Friday, July 11, 2014

Hair & Modesty?


(Holy Bible)
The Holy Bible is full of examples of Modesty and Moderation within its pages; from the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has instructed us to live with a certain level of modesty and self-respect. Now, just as the Word of God instructs us to be modest in our appearance while again respecting ourselves, we must be careful not to judge others because they do not meet our own perceived standards or expectations. God has also instructed mankind not to look at the outward appearance of an individual in an attempt to discern or judge who they are, there level of intelligence, or the extent of their character (I Sam 16:7, John 7:24). Moving forward, those of you who know me on a personal level also know that I am a father of four daughters and four sons, those of you who do not know me on a personal level, now know that as well. As a father, I am very particular in how my children dress, how they take care of themselves, and how they present themselves to the world, some would even say I am strict, overly protective, or a helicopter parent; however, I would say that I am trying to be a good father and steward of the wonderful gifts God has given me. The bible teaches us that our Heavenly Father is the giver of all good things, the creator of life itself, and the best example of a father we could ever have; therefore, it only makes sense that following the instruction He has left for us, would allow me to be the best father to my children and steward of God's great gifts. The first step in in becoming a good father and steward of Gods gifts are to follow one very important Proverb, Train up a child in the way he/she should go: and when he/she is old, he/she will not depart from it, what an awesomely true statement, and one that I have attempted to live up to by teaching my children the importance of not only the Word of God, and the Grace of God, but by teaching them to Honor God by following His instructions left for us by way of Christ Jesus, the Prophets, and the Apostles.

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God...

Another of the more important lessons that I've tried to teach my children is that it's ok to be different. Children can be both rude and just plain mean at times, as we all know due to the many stories concerning bullying found on the evening news and other media sources, and so I will often tell my kids "you don't have to be like everyone else, you don't have to look like them, talk like them or act like them, just keep God first, and be yourself. You see, oftentimes, even we adults will give in to peer pressure or the desire to fit in, but God says to not conform to the world, but to be transformed by His Holy Power, and by doing this, we will be perfect and acceptable in His sight...

1 Corinthians 11:5-6,15

(The Glory of the Woman)
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering...


Now, I know this will be a point of contention for some; however, I feel it is an area of importance that must be addressed as a Father and believer, it is of the utmost importance that I address this with my children, especially my daughters. Now, as far as my daughters go, I am always concerned about their hair; knowing  to some it may seem odd that I as their father would be so interested in the hair of my daughters, but as a man who believes 100 percent of the Bible is truth, it is an area that must be covered, literally. I believe that a woman's hair is a crown of Glory as described in the verses listed above; therefore, I always make sure that my daughters hair is always as neat and presentable as possible; after all, it was given to them by God to be a Glorious covering and crown.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works...


1 Peter 3:3-5

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves...

The preceding sets of Bible verses are just two examples of the Bible's position on modesty, and as mentioned previously, I believe that the Bible is the Truth by which we should live our lives; therefore, I am always attempt to have my children, especially my daughters, present themselves in a way that is not heavily adorned nor immodestly revealing in any way. All too many times, our young people, in an attempt to grow up too fast, become victims to this wild and ungodly world we are living in, rape, molestation, child abuse, and drug addiction are just a few examples of what may happen if we as parents do not raise our kids in a way that is pleasing to God while also teaching them to both Honor God and respect themselves. Although I am clearly a Bible-believing Christian who obviously has Biblical reasons for requiring my children to dress modestly and appropriately for all situations, there is an even greater reason, and that is simply because I love them more than life itself.

(Google Results 02-01-20)
Watch the local news, read the daily newspaper, or visit any of the several news-related websites, and you will see countless stories of sexual abuse, kidnapping, and inappropriate behavior amongst our young people, and even now, as this post is being read, countless numbers of our young people are being mistreated and abused. If being classified or referred to as strict or overprotective helps me to protect my children from becoming a statistic or just another number to be reported on the evening news, I will gladly accept that label, but I will not allow my children to fall short of the goal or become a number while they are in my care, I simply cannot allow it. Ultimately, God is in control; and as always, time and chance continue to  play a role in how our lives are played out, because of this, I can only do my part as a parent to care for and protect my children, and until the day I die, that is what I will do... God Bless... Amen...


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