I also believe we need to allow folks to grow in grace and knowledge of 
the Truth. I.e. when someone first comes into the church and looks like 
a harlot, but is in need of the Gospel and ministry of the Saints - she 
should not be shunned for her appearance and be the subject of 
'whisperings' about her choice of clothing or a deriding from the pulpit 
about what the world is wearing.

Also Dale as to 1 Tim. 2:9. I think vs. 10 is essential in 
understanding.  That is, the outward focus of beauty should not be one's 
primary concern but the inward beauty of the heart which produces godly 
good works.

Peace,
Steve

Pastor David Warner wrote:
> I agree here with Steve, somewhat.  There aren't specifics BUT, we ought to
> be concerned with the outward appearance.  It is what man sees.  It is also
> a pretty good barometer of the heart.  What is inside will work its way
> outward.  Now, to be sure, one can dress up the outside and not have the
> real thing inside but that is no excuse for not caring for and being
> concerned with the outside.  When the rebellious spirit manifest itself with
> outward behavior it will be seen.  Why not the sweet, Holy Spirit controlled
> heart manifesting itself outward in our very appearance.  Since, as a man, I
> can't see the heart, outward appearance is all we have.  It's not perfect,
> its not all God can see, but it is all man can see.  Where does the Bible
> condemn a godly outward appearance?  Can someone point this out to me?  I
> further agree with Steve that a lot of "rules" can be made up that try to
> force an inward change from an outward appearance.  It can't be done.
> Preach the whole counsel of God, even those areas you might consider trivial
> or not very important, and let God change the heart.  When the heart is
> truly changed, the outward appearance will reflect true godliness.  Don't
> fall for the line (lie) that if a lot of people are making professions then
> that justifies the position, the version, the conclusions, etc. and
> validates your point of view.  Masses do not equate to righteousness and
> truth.
> 
> 
> David
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steven G. Rockhill [mailto:revrock@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 11:55 AM
> To: pastorsforum@...
> Subject: Re: [PastorsForum] Modest Apparel?
> 
> 
> And how about Make-up!!???!!!  A little red paint never hurt an old barn.
>    I think there is a general principle of modesty that needs to be
> followed - but nowhere are there specifics.  My in-laws are conservative
> Mennonites and they get real hung up on the outward appearance issue.
> There are no Biblical guidelines about how long or how short clothing
> should be, but they sure come up with a lot of rules about appearances.
>   My contention is that if they really want to be 'modest' outwardly
> then they ought to have their women dress like the Muslim women (covered
> from head to toe).  Of course there is also a bit of a double standard
> between the requirements for the men and the women.  It is not what goes
> into a man that defiles him but it is what comes out from his heart.
> Sometimes I think men need to take a little more responsibility for
> their lustful thoughts than to try and put all the burden on the women.
>   Just my thoughts.
> 
> Peace,
> Steve
>