The Shame of Nakedness

By Ron Halbrook

When Christians are guilty, they conform to the world, start down the road of

Revelation 3:17-18 pictures a proud church like a poor, diseased man with inadequate clothes. If the church repented, Christ would supply every spiritual need, “that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” This figurative use of inadequate clothing is based on the concept of the shame of nakedness and on the failure of some people to recognize this shame.

Nakedness may refer to nudity or to inadequate clothing. Adam and Eve were first nude but then partially clothed with “aprons”(girdle, loin-covering; Gen. 3:7). God replaced this inadequate clothing with “coats,” proper and adequate garments “generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees” (v. 21; Gesenius, Hebrew & Chaldee Lexicon 420). God replaced their shorts with garments covering from the shoulders down to the knees to cover the shame of their nakedness.

To uncover or see nakedness is a euphemism for sexual intercourse (Lev. 18:6; 20:17). Nakedness with its sexual appeal and implications is a blessing in marriage, but a curse and shame when displayed outside marriage. Therefore, in addition to outer robes, the priests wore pants reaching from the waist to the knees — “breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach” (Exod. 28:42). Even heathen women knew the embarrassment of lifting their skirts to cross a river — “make bare the leg, uncover the thigh.

. . . Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen” (Isa. 47:2-3). Exposing the thighs reveals the shame of nakedness.

God commanded women to “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Shamefacedness or shamefastness is an innate sense of honor which “shrinks from overpassing the limits of womanly reserve and modesty, as well as from the dishonor” of such an act (Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament 63-68). It is “a sense of shame” or “modesty which is ‘fast’ or rooted in the character” (Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words IV:17).

Modesty, shamefacedness, and sobriety deeply rooted in a woman’s character cause her to shrink back from exposing the shame of her nakedness. This shame is ex- posed before men by her wearing skirts and shorts above the knees, miniskirts, low cut dresses and blouses (front or back), strapless or backless dresses, swimsuits, tube or tank tops, tight or formfitting attire (leotards, bicycle shorts, etc.), and the generally abbreviated uniforms worn by majorettes, cheerleaders, and flag or drill teams. A man in shorts revealing his thighs and without a shirt exposes the shame of his nakedness to women.

The sin of exposed nakedness is fraught with dangers. It creates temptations for the opposite sex, sears the conscience, and refuses the truth of God’s Word (Matt. 18:6-7; Jer. 6:15; Hos. 8:12). It weakens the home by causing parents to fail in their duty to their children or children to rebel against parental leadership (1 Sam. 3:13; Deut. 21:18-21). When Christians are guilty, they conform to the world, start down the road of apostasy, set the wrong example, and bring shame on Christ and his church (Rom. 12:2; Judg. 2:10; Matt. 5:13-16; Eph. 5:26-27). Souls will be lost over such sins (Gal. 5:19-21).

Christ can clothe us spiritually and teach us to dress. 

Choruses in Churches of Christ, Prelude to Choirs

By Bill Reeves

Your special invitation to hear SONLIGHT SINGERS (acapella Christian Chorus from San Diego) at the Bright Angel Church of Christ, Saturday, September 12, 1998, 7:00 P.M. REFRESHMENTS Following the presentation. Please stay as our guests. DIRECTOR: George Budurin. Additional information from Boyd Gulliland, Min. Ad- mission is free!

The above flyer was distributed in Las Vegas, Nevada, one being received by the faithful brethren meeting on N. Vegas Drive. Here is a case of a church of Christ having a professional chorus to sing (acapella) to it, while the per- sons in attendance are simply spectators who listen. This is entertainment pure and simple! This is not “teaching and admonishing one another”as congregational singing is designed by God to accomplish (Col. 3:16).

Satan is persistent; he tirelessly works through what can be called “incrementalism”; that is, slowly “growing” in the introduction of error by means of regular consecutive additions which are simply small steps at a time. Once the brotherhood becomes accustomed to the choruses singing in the churches, then it is not so shocking a matter to introduce the choir on a regular basis. Like dripping water wears away the stone, so incrementalism effects great changes. These professional choruses, whether individually organized, or sent out by the colleges and universities among us, to perform (“presentations”) in churches of Christ, are preludes to the choir!

