As we continue on in our study of holiness, I am reminded of the statement I have heard so many times when counseling with people. "But it's just a little thing." Several years ago, an eight million dollar rocket was lost because someone had misplaced a hyphen in the computer program. It was just a little thing.

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Song of Solomon 2:15

Does it not seem obvious to you that we should easily be able to take care of the little matters? Actually, no sin or disobedience to God's Holy Word is little. All are monstrous offences to God.

We hear it said over and over that those who preach external standards of holiness are trying to keep their hearers under the law. Because most people do not study (II Timothy 2:15) God's Word, they do not realize there are more instructions about clothing, hair, etc., under New Testament grace than under Old Testament law. We have shared some of these in previous chapters. Now let's examine some more.

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 Timothy 2:9-10

Note that the need for this was seen by Paul throughout his writings. If you are a woman not wanting to be godly, or holy, this scripture does not apply to you. Of course, neither sex can go to heaven unless they are godly or holy. (Hebrews 12:14)

Modest apparel is that apparel which covers the body so as to let you appear in a modest way. Dresses and skirts should at least cover the knee. Remember, the dress is only as long as the slit in it, and under no stretch of the imagination can swimming apparel be considered modest.

Some individuals believe I Timothy 2:9 doesn't apply if you are near sand or water. Low necklines are not modest, blouses and dresses should have sleeves in them. Tight fitting clothing is immodest on men as well as women. Many women think slacks are modest because they cover more than a dress.

They also reveal more than a dress. Women who believe slacks are modest do not understand the mind of a man. Shamefacedness is from a Greek word which means bashfulness (toward men), modest, awe and reverence. It basically means appearing as God made you and without paint and make-up.

Broided hair is referring to the custom of heathen women weaving, plaiting, or braiding jewels in their hair. This went along with the heathen custom of earrings, nose jewels, chains, bracelets, ankle rings, strings of pearls and necklaces.

Costly array is not referring to a well made or a pleasant appearing dress, but to extravagance in ornament. In other words, the apostle is saying not to dress for show. Women should dress nicely, neatly, but modestly.

Notice how Paul and Peter are in agreement. We repeat, these are instructions given to people after Calvary, after the resurrection, after the birthday of the church on the day of Pentecost. In other words, saved people who are not under Old Testament law, but under New Testament grace.

People are making excuses for their appearance today. Many are saying times and customs have changed. True, but God's Word has not changed. How glad we are that Word has not changed when we need our body healed or a need met. Many are saying, "But my pastor says it is all right." When pastors speak contrary to Bible truth, then those pastors are liars.

...Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar... Romans 3:4

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9

Pretty strong language? Many preachers are sweeping away New Testament preaching, saying that those things no longer matter, but they will be accused and accursed on judgment day, if not before.

Many churches are full today because preachers refuse to preach the full counsel of God. Some boast that they never preach against sin. It is easy to see why they do not preach against sin. One pastor of a 3,000 member church who was commended for his ability to build a large church in such a short time was recently exposed on the front page of that city's newspapers.

He had been having affairs for over three years. When confronted, he tried to lie out of it, only to be proven a liar (as well as an adulterer) by a secretly made tape recording. I wouldn't preach against sin either, if I were he. However, if we are to please God, then we must preach against sin.

A friend of mine, who is an evangelist, was sitting with a group of preachers discussing the subject of Christians going mixed swimming. My friend stated that he could not go to a beach without being guilty of lusting. Another preacher in the group chided him, telling him that if his heart was right with God, he would not be tempted by this sin of lust just because he saw women in almost no clothing.

This same preacher, a few months later, was exposed as having had an adulterous affair with a woman in his church for several years. His counsel certainly seems empty now, doesn't it?

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 1: 4

Lasciviousness is that which promotes or partakes of things which tend to produce the wrong emotion, fostering illicit sex, sin and lust. People are no different today than they were in the time of Jude, or the apostle Paul. That is why strict standards of holiness in dress are as necessary today as they were in days gone by.

Remember, there is more said about modesty and dress in the New Testament, under grace, than in the Old Testament, under law.