Dress Code Idolatry

Why is it that the 'super' legalistic always feel the need to have a religious

'image'? It had its start way back in the Old Testament where people felt the

need to have something 'visual' to identify with and proudly proclaim their

allegiance to. The images then were made of stone, wood, gold, etc....all were

images that they could point to and say, 'this is our Idol (god) of whom we

worship and identify with'.All religious idols today are not made of stone,

wood, or gold, but they are esteemed... held high, and in a sense, 'worshiped'

just the same as those images of old.

The dictionary defines an IDOL as; 

1.'a representational material 'form' that is idealized or worshiped.

2. An embodiment of a 'human' concept. Something adored 'blindly' and

'excessively'.

3. A 'human invented ideal'

. 

The definition of a GRAVEN IMAGE; 

1. A false representation

2. A 'stand in' for God that is visible

3. An 'emblem' that the religious group can take 'pride' in

5. Man inspired...Not God

In the Legalistic Institutions of today, the 'Holiness Dress Code' has become

their Graven Image...their Idol. They take abundant pride in that 'IMAGE' to the

extent of deep self-righteousness. Lines are drawn in the same fellowship as

each try to 'carve' their 'image' better than the other across town. Pride

becomes the driving force as each try and 'out holy' others...and the Enemy has

a HEY DAY...

Because he;

1. Keeps the religious focused on the Wrong thing.

2. Makes them look foolish, cultish, and thus a little 'scary' to the world.

3. Brings pride and a judgmental attitude between each other.

4. Brings false definition to the word 'holy'

What always stood out to me in the Organization we had been a part of for years,

was that the women's 'IMAGE' was always the one 'carved' on the hardest. This

was confusing not only to me but to many women who came to me asking 'why'.

Scripture plainly states that God Himself is no respecter of persons yet in our

circles it was projected the opposite. More is demanded of their ladies and it

seems that the yokes placed on them get heavier as time progresses. Guidelines

and rules become ridiculous as many in the pastorate become more focused on

impressing their peers with their 'holiness standards'. (even that title is not

scriptural)They do not trouble to REALLY study the scripture on these matters

and when they try and preach on them using their own examples and thoughts, they

appear awkward and 'unwise'. Their 'Guide' or 'Measuring stick', is what their

peers preach and what tradition has handed down to them through the years...but

much keeps being added to that tradition and woe to the next generation when

they see their even longer list of rules. All the while, their ladies keep

trying to adjust to the latest law, working hard to make themselves look as

presentable as they can considering what they have to go through to do it. Most

will say (as I did)that it is no big deal,while in my heart I wondered

why?.Never did I complain out loud and I can honestly say I never resented it

but I longed to hear a real explanation of scripture that applied to all they

taught. If they would only 'cherish' the women of whom all the demands were laid

upon, I am convinced that they would be more careful in the 'carving' of their

'IMAGE'. I wonder if the pastors even consider what attitudes comes with their

'IMAGE'?..It is packaged with criticism, judgmentalism,and gossip when others do

not 'line up' and look as they. After the pastor has finished carving their

image they stand back and hold it up with PRIDE so that others will say 'Oh!

Look how holy! He is acceptable to us!'...and the 'IMAGE' again is worshiped. I

wonder..what is the real motivation behind the 'continual' carving on the

women? What is the 'real' intent? Is it really to make us 'holy' or is it to

take care of a deep problem in the heart of some towards women. If it is because

that women in general need to cover up that which appeals to the opposite sex,

then why don't they ask us what appeals to us so that we can 'HELP' them with

their 'holiness standards'...such as...Men wear a loin cloth over your trousers!

OK! Go ahead and laugh but if all are equal in God's eyes...then all are equal!

Maybe they need to start carving 2 Idols!? What do you think!

I know, I know,...I got a little preachy here but this has been in my mind and

heart for years and only now am I able to express it without fear!

Go ahead and chew on it and tell me your thoughts!

Love you all!

Brenda