The entertainment aspect of the “presentation” is high- lighted by the “refreshments following the presentation,” offered to all who attend from the area. And, this could be called “worship”? Does this church of Christ follow their invitations to worship God by the phrase: Admission Is Free? One reads in vain in the New Testament to find a thirty-second cousin to such a practice! It doesn’t take a prophet to see that a choir in this church of Christ is not far in the future!

The Subtlety Of It

By Donnie V. Rader

The problem with indifference is that many who have it don’t know it; and those who do don’t care. Few, if any, churches exist that do not have some members who are indifferent.

What Is Indifference?

Indifference is apathy, unconcern, and disinterest. The dictionary says, “1. Characterized by a lack of partiality or bias. 2. Not mattering one way or the other; of no great importance. 3. Having no marked feeling one way or the other . . . 4. Having no particular interest or concern . . . 8. Not active or involved” (American Heritage Dictionary 655). Those lacking in diligence, dedication, and devotion are indifferent. Simply put it is an “I don’t care” attitude.

Like a cancer, indifference eats away at the life of a Christian and a local church.

God’s People Have Always Been Plagued With Indifference

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, lamented the fact that Judah, who was doomed to captivity, acted as if it was nothing (Lam. 1:1-12). Centuries later, the church at Corinth had a fornicator in their midst and had done nothing about it (1 Cor. 5:1-13). They were not even upset about it. Laodicea, one of the seven churches of Asia, was rebuked for being neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm (Rev. 3:15-16).

The People of God Should Be Diligent, Devoted And Zealous

We should seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33). The priority of our life should be for God to rule our heart and live right before him. In so doing, we will sanctify (set apart) God in our hearts (1 Pet. 3:15). Our service to God must be with a fervent spirit (Rom. 12:11).

Solomon wrote, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Eccl. 9:10). If anything deserves our whole being, it is the service of God. Paul said, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col. 3:23).

When God is served with all our soul and strength, we will not be indifferent.

The Subtlety of Indifference

Indifference is not always easy to detect in ourselves or others. Thus, part of the danger of it is that it is subtle. What makes it so subtle?

1. It develops gradually and slowly. The Hebrew writer warned that we should give earnest heed to the word, “lest we drift away”(Heb. 2:1, NKJV ). The KJV says, “let them slip.” The footnote in the KJV adds, “Gr. run out as leaking vessels.” All of these describe a slow and gradual departure.

This doesn’t happen overnight. One is not diligent and enthused one day and the next indifferent. Rather, like a leaking vessel, it leaks out a drop at a time. That makes it hard to recognize in yourself. A casual examination of self may look okay since I may not recognize much difference in what I was a few months ago or even the year before. But the little movements accumulate over time.

I may look at my actions and see little change in what I have been in the past. But again, my examination of self may be flawed. I must recognize that indifference strikes first at the heart and then manifest itself in my actions.

2. It is harder to see what we are not doing. Paul rebuked some brethren who ought to have developed into teachers, but needed to be taught themselves (Heb. 5:11-12). It was not what they were doing, but what they didn’t do. That’s not easily seen.

Overt acts of sin are easily seen by self and others. I know if I lie, cheat, curse, drink, or steal. Even sin in attitude that involves doing is easily seen. I know if I hate, lust, am bitter, have envy, jealousy, or anger. But, it is harder to detect what I fail to do. It is even harder to see that I don’t care as much as I ought to . . . that I’m not involved as I ought to be . . . that I’m not as dedicated as I ought to be . . . that I should have grown more by now.

This principle is especially true with one whose apathy has not caused him to quit altogether.

3. We focus on the signs or fruit of indifference as being the real problem. When we see the symptoms of a problem it is easy to deal with the symptom rather than look for the cause. It is like going to the doctor with pain in your arm. The pain is merely a symptom of the real problem (i.e., a pinched nerve). If the doctor loads the patient up with pain killer, he is merely treating a symptom and not the real problem.

