Modesty in Worship

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IanLC

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Modesty should be the central aim of our walk with Jesus it should permeate our dress, speech and conduct. Modesty in dress and conduct should be practiced and adhered to in the Church. For we are coming to uplift Jesus and not to draw attention to ourselves. There should be a clear distinction between men and women and both should abstain from flashing, revealing, and destracting apparel and robe themselves in humility. The United Holy CHurch states this and I agree with it "
  • Dress Attire: As Christian men and women, we believe that our adornment and demeanor should bespeak a spirit of humility and modesty. Therefore, we encourage our members to let their clothing and articles of jewelry be modest and without ostentation. Our Christian demeanor, rather than out outward appearance, should be the first thing that others notice about us. Virtue and decency should dictate our selection of apparel. We must always be careful to present ourselves as children of God in pure modest holiness rather than children of the world. (Rom. 12:1-2, I Peter 3:3-4, I John 2:15-17)
  • Sacredness of House of Worship: All of our local churches shall be kept exclusively as places of worship where the Living God can be adored in holiness. They shall not be polluted with fairs, worldly festivals, questionable worship programs, or any other kind of untoward activity attempting to be conducted in the name of the Lord Jesus. (2 Chron. 7:16, Psalm 93:5, Luke 19:46)"
Dress and life should be adorned with and in pure modest holiness. I know I sound a little old timey or old schooled but I believe in the simpleness and modesty of worship. Jesus is the center not we the people.
 

biggandyy

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I work under this simple rule of thumb; If one would not wear an article of clothing or outfit to a job interview one should not wear it to worship God Almighty.
 

soupy

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I agree we should practice modesty, but I don't like a church giving a man-made written rule of what this means for everyone who walks in the door.

I also don't like the man-made written rule "shall not be polluted with fairs, worldly festivals, questionable worship programs, or any other kind of untoward activity attempting to be conducted in the name of the Lord Jesus". Who defines questionable, untoward activity.
My church has a board of elders who would make a prayful decision about a questionable activity, no need to put a "man-made rule" on the books.

Why not let the bible verses guide us.
 

7angels

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UHCAIan said:
Modesty should be the central aim of our walk with Jesus it should permeate our dress, speech and conduct. Modesty in dress and conduct should be practiced and adhered to in the Church. For we are coming to uplift Jesus and not to draw attention to ourselves. There should be a clear distinction between men and women and both should abstain from flashing, revealing, and destracting apparel and robe themselves in humility. The United Holy CHurch states this and I agree with it "
  • Dress Attire: As Christian men and women, we believe that our adornment and demeanor should bespeak a spirit of humility and modesty. Therefore, we encourage our members to let their clothing and articles of jewelry be modest and without ostentation. Our Christian demeanor, rather than out outward appearance, should be the first thing that others notice about us. Virtue and decency should dictate our selection of apparel. We must always be careful to present ourselves as children of God in pure modest holiness rather than children of the world. (Rom. 12:1-2, I Peter 3:3-4, I John 2:15-17)
  • Sacredness of House of Worship: All of our local churches shall be kept exclusively as places of worship where the Living God can be adored in holiness. They shall not be polluted with fairs, worldly festivals, questionable worship programs, or any other kind of untoward activity attempting to be conducted in the name of the Lord Jesus. (2 Chron. 7:16, Psalm 93:5, Luke 19:46)"
Dress and life should be adorned with and in pure modest holiness. I know I sound a little old timey or old schooled but I believe in the simpleness and modesty of worship. Jesus is the center not we the people.
modesty should not be our central aim in our walk with Christ. it should be relationship with God. i am a farmer and i go to church with dirt and manure on my boots. my clothes are not fancy but maybe a t-shirt and jeans. maybe even jeans with holes. when the word tells to be a light unto this world he is not referring to our worldly dress but our attitude. i have gone to a church where everyone was dressed as you described above and a homeless person came in all dressed in dirty and smelly clothes and many ignored him because of it. that is not a loving church and Jesus would never of ignored him but probably would of sat next to him kept him company. aren't we to be like Christ? why must we determine the value of ourselves by worldly standards when the word teaches contrary to this? now we can choose to dress however we choose and whether we are wearing a $50k suit or $10 thrift store special should not matter. according to the word we are to be judged by the intentions of our heart and not by outward appearances.

worship should be to the Lord and to the Lord only. we should be excited and looking forward to worshiping God. it should be similar to going to a concert of a famous singer or something. there should be no constraints on how a person wishes to worship. i like to dance, raise hands, kneel, lay prostrate, and ect before the Lord. i know of a homeless person who helped more people then most christians. dress should not be a factor of how to come before the Lord or having others see us. as long as we have an attitude of love and the heart of a servant then everything else will fall into place.

we need to get our priorities in line and then God will be able to use us. if God is satisfied with the way i dress and worship him then why should i care about what others think or why should they care what i think? if God chooses to have me dress nicer then God will tell me. i can hear his voice so if he has a problem with it i know then that something will need to change. until then i am happy as i am.

