Swimming With the Devil
Warner W. Kirby (edited)

It is indisputable that impure minds often feast in a setting where mixed swimming occurs. A Merit Report conducted some years ago asked males and females why they go to the beach. Sixty percent of the men said they did so mainly to watch. Thirty percent of the females said they “go to the beach to be watched.” One writer commented, “The problem is they desire to be chased, not chased.” Six out of ten men said they went to the public peach to “watch” (i.e. to observe the revealed anatomy of the opposite sex) and three out of ten women said they went “to be watched.”

The darkest chapter in King David’s life began by his looking upon Bathsheba while she bathed (1 Samuel 11:2) . . . When males and females are in the presence of one another and improperly dressed (in the water or out) the mind will begin to embrace evil thoughts which lead into sin (James 1:13-15).

Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves . . . in an attempt to hide their nakedness and shame. God, however, seeing such was inadequate, clothed them with coats of animal skins. In Genesis 3:21, the Hebrew word shows this was a covering from the shoulder to the knee. Such in principle teaches us that God expects men and women to properly clothe themselves and thus prevent such shame and dishonor to one’s person which leads to sin.

In the Old Testament, priests were forbidden to climb step sin their robes lest their “nakedness be discovered” (Exodus 20:26 see also 28:42). Man has deviated much in his standard of nakedness today! To “make the leg bare (and) uncover the thigh” was considered “nakedness” and equated with “shame” in the Old Testament (Isa 47:2-3). The thigh extends to the knee, therefore the Christians should wear clothing that at least covers to the knee (even when one sits down or is stretching).

The Bible plainly states it to be sinful on the part of one who dresses (wherever and whenever) in such a was as to excite the lustful eye of the opposite sex. In Galatians 5:19 such conduct (i.e. manner of dress) is called “lasciviousness.” Such may well lead others to commit mental adultery (Matthew 5:28). When we cause another to so stumble we are thus guilty of sin ourselves (Matthew 18:6).

The Bible urges Christian men and women to be sober, chaste, and alert to offenses regarding dress (1 Timothy 2:8-10; Titus 2:1-5). Let us make sure we guard our influence by letting our light shine properly (see Matthew 5:14-16). So, during these summer months as Christians are swimming, let me urge you to be alert! Make it “private” and modest. Be careful when you “swim” that you do not do so with the “Devil.”

Family Bulletin Board

Remember in prayer and with cards, phone calls, or visits those who have chronic illnesses: Delsie Bishop, Reva Brewer, Ella Brumitt, Eloise Deaton, Jamie Farmer, Francis Ferren, Elizabeth Fowler, Savannah Green, Lola Mae Hamlett, Louise Hunt, and Edith Lechenet.

July 21st - 25th MISSION (all things are) POSSIBLE

The Elementary Youth Group will go door knocking this afternoon to pass out invitations to VBS.

PRAYER requests: Tom Pillow continues radiation treatments. Carol Selvidge, O.V. Brewer, and Bernadine Ellis had medical tests this past week. Larry Herren’s father has been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer.

CONGREGATIONAL
August 16th, at the park off Gast Rd. in Bridgeman. We will eat at noon. The meat will be purchased. Plan a dish to pass. Still more information coming . . .