Mainstream Modesty

I believe it's best to not show your thighs, cleavage or abs...

I also believe immodesty doesn't make people into hell-bound sinners.

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Yes I walk that fence.

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So shoot me. I'm a wolf in sheep's clothing...  

...Or a sheep in wolves clothing.

Or so you would think if you heard people talk about anyone who chooses to live differently from mainstream American people.

...Or differently from typical Holiness Pentecostal.

And still claim Christ

Call themselves holy

Set apart

Consecrated

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I don't want to be set apart if that means hiding. Jesus was friends with prostitutes. Would he refuse to befriend someone for showing too much skin?

I love people from all different walks of life, including the ones who are walking the wrong direction.

But! I wanna wear clothes!

I see no need. And dislike the idea.

Of getting people to like me because my body is nice...

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It’s scary when 'tis assumed that the outside style determines the entire inside heart of a person. (Either way. Even when it's assumed about the people 'who wear too many clothes.')

But also. Although.

I.

Am.

Not.

Responsible.

Ror your husband's lust problems.

I'm not going to ever intentionally feed someone else's evil beast...

So I try to dress in looser clothes around people who have body obsession issues. And live in a manner, so as to not awaken your demons.

But they ARE your demons. Not mine. Don't forget THAT distinction sir.

Or ma'am.

Some ladies with a lotta skin showing ARE trying to stir up lust. It's not all accidental...

Some intentionally choose a low cut top, then start poking fun of the man driven to drop his head... or staring in awkward idolization.

But more often its done out of desperation.... "I neeeed people to see me as pretty. I am gonna die without a boyfriend." (Don't marginalize and criticize unless you're able and willing to see these girls as pretty with their curves covered up.)

I've also heard the other side-

"I hate it, but this is THE ONLY WAY to keep my husband's attention..." (That's an awful concept, but sometimes it works... What amount of skin would you give up if it kept your husband eyes from constantly straying?)

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But the point I'm wanting to make-

...Some ladies really don't know, and/or just expect other people to deal with their own issues. 

Expect men to conquer and control their own sin nature.

Showing cleavage or abs or whatever; that's just another accessory. (I'm not saying it should be...)

But people SHOULD deal with their problems instead of accusing others.

Don't blame an innocent man/woman/child for your unconquered lust.

Lust is a spirit. Whoever has it; its their job to master it.

Still

Life is a power struggle. Which dog? The angel or demon on HIS shoulder? Which one? Who are you feeding?

And why?

What would you sacrifice in order to win that broken person.

How much is your sex appeal worth? Would you ever lose it IF you'd win a soul by hiding 'what everyone's mamma gave us.'

Sometimes we hurt...

It's so common for people to hide pain in an attempt to show the world that we are loved and protected. A facade that we believe will enhance our reputation or protect our emotions.

Christians often follow along

We have such good motives... Refuse to don't talk about our wounds, because we want to show that Christianity is easy, and good.

And it is.

EASIER... than the alternative.

But pretending away scars gives others false reassurance. -That they will never be wounded. -Never be expected to stand against the oppressor... -Or against a misguided friend.

We hide the complete realization that there is both Grace after sin--AND Freedom from falling into sin (or bondage, or addiction) found in Jesus. We accidentally keep our friends or enemies from fully grasping the salve we already know is available.

Sometimes God Himself allows bad things to come bother us, though he gets mad. (IF they beat the innocent.)

But
God himself is limited... in His protection.

...to the area/s where he is welcome.

IF a person hasn't allowed God control of all of themselves, they are able to become mean or sinful. Or willing to allow spite and hate to dump on others and pretend away responsibility. (Just one small example.)

God doesn't order anyone to be good.

Sometimes even evil itself is outside of His jurisdiction...

If we put it there
Refuse to condemn the problem

In our effort to protect the guilty
We refuse to stand up for the innocent

Have you refused to be a judge
Or cast down right judgement

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Have you ever done a bad thing? Have you always been perfect? Did God stop you? Or was it people? Or maybe yourself.

Now flip it

Have you ever been treated bad. Has your life always been perfect?

Did God fail you, or was it people? Maybe even yourself.
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God expects His children to be about His business

It is our job to stand up. We are to be Jesus to the world.
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Don't throw away the darkness, you just walked through. Learn to be a light in that particular storm.

Don't delete all your druggie friends numbers... You should be able to be a light in their storm.
YOU. YOU ARE JESUS TO THEIR WHOLE WORLD.

Don't forget your past.
It may become their future.

But you may also be able to exchange that destiny. (For a relatively small price--remembering your own pain.)

The blind can't lead the blind BUT a formerly blind man IS often the best person to lead a blind man to Jesus.

Which paths to avoid,

but more importantly

How awe inspiring the Sonrise(ing) to power... in a once blackened life.