The increase in knowledge, enhancement of political culture, and the principles of rights have begun to confront scripture. Many societies have a bill of rights the denial of which is actionable. These rights are sometimes not grounded in scripture hence they deviate from God’s purpose or words. As God’s children, we must draw a clear distinction between what God wants and what the world’s preference is. God’s children must always opt for God’s choice.
Right of expression
Proverbs 14: 12; 16: 25 say there is a way which seems right to man, but its end is the way to death. We sometimes follow fashion, vogue or craze without caution because they are guaranteed as inalienable rights under national laws or international conventions. Provocative clothes or sexually eliciting appearances are now hailed by the world and sometimes we also patronize same yet call ourselves children of God. Rights must not lead to wrongs or desire pleasures of the flesh.
Paul was faced with the conflict of tradition and culture between the world and Christ and he said in 1 Corinthians 6: 12 all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. 1 Corinthians 10: 23 also says all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. In essence what Paul said was that whatever rights we presume to have must be helpful, must not be enslaving and must build us up in the spirit. When we exercise lawful rights wrongfully, we wrongfully commit sin with the rights.
Effects of our clothes
The effects of our clothes or appearances could lead others to sin. We have different levels or capacities of resistance to sin and its attractions. Romans 15:1-3 say we then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good edification. For even Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
When by our clothes or appearances we cause our weaker ones in the spirit to commit sin, we shall be equally guilty. As children of God, we must be responsible in our appearances because we are all susceptible to sin. 1 Corinthians 10: 12 says let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. James 4:7 says submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Jesus said in Matthew 18:7; Luke 17:1 that temptation to sin is sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come. Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:2 say woe unto anyone who causes one of the little ones who believe in God to sin.
Our costumes and appearances speak volumes of our inner being. When we are born anew in Christ by the Holy Spirit, we must bear new fruits. Luke 3: 8 says bear fruits that befit repentance. Matthew 7: 16, 20 also says you shall know them by their fruits. Romans 12: 2 says do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 1 Peter 1: 14-16 also say as obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct, since it is written, you shall be holy, for I am holy.
Our cultural values
We do not belong to this world so we must not conform to the culture of this world. Ephesians 4:22-24 say put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 1 John 2:16 says for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. As Christians, we must guard against worldly attractions of any kind. What we see, hear or imagine has a great effect.
Our culture is from heaven and it is to please God in all we do. Romans 14: 21 says it is not right to do anything that makes your brother to stumble. In effect we must at all times let the word of Christ lead us in all we do. In every step along the way, or in whatever we do, we must consider first the interest or will of God. Matthew 6:33 says seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. In our appearances, we must be acceptable to God without worldly influence but godly decency. We were created in the image of God and so must reflect his image.
Christians and all children of God must be guided by God’s checklist through Christ Jesus. On top of the check should be the questions as follows regarding our appearances and deeds:
- Lord, have I complied with your will and instructions?
- Lord, are you happy with my actions or thoughts?
- Lord, will you be honoured and glorified by my life?
We can thereafter pray as follows upon a prayerful and sober reflection:
- Lord, lead me in confession in the blood of Jesus Christ.
- Lord, I surrender my all to you; have your way with me.
- Lord, show me the way to righteousness.
We pray that the Lord will be our strength to overcome in these trying times, Amen.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we have come to the truth that the laws of this world are different from your divine laws. In patronizing the rights of this world, we have strayed away from your will and offended you. We have misled others into sin by our nature of enticements and deceit. We pray for pardon and cleansing in your blood. Save our souls today in your holy name, Amen!!
