Today we are dealing with a term that has all but become obsolete in the English language.

With the exploitation of sex and nudity in TV, movies and magazines, we find ourselves living in a generation when most seem to have lost all sense of modesty. "Modest" is defined as "orderly, well-arranged, decent." That which is modest and decent is in sharp contrast to that which is shameful!

In 1 Tim. 2:9, the Apostle Paul wrote, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety." And in Titus 2:3-5, he explains that older women are to teach the young women to be "discreet" and "chaste."

With the emergence of spring flowers and warm days we find our streets, shops, parks and lawns over-run with near nudity. It is amazing that the folks from six to sixty-six who would be horribly embarrassed to be seen in their under garments, boldly display themselves in swim and sun fashions that reveal far more.

But what's behind all this practice of near-nudity? That is the thing that is most disturbing! It is a proven fact that lack of clothing does not make one cooler but rather has the reverse effect by exposing one to the sun and heat. Lack of clothing in fact exposes one to sun burn, insect bites and various poisonous plants So, why all the shorts, halters, bikinis and sun suits? The answer is obvious - exhibitionism! (A desire to show off oneself.)

Despite the fact that God has expressed His displeasure with such action, it is obvious that multitudes expose themselves in order to enjoy the response of head turning, goggle eyed males.

We would remind one and all that it is a sin to cause another to sin. The one who provokes lustful thoughts in the mind of another will not go guiltless. In Gal. 5:19, "lasciviousness" is listed as a work of the flesh that will bar one from the kingdom of God. "Lasciviousness" is defined as "indecency, shameless conduct, absence of restraint."

We would encourage one and all to enjoy the pleasant days of summer without joining that shameless legion, trudging the road of ungodliness-that ultimately leads to eternal shame and despair.

Guardian of Truth XXVI: 6, p. 93
February 11, 1982