Our God See Us- Modesty Before God and Others

These are references to what God is concerned about in our lives. Our hearts are the center of our being. What is in our hearts is what we do. If our hearts are evil; then that is what we do. If we are attracting attention that is undesirable; then we have chosen to do so because that is what is in our heart. Modesty is a heart issue. 

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."(I Samuel 16:7) It is important that our hearts echo what we believe. The Lord knows our intentions, and if our intentions are wicked, then He will know it.

"Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."(Proverbs 31:30) When a woman is overly concerned about her appearance; she has chosen an unfulfilled and empty way of existence. A God-fearing woman is more beautiful than a woman concerned about her appearance.

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."(Matthew 7:20) Our testimony is the fruit of our relationship with God.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."(Colossians 3:17) Modesty in word and deed is important, because how we speak to others and act toward others requires that we do so modestly and in the name of the Lord Jesus.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;"(I Timothy 2:9) After talking to the men of the church, Paul spoke to the women of the church telling them to adorn modest apparel. He is telling them to be humble and sober. Simply put, do not be gaudy.

"For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:"(James 1:23) Most people stand in front of the mirror, before they go out to face the world. Essentially he is saying that those that only hear the word and do not do it; they are just looking at their outward appearance. 

"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
(I Peter 2:12) Honesty in your conversation is essential to glorifying God and your testimony before others.

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."(I Peter 3:3-4)
There is more worth in the inner man than that of corporeal human form. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."(Luke 9:24) Even though we are created in God's image; we are to be concerned about our souls and the souls of others. We are sinners, but we are able to save our lives by giving our souls to Him. Set the example and show forth the glory of the Lord.

Modesty In Every Situation

This is something that we all deal with either personally or when we come in contact with it. We represent our Savior, and one of the ways that we do it is in the way we dress. I know that we have all run into on the job and out in the general public. How do you approach the lack of modesty? You have to call it out. You heard me right. Unfortunately, that is the way I see it. It is calling attention to things that ought not put out there in the view of anybody. You are cheapening yourself when you dress inappropriately. It is suggesting things about yourself that you might not want other people to think about you. You want to look your best when you go for a job interview, and even after the job interview you want to dress professionally. Nobody was ever hired, because they dressed inappropriately. That is one thing good about companies with dress codes; it keeps everyone in check. We have covered the general public; now let us consider the place at which we worship. Peter and Paul emphasized the need for dressing appropriately when we enter the church, because they noticed it in the churches that they visited during their missionary journeys.

The common offenses when it comes to dressing inappropriately are wearing tight clothing, not wearing undergarments, and excessive show of cleavage. This is common for the females of our population. The male population often offends by failing to keep their shirts on in work or recreational situations, or at the beach, wearing swim suits that are too tight and sport what should be covered. I do not need to go into anymore detail than that on that subject. These issues cause arousal of the sexual kind, because of choosing to not dress in moderation and modesty. This undesirable for either gender, especially when one or the other is married. We need to show inner beauty to people. We have heard the common adage, Beauty is skin deep, but it should be more than just skin deep. A. W. Tozer emphasized these principles of clean, neat, modest, and appropriate. The need for modesty starts at an early age. The teenagers have gotten pulled away by the masses, and told that they should dress inappropriately in order to attract the attention of the opposite sex. I want you to check out this website that has some details about modesty gathered by a survey of Christian men concerning modesty of women it is called The Modesty Survey . Here is some more helpful information on modesty, The Rebelution .

The Eyes of Christ

We need to see with eyes of Christ. The eyes of compassion were how Christ looked upon the common man during His earthly ministry, and that is how He wants us to look upon our fellow man.

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."(Matthew 9:36)

"Then Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."(Matthew 15:32)

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."(Matthew 19:26)

"So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him."(Matthew 20:34) Jesus gave them both physical and spiritual sight. He gives us spiritual sight when we receive Him as personal Savior. 

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.(Matthew 24:42) Jesus tells us to be watchful, because we don't know when Christ will return.

Looking through the eyes of Christ, we are able to see the opportunities to minister to both those that need a Savior and those that already know Him. We are so blinded to what some people are doing that we miss the opportunity to minister to their need.

Give Others Something To Be Thankful For

There are many opportunities to help the less fortunate, because we definitely have plenty to be thankful for. You can donate to your local food bank, local thrift store, and even donate blood. That last one is difficult for me, because I never seem to be prepared for donating it. I have a blood type that is universal. I am always getting calls from the blood drive. Another way that you could help out those don't have the financial means to celebrate this wonderful holiday would be to help serve Thanksgiving dinner to them. Everyone should be able to be thankful for what they have.

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: because His mercy endureth for ever."(Psalms 118:1)

Stop Complaining and Do Something About It

How many times have I heard someone talk about the right type of music or the right movies. I think that it is time that we stop complaining and get out of our complacency and do something to change that. I will do my part with my blogs and be a light in this dark world. I want Christ to be glorified in what I do. I am no musician or film director, but I am going to do something about it. There are many people that have gotten into the game and done great things for the Lord. Don't make the excuse of "I don't have the skills to play in the game." We can all make excuses, but that does not change anything.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."(Colossians 3:17)

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."(Galatians 2:20)

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."(I Corinthians 10:31)

Let us change people's lives, as Christ changed ours. Use what God has given you, and don't hold back. Do it all to the glory of God.

