Topic(s): Christian Life

Aside from clothing, the Christian’s standard of modesty, for both men and women, also differed from those of Roman society.

This was particularly apparent in public and private baths. Few other societies, except for the Japanese, have had such a penchant for hot baths. Bathing was the national pastime, and public baths were one of the primary meeting places of Roman society. In the early days of the Roman Republic, baths for men and women had been strictly segregated. However, by the second century, mixed bathing in the nude was customary.

In sharp contrast, Christians taught that men and women should not bathe publicly in each other’s presence. Their attitudes toward modesty weren’t a reflection of Roman culture, but of godly culture.

Don’t the Roman attitudes on modesty also have their parallels in today’s American society? Most Americans would be quite embarrassed to be seen in public in their underwear. Yet, they think nothing of relaxing at a poolside in swimsuits that are no less revealing. And don’t we Christians generally follow right along with our culture? We appear in public in swimwear that would have shocked even non-Christians only 50 years ago. Yet because swimwear is acceptable to the modern conservative community, we think nothing of it. 
—David Bercot

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety . . .”
—1 Timothy 2:9; cf. 1 Peter 3:3

The Broken Doll

Topic(s): Humor

Little Emily, the minister’s daughter, ran into the house, crying as though her heart would break.

“What’s wrong, dear?” asked the preacher.

“My doll! Billy broke it!” she sobbed.

“How did he break it, Emily?”

“I hit him over the head with it.”
—From Cup O’Cheer

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. —Ephesians 4:32

Consideration

Topic(s): Priorities

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”
—Pooh’s Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne

As you relax in your yard, the peace is broken by a neighbor’s loud radio. To make things even worse, some youngsters drive by with their “boom box” blasting away. You say to yourself, “Don’t these people have any consideration for others?” Aggravated, we say to ourselves, “Folks a mile away can hear that guy’s radio.” We understand, as we mutter to ourselves, some noise is unavoidable, such as mowing the grass.

Then our mind drifts to the supermarket the other day, when we could not get around a shopping cart left in the middle of the aisle while the shopper pays no attention to others. O yes, and how about that able-bodied person that parked their car in the handicap zone, just because they had grandpa’s permit swinging from their rearview mirror; and grandpa wasn’t even in the car! Why isn’t there a thoughtful, sympathetic regard for others?

To think about others should be a very easy task. However, it seems for many it is not. One of the earmarks of a person that considers others is that they are charitable. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1). As a matter of fact, a person that considers others is practicing the Golden Rule and, further, they are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14) To sum it up, a person that considers others is a Christian in action—doing.

To gain the attitude of consideration for others we must first recognize a need to consider others. If corrections in our dispositions are needed, strive to improve. Until that time comes, consideration for others will always take a backseat. You see, a considering person is a person that considers the needs, feelings of others. The disposition and manner of a servant would be helpful as we strive to be considerate people; and that makes all the difference. —Donald R. Fox

“And let us consider one other, to provoke unto love, and to good works” —Hebrews 10:24

A Smile for the Wives

Topic(s): Humor

Sally was driving home from a trip in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a white bag on the seat next to Sally.

“What in bag?” asked the old woman.

Sally looked down at the white bag and said, “It’s a box of chocolates. I got it for my husband.”

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: “Good trade.”

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine . . .” —Proverbs 17:22