Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 20
June 20, 1968
NUMBER 8, PAGE 10b-11a

"Oh-H-H, It's So Hot!"

Larry R. Devore

It is just about time for the "silly season" or should we say "sin season"? People are starting to say, "Ohhh, it's so hot" and are starting to shed their clothes. This raises the question; can Christians participate with their neighbors, and likewise shed their clothes and dress like the world and engage in mixed swimming and such-like. We cannot make a decision based upon what our friends and neighbors may do; but upon what the Word of God says.

Jesus said, "...every one that Iooketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matt. 5:28. Now this should be plain enough for those who want to do that which is right. A Christian man has no business in or close to a pool or beach where there are women scantily dressed. No normal, healthy man can look upon a nude or nearly-nude woman without violating Matt. 5:28. Who ever says differently is either a fool, a liar, or not normal himself. No man (Christian or sinner) can afford to place himself under such temptation. James says, "...each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin; and the sin. when it is full-grown, bringeth forth death. Be not deceived, my beloved brethren." James 1: 14-16. John says that the "lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life" are things of this world, worldly. The Christian is to be separate from the world. 1 Jno. 2:15-17; Eph. 5:11; 11 Cor. 6:17. A man cannot play with fire and not get burned! God's warnings are plain and easy to read. "Abstain from every appearance of evil." 1 Thess. 5:22.

Not only men, but these things also apply to women. Women cannot partake of the things of the world, or dress like the world. Paul writes in I Tim. 2:9, how that women are to "...adorn themselves in modest apparel." Can anyone honestly contend that modern swim suits are "modest apparel?" Some people wear more clothes to bed than others wear to the beach or even downtown. The average woman is not aroused sexually as quickly as men, and perhaps some "silly women" mistakenly think they are not causing men to sin in their (lack of) beach clothes. Yet, there are other women who purposely dress this way to attract men. This is like waving a red flag in a bull's face! The near-nudity on our streets and beaches is a major reason for increased sex crimes (sex crimes always increase in the summer); yet many women are openly inviting attacks by rapists by their dress!

Modest is from the Greek word "KOSMIOS" meaning, "orderly, well-arranged, decent, modest." The Dictionary defines the English word modest as, "reserved, chaste, pure in speech, manner, dress, etc." Christian men and women are to be reserved — not forward; chaste — not vulgar; to be pure in speech, conduct, dress. God's people are not to be given over to vulgar, lewd, indecent, ungodly conduct. Christians cannot engage in public mixed-swimming or wearing of indecent clothing and be pleasing to God. Paul says, "I did forewarn you (tell you plainly) that they which practice such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God." Read Gal. 5:19-21.

Often Christians will agree to the above teaching and not participate in such, but will let their children do so. To me, this is the height of inconsistency! If it is wrong for me, then it is wrong for my children also. By the logic (?) of some, I could let my children steal because they have not reached the age of accountability! This is exactly the same thing! If you can teach your children that it is all right to wear shorts or engage in mixed-swimming until they are old enough to obey the gospel — then I can teach mine that it is right for them to steal until they are old enough to obey the gospel, then they will have to quit. If not, why not? Some may quickly answer, "stealing is against the (civil) law." Do we have more regard for man's laws than we do God's? Both stealing and indecent dress (mixed-swimming) are violations of the laws of God. The thing that is wrong with mixed swimming is not going swimming itself (swimming is a healthy exercise; but the indecent dress which causes others to lust after semi-nude women and girls (I refuse to call them ladies). Even if you are strong enough to resist temptation (or think you are — "take heed lest ye fall."); you are a fool if you think other people are that strong! These things concern our souls and our children's souls. We are commanded to "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6:4. What are you teaching your children?

Many people will complain, "Ohhh, it's so hot" as the rays of the sun beat down upon them this summer. But let me say, brother, it is a whole lot hotter in hell!!

P.O. Box 5, New Carlisle, Ohio 45344