I was recently convicted to be dresses-only. Six months ago if you'd have told me this I'd have laughed in your face. But God works in mysterious ways His wonders to behold. Now I couldn't be happier and when I'm forced to wear a pair of pants (I have to go to physical therapy twice a week because of a fall) I feel so strange and can't wait to get home and get them off.
It's amazing what we Christians convince ourselves is okay, and how we accept that we can be like everyone else in the world. One problem with that theory. Christians are totally different than the world. Satan tells us it's okay, he's so sneaky and subtle sometimes we don't even notice him working in our lives.
I truthfully believe, in our society today, women don't give a second thought to the provocativeness of their dress, they only think about it being "in style." We don't realize sometimes that we can be a stumbling block to our fellow Christians and we don't stop often enough to realize what we're saying to the world, either.
I have been amazed at how differently I am treated since I've started wearing dresses all the time. People are much more polite, I'm treated with respect and courtesy. Strangers hold doors for me, I've had traffic stop in a parking lot so I could cross to my car. My husband even treats me differently, more gently and loving as though he now realizes all the time that I am a lady as well as his wife. He holds doors for me, helps me in and out of our vehicle, carries my Bible and things. His behavior is more respectful. I realized I was telling him it was okay to treat me so casually and more as an equal instead of the fairer sex and helpmeet.
I realize too that God doesn't lay this on everyone's heart. I'm not sure why, after all these years, he laid it on mine! But He did and I struggled with it. I didn't want to give up my comfy capris and t-shirts, my jeans and sweats. But God wouldn't leave me be until I did it willingly.
I used this as a starting point in my life and started examining myself in all areas. My speech, my friends, my comings and goings, where we eat (we've stopped eating at the local sports pubs...they're the closest to where we live so we've given up the convenience, but we also don't provide the witness of us walking out of a bar together), what television programs we watch, movies we rent, books and magazines I read....every thing. I want more than anything for my life to be completely pleasing unto the Lord.
