August 18, 2009

Number 33

VIEWPOINT

It was Thursday night and I sat alone in the guard room of our local jail.  My Bible class had finished early and I was waiting for the other groups to finish so we could leave together.  Every person wishing to visit someone in the jail must pass through this room.  As I waited I glanced over the signs which were posted to give visitors various warnings and cautions.  One sign caught my attention because it was posted at least four different times in key locations.  All of the other signs were posted only once.  Obviously this was a message they wanted to make sure all visitors understood.   What message do you think a jail would want to make sure got across to its visitors?  It wasn’t about bringing in anything that could be used as a weapon.  The sign read as follows:

Attention Visitors:

No person admitted unless properly dressed.

1.  Shorts must be knee length.

2.  No tank tops.

3.  No short dresses.

4.  No sun dresses.

5.  No shirts with obscene language or pictures.

6.  No see-through clothing. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

“Why would this be such an important notice to visitors of a jail?  Obviously they are aware of the problems that improper dress can create and they want to avoid them with the people they are responsible for. 

“Should Christians be concerned when it comes to the way they dress?  Our overall life and behavior is to portray an image of godliness.   We should consider the problems our dress might cause in the minds of others.  Should a jail be more concerned with modestly than a Christian? 

“I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God” (1 Timothy 2:9, 10).”

I don’t know who gave me this interesting article – it was placed in my mailbox.  But I appreciate the good thoughts.  I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word! RA

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. . . .

The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength – yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. . . .

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. . . .

. . . my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.