~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: I have been told that Im not in Gods perfect will because I wear pants, cut my hair, wear jewelry and make-up. I believe I do all of this with modesty, but is there any support found in the Bible for this belief? I feel like Im a sinner when Im around this person, but they say its God dealing with me.Answer:
I am so glad you wrote. Your questions are serious ones, as well as controversial ones. They are controversial due to individuals not wanting to search for the truth that is found in God's word. Too many just avoid such issues as the ones you raised, thinking simply that they are not pertinent for Christians today. I will try my best to answer your questions honestly and most importantly, in a manner biblically appropriate.
We can all agree that God has called all Christians to holy living (1 Peter 1:16; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). The question is now, exactly what does God mean by the word "holy"? The word "holy" has several meanings, but all are quite similar. The easy definition is "to be separate" or "set apart". God is holy. He is separate from sinners. The Bible is holy, for there is no other book like God's book! God's people are called to be holy, or in other words, separate from the sinner. That is why we are called often times in the New Testament "saints". This has the meaning of being "sanctified". Another word similar to this is "sanctuary", a building that is "separate" from all other buildings. We are God's building and His temple. (1 Corinthians 3; 2 Corinthians 5) God is to reign and rule in our hearts, which should give us holy desires. If that is so, we are naturally going to behave better (more righteously) than the person that doesn't have God in their lives.
Now it gets down to the specifics that you addressed. Pants on women, hair length, jewelry, etc. To answer these individually would take a long time. But to generally answer your questions, yes the Bible does address every one of these things , and even in the New Testament. There are principles to holiness; that is what is important to understand. One key word that we must think about is the word "modest" or "modestly" (1 Timothy 2:9). Today, there seems to be no standard of modesty among even believers, but God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and our own reasoning capabilities to make decisions on decency, morality and modesty.
I believe if we have a tender and teachable spirit, God will show us what we should wear, places we should go, and how we should behave. We should do all things to please Him and not ourselves. We are truly bought with a price and are to be his servants. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
I don't know how you were approached by that friend of yours about such issues, but I do realize that some "holiness" Christians have tried to cram convictions of holiness down other's throats. There are others, though, that teach and preach that God doesn't care at all about outward appearance. The Scriptures that individuals use to support such beliefs cannot "hold water" so to speak. The New Testament, as well as the Old, address outward standards of behavior (1 Corinthians 11; 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:1-4; Deuteronomy 22:5). We must not let either position of such people lead us away from the truth that God wants to teach us in the Bible. Clearly we must follow God's word, on these and all issues if we are to please Him.
The will of God (that you asked about) is your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3) and a life surrendered to do His complete will (Romans 12:1-2). That means not being 'conformed to this world'.
Personally, I do believe the Bible teaches that women should not "bob" their hair (1 Corinthians 11:5-15), or wear pants (Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Timothy 2:9), or wear excessive and needless jewelry (1 Peter 3:3-5). I have come to realize the fact that these are biblical passages that support such convictions. Now it is up to you to decide that for yourself. Pray and ask God to show you what His desire is for your life. If you are sincere and honest, He will show you.
Something that may help you in making your decision is a book titled What is Holiness by William Hill It can be ordered by writing him at the following address: 703 Center Ave N.E., Independence, Iowa 50644. This book, based upon Scripture, is easy to understand and is presented in a tactful way. I hope that you will obtain this helpful tool to Bible study.
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