Modesty

Hopefully everyone has been reading the Sovereign Grace Blog in recent days. C.J. Mahaney has been sharing his chapter ("God, My Heart, and Clothes") from the upcoming Crossway book entitled Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World. By the way, the Sovereign Grace blog has information of how you can receive 35% off the cost of this book.

I've only read parts of these posts so far but I look forward to reading it all this week. For convenience you can download the complete content of the blog posts in PDF HERE

I would also recommend checking out the results of The Modesty Survey, conducted by Alex & Brett Harris at The Rebulution. Other helpful resources include:

• Modeling Modesty by Mary Mohler (PDF download)
• Are Christian Women "Modeling Modesty" In Weddings? - Mary Mohler interview on her husband's radio show.
  

As a man, and a Christian man in particular, I believe it is very helpful to seriously consider this issue. Modesty isn't simply a matter of following rules to be a 'good little Christian' (legalism), but it is being responsible in how we serve our brothers and sisters.

I took part in the Modesty Survey and listened to Dr. Mohler's radio program above when it first aired, but the subject had not really been on my mind recently. However, when I attended the T4G conference I was reminded of it once again.

During one of the sessions I was located behind a girl whose pants were riding very low, probably lower than she realized. As a result, a part of anatomy typically associated with plumbers was clearly visible. She was in the back row of the floor seats and I was in the second row of bleacher seats (about a 25-30' separation), so it wasn't that I just happened to look down and see something. It was clearly visible from a distance.

Please do not misunderstand me. I don't think for a second that she was doing this purposely, and I am confident she genuinely loves the Lord, but it was certainly an awkward time. This situation is just one example of why it is important to think about the issue of modesty (I'm talking to guys as well as girls).

We need to be willing to look in the mirror and think of others instead of just whether the garment looks good. I think the chapter by C.J. Mahaney, as well as these other resources, are tremendously beneficial as we seek to serve each other in this area.

Blessings!

It really is official this time

I am officially the Minister of Children & Families at Parkland Hills. There is no more voting that needs to be done by anyone (see previous posts).

It is exciting but also scary. I just need to remember to stay focused on the gospel and not get caught up in being a professional minister. In fact, I probably should re-read "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals."

I appreciate everyone's support and encouragement as Michelle and I begin this new phase of our lives and ministry. I covet your prayers in the days, months, and possibly years to come.

The 17th of May will be my last day where I currently work. I will miss the friends I've made there, although I WILL NOT miss the 45+ minute commute (sorry guys). I praise the Lord for providing such a wonderful job and a great group of people to work with the past year and nine months. Thanks especially to Stephen and Brad for your godly leadership.

"Whoever serves [must do it] as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified" - 1 Peter 4:11

Grace and peace!