MyAnswer: Billy Graham "The Way You Look and Act"

The Way You Look and Act

Do you think that a Christian woman should wear revealing clothing such as low-neck dresses and tight shorts?

The Bible has actually very little to say about the clothing we wear. Most likely it is because the primary message of the Bible is concerned with the redemption of sinners through Christ. Its message emphasizes the Cross and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus and how people are saved through His work on our behalf.

   But the Bible does mention briefly such matters. Paul to Timothy established a principle that applies to ladies' fashions in every generation. He said: "I desire . . . that women adorn themselves in modest apparel." Peter supplemented that by saying that the adornment should be "The hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great value." It all depends upon whether the primary objective in dress is to appear tastefully dressed or to excite those of the opposite sex. The Christian will always elect to appear Godly and to adorn the Gospel by every appearance.

While I was in the service, I acquired some tattoos of which I am not now proud — especially since I have become a Christian. Will God hold this against me, even if I can have these tattoos removed successfully?

After we have confessed our sins, turned from them and trusted in Christ as our Saviour, God does not hold anything against us. It is sin in the heart which separates us from God, not marks on our bodies. And while hard to understand, once we have accepted what Christ did for us on the Cross, not only are our sins forgiven, they are also forgotten. Ask God to free you of a morbid living in the past and just rejoice that you are now a new man, made new by the One Who died for you. The marks on your body may remain but some day you will have a glorified body which will be perfect in every respect. I know a man who has many tattoo marks on his body. If anyone asks him about them he says: "I got them when I was serving the Devil, but I belong to some one else now and He is the Lord of my body, soul, and spirit."

Is there any difference between pride in one's accomplishments and personal pride, such as one's appearance? According to the Bible it seems to be a sin; but without pride there seems to be no reason for careful grooming, good housekeeping, etc.

Nowhere in the Bible do I read that God puts a premium on slovenliness or disarray. However, the Bible places the emphasis on spiritual slovenliness, rather than physical. It is possible for a person to be impeccable in his attire and person, and yet be slovenly in his morals and conduct. On the other hand, a person of modest means may not win the name of the "best-dressed" man in town, but his character can be irreproachable, and that is what counts.

   "God does not look upon the outward appearance, but upon the heart." But at the same time, I believe that a neat, clean, well-groomed Christian is more impressive than a slovenly one. The saying "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" has a lot to recommend it. It would be poor policy to keep the inside of our houses immaculately clean, but let tin cans and garbage accumulate in the yard. By the same token, if Christ has cleansed our hearts, the least that we can do is to keep our bodies, which are the temples of the Spirit, clean, neat and presentable.

I am a woman with an attractive figure. Is there any reason why I should not dress to show it off? My husband intimates that I dress "sexy" to attract other men. While it is true that other men pay attention to me at a social gathering, I can't see what is wrong in displaying a woman's charms.

Has it ever occurred to you that a woman can have other attractive features besides on attractive body? You deserve no credit for nature's endowments, so why should you strut like a peacock over something you had no control over? Strive rather to be a lady in every sense of the word. I have seen women who were not especially attractive physically, who could charm a group by their winsomeness and grace.

   If you think of yourself as just a beautiful animal, you are bound to neglect the beautification of your mind and spirit. In order to be well-rounded human beings, we must develop symmetrically — not just in one direction. Don't be a proverbial "dumb blonde" (not that all blondes are dumb), but strive to develop your mind by knowledge, and your soul by spiritual grace. Christ alone can give a woman true, lasting charm and beauty.