Is this the scripture we teach to be separate?

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by KWSS1976

Pressing on why did you add this part?...... to follow or be coupled with our outward manner and dress

Because the Bible teaches modesty - in dress (outward appearance) and because "conversation" in the Word is defined as "behaviour", hence "manner".

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Is this necessarily 'separation'? There are atheists who dress modestly.

I'm not sure that God demands that we dress differently (separately) than the world. 100 years ago everyone, Christian or not, looked the same.

And as has been frequently pointed out, our men don't dress 'separate' from the world.

I do believe in dressing modestly, but I don't think it's so we'll be 'separate'.

LOL! Dressing modestly is a separation. Look around!

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

LOL! Dressing modestly is a separation. Look around!

It's not always, truly. Believe it or not, I know a lot of non-Christians who dress very modestly.

I just don't think that is a good interpretation of that scripture. "See, women must wear skirts because the Bible teaches us to be separate from the world!" Yes, I've heard that.

[KWSS1976]

But other women wear skirts and they are not of the upc faith so how is a upc womens dress any diffrent from the world I believe a woman can wear pants and it be modest after all you can not see any leg in pants but you can in a skirt so it sounds to me that the pants are really more modest then a skirt...

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

It's not always, truly. Believe it or not, I know a lot of non-Christians who dress very modestly.

I just don't think that is a good interpretation of that scripture. "See, women must wear skirts because the Bible teaches us to be separate from the world!" Yes, I've heard that.

That isn't the point and I'm not talking about "dress standards" as you might be thinking. I've read some of your posts. I would encourage you to take a deep breath and listen (for a better word) to what you are reading. Everyone does not come with a gun cocked and ready to fire. LOL!

I'm speaking of simply dressing modestly in our present age. Not being full of ornamentation, which is pride.

For instance, I heard a minister say, and he is UPC (LOL), "If your fur coat is keeping you from worshiping - take it off. If your wallet is too full - lighten the load." He is speaking of balance. Get those things out of your life that distract you from your higher purpose!

It is simply very godly to live a balanced life. We don't gauge or compare our lives with others whether they are modest or not. We are looking, as Christians, to the Word of God. An atheist can be blessed for giving because it's a Bible directive. That doesn't make him right or saved.

[MissBrattified]

The life of a Christian will separate us from the world naturally--it doesn't have to be a deliberate separation just for the sake of it. We shouldn't choose to do something opposite of an unbeliever simply to separate ourselves from them. Everything we do should be as unto the Lord, and we will naturally be set apart or different from unbelievers, even those who also dress modestly. (Because their character will be different from ours.)

Separation unto God is a better way to look at it, because too often people think of separation from the world as "doing the opposite of what worldly people do." It's not quite the same thing.

Separation also doesn't mean that we eliminate contact, another fallacy that has greatly injured the church and outreach.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by KWSS1976

But other women wear skirts and they are not of the upc faith so how is a upc womens dress any diffrent from the world I believe a woman can wear pants and it be modest after all you can not see any leg in pants but you can in a skirt so it sounds to me that the pants are really more modest then a skirt...

I believe that is a personal conviction of choice. For me, a dress is more modest. My husband wants me to wear a dress, but I know if I wanted to wear pants, he wouldn't stop me from doing so. He said that it is his opinion and that he feels a woman in a dress is by far much more feminine in his eyes.

There is no sense in arguing about a person's dress choice or church organization they attend. We are all grown adults and can make our own choices, hopefully we will follow the will of God in everything.

[KWSS1976]

But per your post you were talking about modesty in dress? I guess I am lost LOL

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by KWSS1976

But per your post you were talking about modesty in dress? I guess I am lost LOL

How else can you be modest? You sure can't be when you are neekid! LOL!

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

That isn't the point and I'm not talking about "dress standards" as you might be thinking. I've read some of your posts. I would encourage you to take a deep breath and listen (for a better word) to what you are reading. Everyone does not come with a gun cocked and ready to fire. LOL!

I'm sorry if I've come across that way, it's not my intent.

But this thread was about separation, right?

You'd probably be very surprised if you saw me. I attend an ultra-ultra con church, and I follow the standards. Don't cut my hair, only wear dresses, no makeup - even clear fingernail polish - no tv or movies. So if I come across as a liberal, resentful of standards, that wouldn't be true.

But I DO disagree with a lot of the teaching I've heard through the years. I'm in a pretty tough spot right now, as a matter of fact, because I do disagree.

And this is one that I've heard a lot, to justify our standards - that we must be separate, using that verse.

Apparently Esther has heard it that way, too, or maybe I misunderstood her post.

Sorry if I offended.