Originally published Monday, 29 July 2013.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Welcome back! If you missed Part I of this series, you can always pause on this one and check it out first (http://insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/2013/07/22/part-i-god-is-calling-you-to-holinesspick-up/). However, if you’re just ready to dive right into this one…feel absolutely free to read on! Now with that being said, I’m going to press on and continue this series on the reality that God is calling you to holiness… and me too, for that fact. This week, I’m talking about how the call to holiness relates to our apparel. Get ready for this one!
Okay, so the Lord is calling you and (me) to be holy with our bodies. And yes, I am going there, because we have to understand that this is important to God. First Timothy 2:9-10 says, “And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing…For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” (NLT)
This passage of Scripture really helps, because it is so clear that God wants us to be modest and decent in our apparel. Now this does not mean that you have to wear skirts down to your ankle or super loose jeans or pants. However, if you feel led to do that, go for it. I’m certainly not the fashion police. But if we take the Scripture for what it is, we just have to be mindful that this is not a man-made idea, but one that was totally inspired by God. Second Timothy 4:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It’s God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”
So you see, we must follow through on what the Word is saying with our whole heart, regardless to how we might feel about it. It’s simply…obedience. Sometimes when I’m about to get dressed to go somewhere, I’ll ask the Lord to dress me. I’ll search through my closet to make sure that what I’m about to put on will please God. This happens when my mind takes me to a place where I’m like, “I could possibly get away with that. Hmm….” But then I’m quickened by the Holy Spirit to be modest and decent in my apparel. This might seem deep for some of you, but for me, I really do consider it this way. The other part to this, is that I don’t want to cause anyone else to stumble around me just because I feel like looking super good that day. Ladies, you know what I mean.
Matthew 5:8 says, “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (NLT) I want to see God in right standing, and I'm sure you do as well. So we can’t be dressed provocatively with tight jeans, skirts, shorts, tight tops or dresses (tight suits at work or in church), or with our boobies (breasts) hanging out. Again, as I mentioned earlier, this could cause someone to stumble around us. And we can’t act like, imitate, or dress like the world. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into the new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” (NLT) This is being God-conscious.
Listen sis, the point here today is that we make sure that we are watchful and mindful of our own walk as it relates to holiness in our apparel. Remember, God said, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” I also need to mention here that this is personal, between you and God, and it will take a life-long practice. But I just want you to keep in mind that whatever you decide to do, it will reflect your character. Remember what the Word said in 1 Timothy 2:10, “For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.”
So the next time you’re getting dressed or about to purchase something that might be a little questionable, ask yourself this question, “Would this please God?” Or better yet ask Him, “What do you think about this Daddy?” It’s that child-like faith that can make such a huge difference in impacting the world around us. Make the choice to be holy today. I believe you can do it…through Christ!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
P.S.
Join me next week for Part 3. In the meantime, I encourage you to search the Scriptures on a more in-depth study on holiness as it relates to godly speech and conduct. I’m also referencing a book entitled, “Time Out for Holiness at Home” by Julie Baker. Check it out here…http://www.amazon.com/Time-Holiness-Home-Book-Series/dp/0781434610.
*Thanks for reading! Feel absolutely free to ask a question or leave a comment. Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts on www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org! And don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry (Search Inside Out with Courtnaye). I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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