God bless
 

Axehead

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7angels said:
modesty should not be our central aim in our walk with Christ. it should be relationship with God. i am a farmer and i go to church with dirt and manure on my boots. my clothes are not fancy but maybe a t-shirt and jeans. maybe even jeans with holes. when the word tells to be a light unto this world he is not referring to our worldly dress but our attitude. i have gone to a church where everyone was dressed as you described above and a homeless person came in all dressed in dirty and smelly clothes and many ignored him because of it. that is not a loving church and Jesus would never of ignored him but probably would of sat next to him kept him company. aren't we to be like Christ? why must we determine the value of ourselves by worldly standards when the word teaches contrary to this? now we can choose to dress however we choose and whether we are wearing a $50k suit or $10 thrift store special should not matter. according to the word we are to be judged by the intentions of our heart and not by outward appearances.

worship should be to the Lord and to the Lord only. we should be excited and looking forward to worshiping God. it should be similar to going to a concert of a famous singer or something. there should be no constraints on how a person wishes to worship. i like to dance, raise hands, kneel, lay prostrate, and ect before the Lord. i know of a homeless person who helped more people then most christians. dress should not be a factor of how to come before the Lord or having others see us. as long as we have an attitude of love and the heart of a servant then everything else will fall into place.

we need to get our priorities in line and then God will be able to use us. if God is satisfied with the way i dress and worship him then why should i care about what others think or why should they care what i think? if God chooses to have me dress nicer then God will tell me. i can hear his voice so if he has a problem with it i know then that something will need to change. until then i am happy as i am.

God bless
Amen, brother! And again, it comes down to being led by the Spirit. If we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves, we will not cause anyone to stumble. No man made book of rules and regulations are needed for walking in love towards our fellow man and being led by the Spirit.
 

IanLC

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Modesty only has part to do with dress. Modesty is coupled with humility and holiness. If we have a right relationship with Jesus then we will bear fruit in our conduct and actions. Our whole demeanor will be conformed to His. Modesty starts in the heart and expresses itself outwardly.


7angels said:
modesty should not be our central aim in our walk with Christ. it should be relationship with God. i am a farmer and i go to church with dirt and manure on my boots. my clothes are not fancy but maybe a t-shirt and jeans. maybe even jeans with holes. when the word tells to be a light unto this world he is not referring to our worldly dress but our attitude. i have gone to a church where everyone was dressed as you described above and a homeless person came in all dressed in dirty and smelly clothes and many ignored him because of it. that is not a loving church and Jesus would never of ignored him but probably would of sat next to him kept him company. aren't we to be like Christ? why must we determine the value of ourselves by worldly standards when the word teaches contrary to this? now we can choose to dress however we choose and whether we are wearing a $50k suit or $10 thrift store special should not matter. according to the word we are to be judged by the intentions of our heart and not by outward appearances.

worship should be to the Lord and to the Lord only. we should be excited and looking forward to worshiping God. it should be similar to going to a concert of a famous singer or something. there should be no constraints on how a person wishes to worship. i like to dance, raise hands, kneel, lay prostrate, and ect before the Lord. i know of a homeless person who helped more people then most christians. dress should not be a factor of how to come before the Lord or having others see us. as long as we have an attitude of love and the heart of a servant then everything else will fall into place.

we need to get our priorities in line and then God will be able to use us. if God is satisfied with the way i dress and worship him then why should i care about what others think or why should they care what i think? if God chooses to have me dress nicer then God will tell me. i can hear his voice so if he has a problem with it i know then that something will need to change. until then i am happy as i am.

God bless

I never stated a dress code or people wearing suites or expensive clothing. That is the total opposite of modesty! True modesty as stated is a matter of the heart and when our heart is conformed to the Lord Jesus then as you said He will guide us in all ways to uplift Him and not ourselves. Not in flashy suites and flamboyant attire nor in revealing clothing and club ware for both sets draw attention to oneself and diverts it from God. Who is the center of the faith and worship service.
 

biggandyy

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If you are a farmer then I would fully expect you to show up to an interview dressed as a farmer. I don't see why folks refuse to stop and think when something is written. Why is everyone so quick to look for something to get upset about? Guess it's easier than thinking... :unsure:
 

Axehead

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Rev_3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
 

7angels

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so what you are referring to is humility and not modesty. right??? the two mean two different things. if i missed your point i am sorry but i can only deal with something as i understand what you are referring too.

BIGGANDY
it sounds to me like you stereotype me. even if i am a farmer i still own suits. i have been in the military, worked as aircraft mechanic, nurse, hazmat, and many other odd jobs. you make it sound like a farmer should be poor and thus is expected to wear poor man clothes. just because i am now a farmer please don't assume. when you assume about one thing then you will assume about other things. it does not matter to me but as i said if you do it to me you will do it to everything else. it is a bad habit to have because it can cause people to get angry very easily. i know because i used to have a bad problem with it too.

God bless
 

biggandyy

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You are the one who brought up being a farmer and wearing muddy clothes to church. You stereotyped yourself and I will not participate in your halucination that I assumed anything. I was reacting to your words.

Words mean things you know.
 

