"Entering Heaven With One Foot Is Better Than
Being Thrown Into Hell With Two"
Compiled by Brother L. Harrell

If a believer was a Scottish man that wears a kilt, and that kilt was considered as woman’s clothing by others, regardless whether the accusation / concern was truly the case or not, that man should cease from wearing the kilt.  We are commanded not to offend each other (when possible).  (See 1 Corinthians 8:9 & 13)
“Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.”  (Romans 12:17(b)-18 [NLT])
“But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.  Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”  (1 Corinthians 8:12-13  [KJV])
“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.”  (Romans 14:13 [KJV])

In the USA, many do not wear kilts.  However, there are many in the USA that [questionably] profess to be led by the Spirit, and yet they have chosen to adorn themselves with other vain barriers, cultural practices and behaviors.  These impediments bring very little or no edification to the assembly, but bring significant insult, resentment, strife, et al. to those in the Body of Christ, as well as to those watching from afar. 

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”  (1 Corinthians 14:33 [KJV])

“And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too.”  (1 John 5:1(b) [NLT])

“Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.”  (3 John 1
11(b) [NLT])

“But take care lest this liberty of yours should prove a hindrance to the progress of weak believers.”   (I Corinthians 8:9 [Weymouth New Testament])

Many in the Body of Christ are convinced that it is wrong for a woman to wear pants.  This is believed whether a woman is wearing pants designed for a man or a woman, the pants still “pertain to a man” (as opposed to a dress or skirt pertaining to a woman).   So just as in the case of a Scottish man wearing a kilt, regardless if the clothing truly “pertains to a man” or not, it is an offense and stumbling block, and therefore sin.

“If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I assure you, that person will be rewarded.  But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.  If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better to enter heaven with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands.  If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.  It is better to enter heaven with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet.  And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out.  It is better to enter the Kingdom of God half blind than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out.’ Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”  (Mark 9:41-48 & 50 [NLT])
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.  If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.  Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.” (Galatians 5:24-26 [NLT])

When a mix of cultures with differing customs cause offense, certain opposing views must give way to peace.  One could have a custom that has a lawful origin or purpose in itself.  But, if that custom offends the brotherhood it has to go (See the example in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 and also 1 Corinthians 11:1-16).  There is no glory to God in causing division and weakening the conscience of our brethren.  Some expect the glory of the Lord to flourish in the midst of confusion.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.   Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:   Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."  (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 [KJV])

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."  (Matthew 5:9 [KJV])
 
There are more negative consequences to be dealt with concerning issues such as, if a woman wearing pants is sin due to her wearing men's clothing or not.  If a person is perceived as being irreverent, contemptuous, rebellious, etc., that leads others to rebellion (one may say, if that person can get away with sinning, then so can I).  Additionally, a mere perception of wrong doing is enough to help produce a major disruption, causing many souls to be lost.

A person's insistence to wears something controversial such as a woman in pants gives cross-dressers false justification for their deception.  There is no peace when a cross-dresser or a woman mistaken for a man walks into a ladies restroom or when a person is temporarily sexually admired by the same sex due to being mistaken as the opposite sex.

"A woman must not wear men's clothing, and a man must not wear women's clothing. The LORD your God detests people who do this."  (Deuteronomy 22:5 [NLT])

In the USA, we have been blessed with federally protected rights and governmental agencies to uphold those rights.  We can prayerfully use them for our benefit:

The Text Below Was Copied From The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions Web Site: 
http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-relig.html

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because of their religion in hiring, firing, and other terms and conditions of employment. The Act also requires employers to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of an employee or prospective employee, unless to do so would create an undue hardship upon the employer (see also 29 CFR l605). Flexible scheduling, voluntary substitutions or swaps, job reassignments and lateral transfers are examples of accommodating an employee's religious beliefs.

Employers cannot schedule examinations or other selection activities in conflict with a current or prospective employee's religious needs, inquire about an applicant's future availability at certain times, maintain a restrictive dress code, or refuse to allow observance of a Sabbath or religious holiday, unless the employer can prove that not doing so would cause an undue hardship.

An employer can claim undue hardship when accommodating an employee's religious practices if allowing such practices requires more than ordinary administrative costs. Undue hardship also may be shown if changing a bona fide seniority system to accommodate one employee's religious practices denies another employee the job or shift preference guaranteed by the seniority system.

An employee whose religious practices prohibit payment of union dues to a labor organization cannot be required to pay the dues, but may pay an equal sum to a charitable organization.

Mandatory "new age" training programs, designed to improve employee motivation, cooperation or productivity through meditation, yoga, biofeedback or other practices, may conflict with the non-discriminatory provisions of Title VII. Employers must accommodate any employee who gives notice that these programs are inconsistent with the employee's religious beliefs, whether or not the employer believes there is a religious basis for the employee's objection.

Revised:  6/05/05

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