent are christians to seek to display their unique personality? What is the purpose of doing that? (Note: this is not denying the fact that we have unique personalities, which the Bible substantiates, for example, in Romans 12. But the idea that we need to display our personality through our clothing -- an idea that most people would say is true, especially of teenagers.) Does the Bible substantiate that as a purpose for clothing?
(Would we do better to start with asking, "What does the Bible say is the purpose of clothing?" since God first instituted it to meet a specific purpose?)
With just about any area of life where we need to make decisions, the necessity of renewing our minds is so vital. It's also vital that we have wisdom to pass on to our children or younger sisters in Christ, so that they are strengthened against the false ideas of the world.
Romans 12:1,2
Romans 12:1,2
Romans 12:1,2
Romans 12:1,2
Another obvious area where most women recognize the need to test what the world says with what the Word says is in food choices. Yes, it's not neutral. We recognize that the formation of our children character is shaped in part by their motivation for eating.
Most women become fairly cynical towards food advertisements and cereal boxes, because they recognize the assumptions being peddled. We see the brightly colored boxes with "free" prizes inside, and we explain to our children that the product is overpriced and under-nutritious. We look for simple ingredients and try to focus on nutrition, rather than quick and easy frozen or canned stuff.
If our child picks up a strangely colored pouch with aliens on the front (portable applesauce), we wisely explain that the cost savings and food value of an apple exceeds the benefits of the pouch and its dubious contents.
But the food manufacturers are pretty solidly sure to generate a lot of revenue by packaging products in a way that attracts children. They recognize that marketing aimed at children will work because there are many parents who will purchase a certain amount of products based on their children's choice. If they can influence the children in various ways, either swaying them from their parent's influence or offering influence where their parents have not sought to influence their children very much, sales go up.
Here are some of the manufacturers' suggestions to consumers (parents and children in particular).
- It's fast and easy
- It's fortified with vitamins and fiber
- Everyone likes it!
- It's shaped like dinosaurs/aliens/Barbies
- It's FUN!
- It's reduced fat/sugar/calories.
- It tastes so yummy, children will eat it without knowing it's healthy.
The Lord Jesus told us that even more concern should be shown for the hearts of our children. How much more important than physical health is dilligently guarding the influences which we allow to shape their hearts.
While a significant portion of the Old Testament laws did pertain to health preservation, God's primary purpose was for spiritual blessing in and through Israel (Genesis 22:18). Even in the Bible, we see the Lord Jesus addressing the issue of emphasizing physical health over spiritual well-being.
And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them,
Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him:
but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him:
but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Mark 7:14-23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 4:23
As we discussed previously, modesty (and any other virtue) should not be the working of rules in our lives. The Bible does not support that. What the Bible commends is the outworking of the fruit of the gospel in our lives.
While we are evaluating the many ideas and assumptions and promises being marketed to us from every angle, from clothing to food to books to cars, what is so awesome, what is so obviously just the wisdom and foreknowledge of God, is that by seeking those things which are above, not seeking approval or applause from man but from GOD, we will be given the discernment we need in every area. Here is some more precious assurance-- with some fashion advice to protect us from relying on worldly wisdom thrown in!
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
James 1:5-11
Yes.
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