IanLC

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Modesty is the outward show of inward humility. If one has genuine inward humility one will naturally display modesty.
 

soupy

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UHCAIan said:
Modesty is the outward show of inward humility. If one has genuine inward humility one will naturally display modesty.

How does this apply to your OP with the bullet point rules?
 

IanLC

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The bulleted code of conduct is how myself being apart of the United Holy Church how we are asked to dress in modesty and moderation. They are not telling us what to wear but are letting us know what is appropriate for mature Christian people. Now those that newly convert to Christ grow in grace and thus their knowledge will mature and their humility and modesty.
 

soupy

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UHCAIan said:
The bulleted code of conduct is how myself being apart of the United Holy Church how we are asked to dress in modesty and moderation. They are not telling us what to wear but are letting us know what is appropriate for mature Christian people. Now those that newly convert to Christ grow in grace and thus their knowledge will mature and their humility and modesty.
Why would a mature christian need to be told what is appropriate dress.
 

IanLC

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Some do need to be reminded and it is a goal outlined for new converts to follow. When we allow the light of the gospel to shine in our hearts we allow that light to also shine in our lives, walk, talk and even outward appearance for He (Jesus) changes the entire man.
 

John_8:32

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biggandyy said:
If you are a farmer then I would fully expect you to show up to an interview dressed as a farmer. I don't see why folks refuse to stop and think when something is written. Why is everyone so quick to look for something to get upset about? Guess it's easier than thinking... :unsure:
I do believe one should wear the very best he has when appearing before God and I kind of think God does too...

Mat 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
Mat 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Mat 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Now I know this passage is speaking to another form of clothing, but when Christ gives an instruction, it is true at EVERY level.
 

soupy

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UHCAIan said:
Some do need to be reminded and it is a goal outlined for new converts to follow. When we allow the light of the gospel to shine in our hearts we allow that light to also shine in our lives, walk, talk and even outward appearance for He (Jesus) changes the entire man.
I still do not understand a church writing a dress code, Earlier I thought you implied this dress was not for new converts, now you are saying it is set as a goal for them. Who wrote this dress code and how is it delivered to your congregation? I agree we are to allow the gospel will shine in all we do, not a church rule.
I would hesitate to attend a church that had such a dress code, not because I don't agree with the concept of modest attire, but it appears to flow into legalism, something that hurts our witness.

I can tell you love your church, I pray you read your Bible and grow in your love for our Lord, as you work on the more important issue of women leaders in your church. This is contrary to Bible scripture as has already been noted to you and you appeared to accept.
 

IanLC

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soupy said:
I still do not understand a church writing a dress code, Earlier I thought you implied this dress was not for new converts, now you are saying it is set as a goal for them. Who wrote this dress code and how is it delivered to your congregation? I agree we are to allow the gospel will shine in all we do, not a church rule.
I would hesitate to attend a church that had such a dress code, not because I don't agree with the concept of modest attire, but it appears to flow into legalism, something that hurts our witness.

I can tell you love your church, I pray you read your Bible and grow in your love for our Lord, as you work on the more important issue of women leaders in your church. This is contrary to Bible scripture as has already been noted to you and you appeared to accept.
There is no dress code this is a doctrinal stance on the issue of dress in public worship. The Apostle Paul outlined a dress code in the Holy Bible. Women are to adorn themselves in modesty "In like manner also that the women in decent deportment and dress adorn themselves with modesty and discretion, not with plaited hair and gold, or pearls, or costly clothing," (1 Timothy 2:9) and he also gives dress instructions for men as well. No matter how gifted and anointed we are if our outward man is not broken and humbled and begins to exalt itself then the true light of Christ in us can not shine to others for our outward man will rise above that light and thus distract and even blind others to the truth of the gospel in us.
 

Rex

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I've been meaning to post here since this thread was started.

Modesty in worship to me is this, it has nothing to do with my outward appearance. If your heart is humble so will your appearance be.
In the same vein I don't see "shout, dance in the Holy Spirit, fall out, speak in tongues, run, jump, holler and praise God expressively" as modesty or humility.
http://www.christianityboard.com/topic/17172-manifestations/?view=findpost&p=176237
But that's just me as another here says "hollering from the choir loft..."


Mica 6
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

James 4
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Luke 15
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
When I go to a church I'm not looking for gold and silver jewelry, $100 manicures, $500 shoes and purse combos.

Silk shirts and $1000 coats. I'm looking for practical shoes clean blue jeans, and functional coats. Some one that's listening or reading, not to trying to be heard over everyone else, or draw the center of attention to themselves.

Even though I'm not looking or interested, people just can't resist dragging it out and standing it up in front of you.
I'm looking for heavenly treasures, not worldly treasures. Some times I just want to say, "I see you've received your reward, where your heart is there also is your treasure" Matthew 6:21

I want to puke when I'm introduced to someone, that's Joe, he owns the big car dealership downtown, he's been with us for years but since hes been building that new house on the hill hes been pretty busy, but come on, I'd like you to meet him. I can go to any bar in the country to play a game of pool and find the same modesty.