I have been asked to write about how one should react to women who wear slacks. This can be a very divisive issue and the last thing I want to do is stir up a hornets' nest. So as I write this, please keep in mind that my thoughts are just that, I am not a theologian or even a scholar. But I try to live a balanced Christian life that is always held accountable and in accord with Gods' Word.
To get a perspective on what the Word says about how we dress, I would like to refer to this post I wrote in this article here
I believe the scriptures forbid us to wear that which pertains to a man and vice versa to highlight Gods' distaste for perversion of the natural order and cross-dressing. There is usually a very distinct look to slacks that is feminine: however I *personally* do not like blue jeans as they are exceedingly masculine and can create an androgynous air. But I am quite sure there are many Christian women who like to wear them. Dressing in a feminine way can incorporate slacks if they are feminine.
Whether a woman dresses in feminine slacks or dresses and skirts, I believe that as long as she presents as a female and is modest, that this would be acceptable to God. Furthermore, dressing in slacks or dresses is not a salvation issue. I believe we should concentrate on the spiritual aspect of who we befriend and should concentrate on the fact that they are Christian. It is very sad that we miss out on fellowship because a woman is not under the same conviction as us regarding wearing dresses or slacks.
In reacting to women who wear slacks, I would say that they are not sinning. We are called to judge matters of great importance, but we are also called to live in the Spirit in the bond of peace. Worrying about what garments a Christian woman wears is short-circuiting friendship and fellowship that could benefit the Body of Christ. In all things, God calls us to live in balance and in His Word. Genuine faith and a right relationship is the heart of the matter.
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
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. 1 Samuel 16:7
You make an excellent point! I've been thinking on this a lot lately. Well, not dresses versus pants necessarily but on how easy it can be as Christians to focus on the outward choices of others and be turned off. And how easy it can be for us to want to convince someone to live a certain way who isn't even Christian. The point isn't how they are living but that their hearts don't belong to the Living God. Like you said, faith is the heart of the matter, and God will take care of another's heart once He's inside it. We are not His police.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad we are not His police. I'm afraid if we were, we would be zealous to a fault and turn the unsaved off. Mahatma Ghandi was offended by an elder when he attended a church and was turned off Christianity. We don't want to do that! Thanks for taking tea with me today, Ashley.
DeleteQuite interesting.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lauren.
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