My family and I have been attending church at a very family oriented church for the past five years. Other than a few pastoral changes (pastors coming and going, due to retirement, change in course etc.), this Church has been a wonderful change for us. We've been blessed through the teachings, the activities, and the friendships of fellow brethren.
One thing that's lacking is the solid foundation of prayer, and intense bible study. Though there are some established bible study groups at individual homes, one that takes place in the morning hours, none of that is geared toward the youth. I know that no church body is perfect, but we wanted more, for our kids.
My husband and I have been extremely blessed to have had very solid biblical teachings background, and a practical prayer life from our old Church, which even though we've tried to instill in our children is not being enforced in the environment that they spend so much time in. So after much prayer and consideration, we felt led to go back to Bethel. The church where we started from, our old church.
The 'old church' teaches very strong christian principles when it comes to dressing. The believe is that any child of God should be modest, not causing others to stumble through their dressing. The wearing of pants, make-up, and jewelry is not encouraged, it is actually frowned at. It is also their believe that hair covering must be worn in church.
My teenage daughter is the one that's all torn apart right now because of this move. She's not looking forward to doing away with a lot of her skinny jeans, earrings, and the thought of having to wear hats to church.
Is there anything wrong with wearing pants?
Though our relationship with our heavenly father is not defined by our outfit. Once washed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to be modest in our dressings, covering our nakedness. The bible also states in Deuteronomy 22:5, "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."
This has been a controversial verse in many churches. How we define what should be worn by a man or a woman is relative, and strictly defined by culture. Men wear berets, so do women. Men wear blazers, so do women, Men wear socks, sweaters, and shawls, so do women. The only distinctive way of telling the difference is often the color or the tailoring of each.
It is best to pray for the Holy Spirit's understanding of this verse. I do believe that there a reason this verse was included in the bible to begin with, and that sometimes the word need to be interpreted literally.
Though the 'old church' tends to focus some on modest dressing, sound biblical teachings, emphasis on holy living, and regular prayer meetings (and all-night prayers), was never lacking. And while our other church believe the same biblical doctrines similar to our old church, we feel that the aspect of corporate prayer, having a designated day where the entire body can come together for prayer, and emphasis on holy living is lacking.
With that said, I also believe that if we choose to be a part of a believing church body, we are to do whatever is humanly possible, not to be a stumbling block in the life of those other believers. The outfit should not cause us to lose sight of what's important. And that is, maintaining a healthy relationship with our fellow believers. And keeping our focus on heaven.
This move will definitely bring some pain. Relationships that has been built over the years risk fizzling away, or been lost. You know what they say, "out of sight, is out of mind". But knowing that our children are going to have the opportunity to grow in grace, in their prayer life, and in the knowledge of our savior and Lord, that makes it all worth it.
It shall be well.
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