I see what your saying Sudsy.Sudsy wrote:My thoughts on 'plain' -
How did Jesus refer to 'attention drawing' - “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." We no doubt are meant to draw attention to the light within us through good works.
God didn't make a boring, colourless, basic, non-complex world for us to live in and made people with beautiful hair colours, eye colours, various skin tones, etc and gifted them in areas of music and art and writing and intelligence, etc, etc. So, I have trouble when any 'plain' concept drifts into a drab, black & white presentation of Christianity. One of the most attractive features of a Christ follower is their amazing love, peace and joy under any circumstance. Loving the most unloving in the world's eyes. These are the areas I think of that impacts the world to see Christianity as not about what you give up but rather what you have found.
Whether one wears a form of traditional wear or a modern outfit, I doubt this is making much impression on pointing others to Jesus. But a life of good works lived in the abundant life Jesus spoke about where our joy will be complete and our peace beyond human understandings and love for even those who see us as enemies, now that will make them sit up and take notice.
I don't ever want to be classified as a 'plain' Christian if that means a religious person who is mainly about restricting enjoying this life. One can view the Christian life as a life of suffering and endurance of those sufferings. Or a life of suffering that just makes the abundance of God's grace shine out through us in a joyful, fearless, loving and peaceful way.
I'm not there yet but I believe this is what a life walking in the power of the Holy Spirit was intended for us to experience.
But for me where I coming at this is again that one trait cannot override or omit another. Being modest and humble means that we will not be trying to draw attention to ourselves, however being lights - attention will be drawn, except it won't be because we are being loud.
And to add it is just as inconsistent for woman to have to dress modestly while the men do not. Just as inconsistent as the modestly dressed couple to drive a new luxury car. Just as inconsistent as the ones in a modest car parking in front of their massive new expensive home. As inconsistent as the modest home with the huge barn with new tractors inside. And as inconsistent as the one who is completely plain or Plain in all aspects of life but not living for the good of others. As inconsistent as the one professing Christ but not living like they know Him. As inconsistent as the ambassador of His kingdom voting in elections of an earthly kingdom. As inconsistent as being a child of the Prince of Peace but partaking or agreeing with war.
At times it seems we don't plainly see that living wholly for God should touch every part of our lives. How is that not plain and simple?!