Reach Out

We need reach out to people, and not let their differences keep us from reaching out. When we hesitate, we allow them to fall farther in their despair. You never know what might happen in the next couple of hours, days, and weeks, but take an interest in a person and get to know them. Don't be shallow and do it because it makes you feel good. Do it because you genuinely care. I cannot remember any times that I have been one of those people to cut someone out or just completely ignore someone. I have never had any friends that were on the verge of doing something drastic like suicide, but it is something that has become prevalent in our society. You see someone that is an outcast, go talk to them and listen to them. I have seen despair and it does not go away easily, but when you reach out to someone and pray with them; you can help them to get on the road to recovery. Jesus is the one that makes all things equal. He has seen despair, before He went to the cross; He was burdened with a load of cares and sins, and asked that God might take it away from Him. He carried our sins to the cross so that we might be saved. When have done all that was humanly possible; then reach out and grab the hand of God and He will save you. I know that things like depression are real, and it clouds the mind like a big black cloud and it rages within you. Once you know Jesus as your personal Savior; you are never alone.

I waited for you today
But you didn't show
No no no
I needed You today
So where did You go?
You told me to call
Said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?
[Chorus:]
I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I"m never alone

And though I cannot see You
And I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life

We cannot separate
'Cause You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen
[Chorus]

We cannot separate
You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen
(Never Alone- Barlow Girl)

Hands of God

We have all been a situation where we have needed a hand up. The Lord has offered His hand on countless occasions, and we are too busy paying attention to the crashing waves to look to the Lord that is offering His hand to us. His hand holds us up when we are weak and heavy laden. We all experience times of helplessness, but we are not alone. There are many ways that we could describe the ways that the Lord helps us out. We should be willing to offer the same help to those that are less fortunate. So many people go into these situations expecting blessings if they do so, but that should not be the reason why we help others. We should help others expecting nothing in return, because Jesus did that during His earthly ministry. He fed the five thousand, healed many people on countless occasions, and ministered to those that have committed what we would consider to be far greater sins than any we have committed. We know that God is no "respecter of persons", and neither should we be. "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him."(Eph. 6:9) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"(Romans 3:23) The Lord directs to opportunities to help others, so when He leads do not ignore the chance to show Christ through you.

We have raised our hopes and our cities high
We have followed fragile dreams
But only One could take the measure of our goals
And we've stumbled over the trials of life
And we've wrestled the unseen
But only One can calm the storm inside our souls

In the hands of God we will fall
Rest for the restless, and the weary
Hope for the sinner
In the hands of God we stand tall
Hands that are mighty to deliver
Giving us freedom

When our strength gave way to the weight of guilt
'Til we strained for every breath
Only One could lift our shame and make us well
And when all is finished and we face
The fearsome power of death
Only One has overcome the gates of hell

You're amazing
You're amazing, You are
And we praise You, Lord
For what Your hands have done
(In the Hands of God- Newsboys)

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be Your hands. Let us reach out to all that know not God and rescue the perishing.

The Voice of Truth

The most important part of the body is the voice. The reason why I say that is because it how we communicate our thoughts. We may not utter every thought with our voice, but if it is worth saying it will be vocalized. "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another."(Eph. 4:25) It is better to speak the truth than to lie. Even the smallest lie can start us down a road to larger lies. It is like saying it was only a small sin. Let us call it what it is and tell others about the truth of salvation. "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"(Eph. 4:15) We are representing Christ to this world, and we need to do so in love. So much hate is present in this world, and we have the absolute truth of God's Word.

I want to "speak every man truth." It is hard for some people to listen the truth. It is our job to do so in love.

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
(The Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns)

Let us proclaim the message of salvation to all.

How Are We Presenting the Gospel?

We cannot take the presentation of the Gospel lightly. God's Word says in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus was doing what He said here, and Zacchaeus was the one for whom He was looking. The Word of God can minister to those that are in luxurious places, but it can also minister to those of low estate. The salvation message is available to all people, but it is ultimately their choice.

We all have a pride issue, and that includes even me. Are we too saturated by our status to visit with those that are less fortunate? During Christ's ministry here on the Earth, did He minister based on statistics? Is one person more valuable than another? We seriously need to open our eyes, because we are missing our opportunities to present the salvation message to those that need it.

There is a reason that I entitled this blog, "If We Are the Body." We are all an integral part of the Body of Christ. We all have our place. One part is not more important than the other. We do not need to be tearing apart the body, to serve our own selfish means. I did say selfish, and I do mean it. Nobody is better than anybody else, so don't act like it. If we come together as the Body of Christ; we will be able to make the body stronger and therefore present the Gospel in a better manner.

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ

If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus is the way
("If We Are The Body"- Casting Crowns)

If that does not paint an accurate picture of how the church looks to those outside the Body of Christ, then I don't know what does.