Apostolic Friends Forum - Hair, sleeves, pantsuits, jewelry, and makeup

Had I already seen this, I would been posted my thoughts.

Here they are now:

Hair
The Bible has clear outlines for the expectations of feminine and masculine lengths of hair. Long hair one a woman is said to be her glory (1 Corinthians 11:15), and it said that it is shameful for a woman to have cut ("shorn" or "shaven") hair (1 Corinthians 11:6). Some branches on the Pentecostal faith, Oneness or not, seem to have shifted their view on this. Even the stricter breed seem to only stress emphasis on "long hair" without defining what long is or is not. In only stressing long hair, that leads to measuring and placing limitations on what is and is not long. That opens the door to legalism.

As for the men, our hair is expected to be short. The Word of God reminds us that even nature itself, or worldliness in general, teaches us that it is unseemly for a man to have long hair (1 Corinthians 11:14).

These Biblical principles are given so there would be clear and distinct distinguish of the two genders. The world, and some of the churches that has allowed the world to influence them, has changed their view. That does not make it right, however.

Sleeves
My Pastor has a preference for elbows being covered. For a while, I was not following this standard outside the church walls, but here recently, I have felt the conviction and the need to be in obedience and cover my elbows. It is so much easier to do now that I have stared it. Why did I not do it sooner? Pride, I guess. There cannot be any other reason I do not suppose. Personally, I do not think short sleeves are sinful or even immodest, but it certainly can be an issue of separation as well as personal or pastoral conviction and standard. My Father and Brother still wear short sleeves. I think nothing of it. They still have a walk with Jesus, and if He wants them to cover their arms up, He will tell them, and knowing them, they will listen to His request.

I know there are some people that use the verse referring to that, after the fall of man, God made coats of skin for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21), and since no coat is ever short-sleeved, then our arms should be covered more than not. This verse, as any of them, has opened avenues for discussions, debates, and doctrinal differences on the viewpoint of just how much of our arms should be covered by our shirts.

Pantsuits
When I saw "pantsuits", I immediately thought of someone trying to justify women wearing pants. Now, I am positive that the thread-starter was also referring to the pantsuits worn by pastors and preachers, but that was not my initial response.

The Bible makes it clear that there is to be a distinctive difference in the attire for males and females. Perhaps the most common verse used that concerns a variation in the dress of men and women tells us that it is an abomination to the Lord for ladies to wear what pertaineth unto a man, and the same going for men wearing ladies garments (Deuteronomy 22:5). Churches years ago, and the world to for that matter, understood what men were to wear and the ladies, too. That is not the case any longer.

Many will argue that since, in Biblical times, both men and women wore robes (or cloaks) that it is all right for women and men to both wear pants today. If their research was done properly, they would also find that the Bible speaks of men wearing "breeches" (or pants) underneath their cloaks to distinguish their attire from the ladies.

There is significant justification for women today wearing pants. I have heard all sorts of arguments in the defense of it that it is unreal: social expectations have changed, cultural trends have shifted, the mercy of the Lord grants liberty, etc. The most widely used one, I believe, is the belief that what was referenced in Deuteronomy 22:5 was under the Law of Moses, and therefore is no longer a commandment to be followed. If that were true, though, is it alright for us guys to wear dresses and skirts? Of course not.

In short, ladies stay out of the pants. And men do not be trying and summer dresses this year. Jesus does not like it, so just do not do it.

Jewelry
Preaching, preferences, and standards against jewelry has Biblical principles as well. Scripturally, women are told to adorn themselves modestly and without any decorated hair, gold, pearls, or any costly array (1 Timothy 2:9). Many have asked the question why men are not also mentioned in this scripture, but I think that lies in the simple fact that most men, especially if they are straight, are not going to adorn themselves with pearls and gold any way. But even if they men were not mentioned in black and white, I do personally believe that not adorning oneself with costly array goes for the ladies as well as the gentlemen. We cannot look worldly and decked out with our gold chains, rings, and stuff, either.

In a personal opinion, the adorning of oneself with jewelry (male or female) looks worldly. We are not to look as this world does, we are to look different.

Makeup
Another issue that causes doctrinal debates and occasional arguments, but which also has Bible to back the preaching against it. The Bible tells us that women that are spoiled will adorn themselves immodestly, with gold and painted faces (Jeremiah 4:30-31). With worldly material, these women have attempted to beautify themselves, but Jesus only sees vanity when He looks at it. Jesus admires a woman that feareth the Lord, but finds beauty in worldliness vain (Proverbs 31:30). Many preach and personally believe that the majority of women that maintain a makeup-styled appearance possess the spirit of Jezebel, or something similar at least.

Now, if men are wearing makeup, that is a subject for a different post, but to sum it: It is wrong, so do not do it.

Those are my thoughts, anyhow. (on all of it)