True Holiness

Thus we should abstain from clothing that immodestly exposes the body; ornamental

jewelry; colored cosmetics and hair dye; very expensive, extravagant, or gaudy attire; dresses or skirts on men; pants on women; long hair on men; cut hair on

women; and fashions with carnal associations.

It is vitally important to teach principles, not just rules, to avoid inconsistencies in this area.

Men must be careful to avoid effeminate styles, and women masculine styles.

Since God asks women to have long hair, they should not trim it or otherwise seek to shorten it deliberately.

It is inconsistent to object to lipstick but wear blush

or mascara.

It is likewise inconsistent to object to earrings or nose rings but wear finger rings for ornamentation.

It violates scriptural principles to be extremely costly extravagant, showy, or ostentatious in hairstyle, clothing, or functional jewelry (jewelry, worn for function, not ornament, such as a watch).

Four questions will help determine when these things are too extravagant:

(1) What is the motive for wearing it?

(2) Is it wise stewardship?

(3) How do others view it?

(4) What would Jesus do?

6. Stewardship of the body (I Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:12, 19-20).

The body is the temple of the Spirit, so we should not use things that harm or defile the body, cause intoxication, or cause addiction.

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and illegal drugs violate this principle.

Other problems in this area are gluttony, obesity due to overindulgence, abuse of legal drugs, and caffeine addiction.

7. Sanctity of marriage (I Corinthians 6:9-10;

Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 13:4).

The Bible condemns all sexual relations outside the permanent marriage of a

man and a woman.

It opposes lustful thoughts and actions.

Youth must flee from fornication and lustful caressing when dating. Since God’s plan is lifelong marriage, we should not follow worldly examples and seek divorce on grounds of mistake, incompatibility, or falling out of love.

8. Sanctity of human life (Exodus 20:13; Matthew5:39, 44).

We should not condone violence, and we should personally reject all intentional murder of human beings, even in abortion, warfare, and suicide.

9. Honesty and integrity (Mark 10:19).

The Bible rejects all forms of dishonesty and corruption, including lying, stealing, defrauding, refusal to pay debts, extortion, bribery, and cheating.

10. Fellowship (Matthew 18:15-18; I Corinthians5:9-6:8; 15:33; II Corinthians 6:14).

We must not become identified with sinful attitudes or lifestyles.

We should not have fellowship with so-called Christians who continually indulge in sinful activities, nor become yoked with unbelievers (such as by marriage).

In the church, we are to resolve all disputes according to the procedure given by Christ, not by suing one another in civil court.

11. Worldly activities (I Thessalonians 5:22; Titus

3:3; I John 2:15).

*** We must maturely regulate music, sports, games, and amusements.

*** To the extent possible, we should avoid places or events with atmospheres, influences, or associations that are excessively worldly.