Tammy, what would you do if an under-dressed lady was interested in learning about Jesus at your home church? Would you instruct her on how not to dress? Or, would you first demonstrate the love of God by accepting her as she is, and then lead her into all truth?

Please don't confuse the issue. We are not talking about those who do not have the light. We are talking about seasoned SDA's and the wives of ministers. Have you forgotten how Jesus came into the temple and turned over the tables? There is a side of Jesus that says "enough is enough", like when He said, "you have made MY house a den of thieves...." Not long after that, He said, regarding the same "house", "YOUR house is left unto you desolate..." That is about where we are at, folks.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Please don't misunderstand me. I knew I was taking a risk in my last post. ... Please hear me.

I am talking specifically about people who are not bothered by impure thoughts when they see under-dressed members in church.

There are thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused by Satan that annoy even the best of men; but if they are not cherished, if they are repulsed as hateful, the soul is not contaminated with guilt, and no other is defiled by their influence. {RH, March 27, 1888 par. 15}

As you say, they are desensitized, and it takes a lot more nudity to tempt them.

I'm not so sure being desensitized is "evil".

Women wearing pants was considered evil even by worldly standards.

But today when we see women wearing modest pants it does not tempt us with impure thoughts.

Why the change?

The Reform Dress.--The reform dress, which was once advocated, [THE "REFORM DRESS" ADVOCATED AND ADOPTED IN THE 1860'S WAS DESIGNED BY A GROUP OF SDA WOMEN IN AN ATTEMPT TO PROVIDE A HEALTHFUL, MODEST, COMFORTABLE, AND NEAT ATTIRE IN HARMONY WITH THE LIGHT GIVEN ELLEN WHITE, WHICH WAS MUCH NEEDED AT THE TIME. SEE PP. 252-255. IT CALLED FOR LOOSE-FITTING GARMENTS HUNG FROM THE SHOULDERS WITH A HEMLINE ABOUT NINE INCHES FROM THE FLOOR. THE LOWER LIMBS WERE CLOTHED WITH A TROUSERLIKE GARMENT PROVIDING COMFORT AND WARMTH. SEE STORY OF OUR HEALTH MESSAGE, PP. 112-130.--COMPILERS.] proved a battle at every step. Members of the church, refusing to adopt this healthful style of dress, caused dissension and discord. With some there was no uniformity and taste in the preparation of the dress as it had been plainly set before them. This was food for talk. The result was that the objectionable features, the pants, were left off. The burden of advocating the reform dress was removed because that which was given as a blessing was turned into a curse. {3SM 253.2}

There were some things that made the reform dress a decided blessing. With it the ridiculous hoops which were then the fashion, could not possibly be worn. The long dress skirts trailing on the ground and sweeping up the filth of the streets could not be patronized. But a more sensible style of dress has now been adopted which does not embrace these objectionable features. The fashionable style of dress may be discarded and should be by all who will read the Word of God. The time spent in advocating the dress reform should be devoted to the study of the Word of God. {3SM 253.3}

The dress of our people should be made most simple. The skirt and sacque I have mentioned may be used-- not that just that pattern and nothing else should be established, but a simple style as was represented in that dress. Some have supposed that the very pattern given was the pattern that all were to adopt. This is not so. But something as simple as this would be the best we could adopt under the circumstances. No one precise style has been given me as the exact rule to guide all in their dress. . . . {3SM 254.1}

Simple dresses should be worn. Try your talent, my sisters, in this essential reform. {3SM 254.2}

The people of God will have all the test that they can bear. {3SM 254.3}

The Sabbath question is a test that will come to the whole world. We need nothing to come in now to make a test for God's people that shall make more severe for them the test they already have. The enemy would be pleased to get up issues now to divert the minds of the people and get them into controversy over the subject of dress. Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good material, durable, modest, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind. . . . {3SM 254.4}

But notice that the standard I go by is the objective standard of God's will. Fashion and whatever the rest of the world thinks is acceptable is of no relevance.

My clothes don't change my thinking - but my thinking will change my clothes. Our outward deportment (speech, manners, dress) reflect the inner man.