THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER
"Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. " (John 5:39)

VOLUME 4, NUMBER 18, MAY 2, 2004

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

(The following letter appeared in the March 2004, issue of Biblical Insights, a magazine published by brethren.  It was written by Wilson Adams.  I give it a hearty AMEN!)

            This is in response to L.A. Stauffer’s piece entitled, “Appropriate Dress” appearing in the February, 2004 issue of this paper.  And my response is this: “Amen!”  “Well-said!”  “Much needed” and “Very Much Appreciated!”

            You can add my name to the list of those getting very weary of our focus on casual dress for worship to the point that it has become exactly as my brother so clearly states – “immodest.”  When clothing draws attention to self – be it sexually revealing or casually absurd – it violates a clear biblical principle.

            I also tire of people focusing so much on their “right” to wear what they want that they couldn’t care less about anyone else.  Isn’t serving Jesus all about thinking of others ahead of self?  Seems like our preoccupation with casual dress displays an anti-Christ disposition of selfishness (not to suggest a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude that “no one is going to tell me what to wear.”)

            This is not about preaching a specific dress code and mandating “coat and tie” but it is about dressing in a manner that depicts the awe of the occasion.  Listen, I enjoy relaxing around the house in a running suit or maybe blue jeans and a favorite sweatshirt or T-shirt.  We call such apparel our “grungies” (my term, not Merriam Webster’s).  Grungy dress is appropriate for certain occasions and inappropriate at other times.  And one time when I believe it is inappropriate is when saints gather to worship God.  The awe of the occasion should take us to a higher level.

            Employers will tell you what they know very well – dress reflects an attitude.  During the last several years there has been a “dressing down” or “casual” acceptance in the work environment.  Employers are finding, however, that here is a definite correlation between casual dress and a decrease in productivity.  That is a fact.  And…that is why more and more businesses are getting away from the casual.  Dress reflects an attitude.

            And may I say one additional thing regarding clothing that is immodest because it is revealing?  Since when does a WEDDING constitute an exception to the principle that a Christian lady should not appear publicly in attire that is sexually revealing?  Let me be blunt: I hate participating in wedding ceremonies in which the bride and her attendants put on a cleavage show!  There, I said it.  I’m sick of it and I have a feeling that many of my preaching colleagues who are called upon to perform weddings know exactly what I’m talking about.  I not only want to turn to the brides but to their mothers and ask – “what are you thinking?”  And I must wonder…how many godly people leave a wedding ceremony and on the way home speak not to the joy of the occasion but shake their heads at the indecent dress of the participants?  Please do us (and you!) a great favor and choose a wedding dress that depicts “a woman making a claim to godliness” (1 Tim. 2:10).   Solomon was right when he declared that your breasts are for you husband (Prov. 5:9).  The rest of us would just as soon not see them.

            Okay.  That’s my say.  Some may not like it but, you know, I really don’t care.  I hope God is pleased.

                                                Wilson Adams

            AMEN, WILSON! AMEN!

COUNT THAT DAY LOST

If you sit down at set of sun

And count the acts that you have done,

And, counting, find

One self-denying deed, one word

That eased the heart of him who heard,

One glance most kind

That fell like sunshine where it went –

Then you may count that day well spent.

But if, through all the livelong day,

You’ve cheered no heart, by yea or nay –

If, through it all

You’ve nothing done that you can trace

That brought the sunshine to one face –

No act most small

That helped some soul and nothing cost –

Then count that day as worse than lost.

George Eliot

TRUE NOBILITY

Who does his task from day to day

And meets whatever comes his way,

Believing God has willed it so,

Has found real greatness here below.

Who guards his post, no matter where,

Believing God must need him there,

Although but lowly toil it be,

Has risen to nobility.

For great and low there’s but one test:

“Tis that each man shall do his best.

Who works with all the strength he can

Shall never die in debt to man.

Edgar Guest