If one doesn’t attend as he should, we preach to him about attendance. It may not seem to do much good. He doesn’t change. If one doesn’t study and grow as he should, we may preach to him about growing and studying. Again, it may not seem to do much good. Those things we are addressing (and need to address) are symptoms of indifference. The real problem is in the heart (Prov. 4:23; Matt. 15:19). The person is indifferent! He doesn’t care! He doesn’t have the respect for God and his word as he should. That’s why our preaching on attendance or other matters may not seem to generate any change. If we can cure the indifference, the symptoms will be removed.

In other articles we will consider the causes, signs and cure.

“Andy, Barney, And The Gang”

By Jarrod Jacobs

If entertainment is an authorized, useful way of bringing people to the Lord, don’t you know we would have examples of Christ and the apostles using plays, poetry, songs, and other forms of entertainment to bring the people to God?

The longer we live, the more we see how the lines between the church and the home are continuing to be blurred by those who do not respect the will of God. The line marking the difference between entertainment and worship is being blurred in many places as well. Consider the fact that in recent weeks, I have had the opportunity to read in the newspapers about the latest fad among liberal churches of Christ. What is it? It is to set aside time for watching “The Andy Griffith Show” and trying to find some “moral” to apply to people. Now, before we get too far into this, people who know me know I like watching Andy, Barney, and everyone else in Mayberry. It is a funny show, and I enjoy it. However, the problem comes in trying to bring this into the Lord’s church and passing this off as some kind of “spiritual” message.

Just so we understand that this is not some isolated incident, nor is this hear-say, I have newspaper articles that document liberal churches taking part in this. One such article ran in the January 8-10, 1999 issue of USA Weekend. Under the heading of “Spirituality,” Dennis McCafferty talked about how Joey Fann, and Brad Grasham, both members of the Twickenham church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama, enjoyed the show so much that they decided to get a class started. Further evidence that this is catching speed comes from an article in The Tennessean, on Sunday, February 28, 1999. The writer, Leon Alligood, went to Tullahoma, Tennessee and sat in on one of the “classes” where “The Andy Griffith Show” was shown. Of course, you can also go online and visit the website of Fann and Grasham, who offer insights into Mayberry, as well as encouraging others to start their own class on Mayberry. One reason they encourage this is because, “Basically, it (The Mayberry class, JJ) offers a casual, non- threatening atmosphere for people to get together, have fun, and think about how we handle certain situations in life” (Quote from Fann and Grasham’s website).

“Where is the harm in this?” some may ask. A better question would be, “Where is such a thing as this authorized by God?” Besides all we could enjoy about Andy, Barney, etc., the show still had its faults. For example, the characters lied in nearly every episode about something. Also, there was Otis, the town drunk. If we’re talking about good influences, etc., is it a good influence to have a “funny”drunk walking around? Let’s take a moment and consider the results of a Bible class based around “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Other TV Suggestions

Could we not follow the “Mayberry class” up with a class based around “Guiding Light,” “As The World Turns,” “Melrose Place,” “NYPD Blue,” etc.? If we can use Andy Griffith as a good example, can we not use these shows as examples of what not to do? Certainly, God gives us examples of people who are not worthy of imitation (e.g., Satan, Ahab, Ananias and Sapphira, Demas, etc.) Why not watch the TV shows mentioned above and spend time talking about what we ought not do in life? If they got good attendance from the “Mayberry class” (and they did), I guarantee people will come to the “soap opera” class! I wonder how long it will be before my suggestion is not considered “ridiculous,” but practiced?

What Attracts The People?

The people behind the “Mayberry class,” though they may have good intentions, have missed the point and purpose of Bible study and worshiping God. When we come together in worship, or in a Bible study situation, it is for that — Bible study!

