AUG 30

Proverbs 7
Memorise 1 Timothy 2:9
“That women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety…”

We see it on the streets all around us: girls sauntering around with scandalously revealing outfits, or clothing so tight that every contour of the body is seen, and there is little left to imagination. Some call it fashion; others call it comfortable and cooling. Whatever you may call it, or try to rationalise the wearing of it, it is sinful, and unbecoming of a Christian lady. Even guys with their muscle tees, skin-tight tops, and whatever other new fashion trend are not guiltless in this regard.

You see, as Christians, we have the responsibility to ensure that not only do we not transgress the law, but we must not in any way cause others to stumble also. You may not realise this, but by the way you dress, or through the way you carry yourself, you do entice others around you to lust in their heart. If that happens, we are not entirely guiltless, but much to be blamed.

Proverbs 7 has a term for such temptresses. She is known as the ‘strange woman’. She would be the type of woman who is always ‘dressed to kill’, blatantly flaunting her sexuality, flirtatious in her demeanour and conversations. If it were a man, he would be known as the ‘playboy’, quick to show off his masculine physique, readily turning on his suave charming smile for the sake of attracting the women. Basically, these are people who seek pleasure from the attention of the opposite gender. Everything they do is carefully planned in order that they are noticed on a very physical and superficial level. They are not looking for true lasting relationships, but just short-term flings, fun at the clubs or temporal gratifications.

Dear Teen, is this a description of you? How concerned are you about how the opposite gender perceives you? Do you derive pleasure from the attention you get because of how you look and dress? Do you knowingly or unknowingly entice others with your body? Be very careful, for as a Christian, we represent Christ in this world. The way we dress and the way we carry ourselves speaks volumes about the type of person that we are. Would you dress like the world, to attract the people of the world? Or would you dress for Christ, and be found in the company of those who love Christ?

Thought: The way I dress and the way I carry myself can cause others to stumble.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be careful and modest in all my ways.