Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, all people are born with a seed of sin. I have it. You have it. We all have it. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

As a child, I am happy. I am free. The blood of Jesus covers my sins. As I grow older, I don't feel so free anymore. This seed is producing sinful thoughts and actions in me. I begin to feel uneasy. Sometimes I am confused or afraid.

Now What?

I am helpless to remove this seed. It is ugly. It grows fast. I am under Satan's control. Satan is the father of this ugly seed. Now he is my master. What can I do? I am torn. Part of me likes it; part of me doesn't. I can't control myself and my desires. Satan tells me I am free. He tells me about an exciting life just ahead. He says don't worry; have fun! Sometimes I believe him, but late at night when I am all alone, I know better. Unless I change, I fear I am headed for destruction.

Jesus is calling me. I pray to Him. Others pray for me. I confess my sins until I am weary. I try every way I can think of, but I can't change myself. My heart is sinful. I'm on the road to hell.

I'm at the End of My Rope

I’m at the end of my rope. Swinging, swaying, clinging, praying—I admit I am helpless. I need forgiveness. I ask God to forgive my sins. In my total helplessness, I let go and fall into the loving Savior’s arms. “Jesus, I give You my sinful heart, my efforts to reform, my past, my future.” Immediately He is there. What a sweet and tender presence! I can feel his gentle, nail-scarred hands as He washes my sinful heart clean. I am forgiven. No more fears or shadows. The warm sun shines on me as it did when I was a child. Now I am a happy child of God. Satan no longer has control over me. This kind Jesus who stands beside me is now in control of my life. I enter into the joy of salvation. What a beautiful, peaceful walk. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

But What Is This?

There is a way of dress that complements the Christian and his high calling. Paul writes to the Philippians, "Only let your conversation [manner of life] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27). An individual's manner of dress is like a window providing a look into his heart. It makes a clear statement of his estimation of himself and reveals who is the master of his life. God's will is for the human form to be adequately covered, not displayed. The true disciples of Christ have always been known for their modest dress. 

Satan uses various methods to undermine God's standard of modest dress. There is apparel that is worn mainly as an ornament or for display, rather than simply as a covering for the body. The proud heart of man is gratified by fashionable and showy things. Proverbs 21:4 says, "An high look, and a proud heart...is sin." Suggestive attire draws attention to the human form and promotes lustful thoughts and desires. Clothing that fits tightly or insufficiently covers the body attracts attention, arousing the passions of the opposite sex, and contributes to immorality. It is especially alarming that many people profess godliness but show little regard for modesty and purity. Man is ignoring God's will in the matter of dress.

The words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 lay a scriptural foundation for humility in dress. "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." Notice that the apostle does not say that a Christian may glorify his body. Rather, he is to glorify God in his body and in his spirit.

Writing to Timothy, Paul further gives the general principles of a Christian's dress. When addressing women, he writes, “In like manner also, that women 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 Timothy 2:9-10). Peter also writes that women should shun "that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:3-4). "Putting on of apparel" means clothing other than that which is used for the sake of decency. There is a manner of clothing the body that is appropriate for the Christian. On the other hand, there is a type of clothing that is carefully chosen to draw attention to one’s self and leaves a different impression than that of a humble and sincere Christian. In Proverbs 6:16-17 we read that even a proud look is an abomination to God.

Do you have feelings of loneliness, or a sense of guilt and fear deep inside your heart? Do you wonder about the purpose of your life? Many people are trying to find the answer to these feelings. You may find entertainments or other activities that may relieve you of these feelings for a short time, then they return, perhaps stronger than ever before.

In the beginning God's creation was perfect. Man had no problems until the devil came and enticed him to disobey God. He fell into sin and he was no longer perfect. Ever since that time all humanity has been sinful.

Can you relate to this fall? When you were a child, God was not keeping track of your sins but was forgiving you for Jesus' sake. As you matured these things began to change and you started to have guilty feelings. What happened? God was letting you feel the guilt of your sins. No longer was the blood of Jesus covering your sins. God was saying, "You are now responsible for what you are doing." If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, you are still carrying a burden of guilt.

What can you do to change these feelings of guilt? You cannot pay for your sins no matter how many good deeds you do. In God's eyes you are still a sinner. God cannot tolerate sin. Sin separates us from God (see Isaiah 59:2).

Now here is the beautiful and simple plan God has to help you. Jesus, God's sinless and perfect Son came to bring this plan. He took our sins upon Himself and died on the cross, paying the price that was demanded for our sins. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus we can have salvation today. Jesus invites us to come to him with the burden of sin.