Could You Spot Jezebel in Your Church?

[Michael Phelps]

Let me go ahead and respond to the post that hasn't been posted yet, lol.

The scripture that I'm sure PO is referencing speaks of not being adorned in gold, pearls, the plaiting of the hair, and costly array.

If you consider the time in which this scripture was written, one will understand that braiding gold and pearls into one's hair, and wearing them garishly on the body was an outward sign of wealth. This is what Paul was speaking against.

It's also why James said that if a man comes into the church in fancy apparel, and you give him a seat of authority based on that appearance, you're committing sin!

Now, let's relate that to our generation - what's an outward sign of wealth in our day? It's a man wearing a 1500 dollar suit, a Rolex watch, and driving a Mercedes, among other things. Are those things preached against? Absolutely not!

So, in order to be consistent with scripture, let's define modesty - not the outward showing of one's wealth or prestige.

Now, as a side note, it's always amused me that from Paul's writings to Timothy, we conclude this -

The fancy apparel is ok, the braiding of the hair is ok, but the gold and pearls are a sin - Only if worn in the ears, or on the wrist, unless of course, it's a gold wristwatch.