I am afraid that Mr. Fann and Mr. Grasham have just followed the old standard of “attracting” people with one thing, and then springing the gospel on them later. Many liberal brethren and denominational folks will try to get “big numbers” through special days, outings, a winning ball team, pizza or chili suppers, etc. Then, once the people are there, they will get a “sprinkling of Scripture” added to the event. Is this not what is intended with the “Mayberry class”? The promise of a TV show attracts them (Who doesn’t like Andy?) and then the people are given a Bible lesson while there.

For people who see nothing wrong with this situation, remember Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Paul says that the gospel is the power of God to salvation. Nothing else has the power to save except the gospel. Consider also the words of Christ, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). Who is doing the “drawing” in this verse? God is! How is this done? Through the preaching of the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14). Paul said, “It pleased God by the foolish- ness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). Therefore, for man to come along and implement his “think-so’s” for drawing a crowd is to say in essence that we know more about drawing people than God does.

Illustrations vs. Entertainment

Some may suggest, “The use of the TV show is merely an illustration. Jesus used illustrations, and this is all it is.” Yes, Jesus used illustrations in his teaching (vineyard, mustard seed, fishing net, ground, tree, etc.), but where do we see Jesus using entertainment as the supposed “illustration”? Where do we see Jesus using the plays, poets, and singers of the day to “illustrate” his point and “draw” the crowd to him? The apostles were the ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). Where do we see them stooping to that level? If entertainment is an authorized, useful way of bringing people to the Lord, don’t you know we would have examples of Christ and the apostles using plays, poetry, songs, and other forms of entertainment to bring the people to God?

Yet, what do we see in the Bible? “Preach the word  . . .” (2 Tim. 4:2); “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15); “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Time and again the command and examples are shown as to what truly does people good, and will truly “bring them in.” What will do it? It is the gospel of our Lord. It alone will truly draw, convert, and save people! We will be judged one day by the word of God (John 12:48). Therefore, doesn’t it make sense to live by that word regardless of the consequences?

“A Casual, Non-Threatening Atmosphere”

One last point to consider was the quote made by Mr. Fann in trying to justify playing “The Andy Griffith Show” as a Bible Study. He said,  “Basically, it (The Mayberry class, JJ) offers a casual, non-threatening atmosphere for people to get together, have fun, and think about how we handle certain situations in life.”

Oh, that Mr. Fann and Mr. Grasham had been around during the time of Christ and the apostles! They could have solved a lot of problems for them. Did you know Jesus had no better sense than to “offend” some people on one occasion (Matt. 15:12)? In fact, the Bible says that Christ caused some people to be “filled with madness” because of what he preached (Luke 6:11). You reckon these people Christ taught felt “threatened”? Perhaps John wouldn’t have lost his head if he had told Herod “it is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife” (Mark 6:18) in a “casual, non-threatening atmosphere.” Brethren, those who know me know I’m all for an open atmosphere of study where people are encouraged to open their Bible and study for themselves. But, there comes a time when sin must be threatened. There comes a time when we must stop playing around and charge upon Satan and sin with the “sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17). Read 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, and explain how acting like this will make those in sin feel comfortable, or not threatened. The problem we are facing in this country is that we have a generation of people who are more concerned with people’s physical comfort than their spiritual welfare! The “unforgivable sin” for many is to suggest that someone is living in sin. We have people today who think we can “sneak” the gospel in on people, or “trick” them into obeying the gospel with little or no confrontation of the sin and error that may be in their lives. How foolish we are for thinking this! Friends, the best thing we can do for people is to appeal to their common sense, and show them what the Bible says. Let’s not “sugar-coat” it, or apologize for what God says, but let us present the Bible to people in a loving, caring way so that they cannot misunderstand, and let the chips fall where they may.

Conclusion

Brethren, let us learn and learn well that there is a difference between the teaching of the gospel, and entertainment. People who complain about being “bored” in the services do not understand that difference. There- fore, rather than teach the truth, denominational folks, as well as some of our liberal brethren have catered to these people. This is why Andy, Barney, and the rest of the gang in Mayberry are being used as some type of “instructional tool,” and the Bible has taken a back seat. Let us learn the difference between entertainment and Bible study! Let’s leave entertainment where it belongs and the Bible where it belongs (1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 3:17).