Modesty & Alcohol Statement

Discussions about modesty and inappropriate behavior are difficult in a desensitized and lawless culture, but Great Awakening International has been silent for too long on these matters. We can no longer afford to be silent on this issue because modern culture continually drives an immodest agenda that is infiltrating our community.

As Torah-observant believers, we are obliged to address issues concerning immodest clothing and behavior. However, when confrontation is necessary, it must be approached in a biblical, grace-filled way within the context of a loving community. Now is the time to address Modesty, Alcohol, and Music at our featured Set-Apart Events.

MODESTY

While the Great Awakening International is unaware of the lifestyles of individuals invited as guests to our PUBLIC EVENTS, we will enforce a strict modesty code that is reflective of righteousness and modesty as Torah-observant believers.

Our public events are mainly family-oriented events where children will be present. Any inappropriateness that does not promote a Kodesh lifestyle can have a negative impact on impressionable children. We are committed to doing what most children cannot do for themselves; guard themselves against unnecessary temptations and environments where inappropriateness is allowed.

Furthermore, we are far from the “Fashion Police,” Cleavage Patrol” and Modesty Mafia” however, seductive and enticing apparel will not be welcomed at Great Awakening International future events, as it serves as a temptation and is not synonymous with a Set-Apart environment. Examples of immodest apparel are:

• Tight-fitting pants showing curves and imprints of the groin area
• Spaghetti straps
• See-through garments
• Bodycon dresses
• Garments that cling to the body
• Dresses/skirts that come above the knees when sitting
• Garments that do not conceal undergarments/panty lines/bra straps
• Necklines that dip low and shows chest/cleavage

We’re cognizant that modesty is subjective and can be distinguishable from culture to culture. It can be ambiguous. Modesty has a wide lane, primarily because it's unknown what increases the desires of others (for example open-toe shoes may catch the attention of someone who has a foot fetish). If it's even a question of "is this appropriate?" then chances are, it's not.

Men and women are similar in their temptation to sin. These things affect both genders- “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.”  Both men and women have to be on guard against those things.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Immodesty is an issue of the heart.  We recognize that how attendees dress on the outside says a lot about what is going on the inside. “The train of sin runs on tracks that were laid in the heart.”  When one dresses inappropriately for set-apart events, they must be very honest with themselves about their motives.

-Why do I dress as I do?

-What kind of reactions am I trying to get?

The Great Awakening International is a proponent that our community should be unique and specific in our dress and look different from the world. Furthermore, the Great Awakening International is a proponent that men should wear attire gender-specific for men and women should wear clothing gender-tailored for women. No registered participant will be allowed entry into our SET-APART events wearing apparel that is specifically made for the opposite gender.

While we are open to unawakened nonbelievers attending our events, in hopes of sharing the Truth with them, we will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, dress, or speech. Modesty is born from a genuine heart to not stir up the desires in others that can’t be fulfilled righteously.

Modesty is an attitude of propriety and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. 1 Timothy 2:8-10 states, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works”. If we are modest, we do not draw undue attention to ourselves. Instead, we seek to “glorify Yah in [our] body, and in [our] spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Immodesty increases sin and a distraction among men (Leviticus 19:29). Modesty calls for a meek and quiet spirit, not loud and clamorous behavior, “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Yah of great price (1 Peter 3:4) Proverbs 7:10-11 states, “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house). Proverbs 9:13 mentions that “A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.”

As the Children of Israel, our clothing expresses our values, customs, and ultimately who we are. It sends messages about us, and it influences the way we as Israel act. When we are modestly dressed, we can invite the companionship of the Ruach and exercise a good influence on those around us. We are not to conform to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2).  We should not envy our oppressors and choose their way of dressing in strange apparel (Zephaniah 1:8) and how they conduct themselves (Proverbs 3:31). “Therefore, if anyone is in Yahusha, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Therefore, all participants and their invited guests to the Great Awakening International Set-Apart events must avoid clothing that is revealing or extreme in appearance to engage in our set-apart events.

Moving forward, registration will include a modesty clause that attendees must adhere to. This will be reflected on ALL future registration forms. All attendees and their guests must sign the current modesty clause to secure entry into our set-apart event.

Dressing modestly is our way of telling the world that we don’t play by their rules – we play by Yah’s rules.

Anyone that shows up to any Great Awakening International set-apart event not adhering to the modesty policy dated January 2023, will be reminded of the said clause that they signed, and given the opportunity to comply with the stated scriptures (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Timothy 2:8-10). Should the individual refuse to comply they will be restored their funds and turned away from the event in love (Ephesians 4:15; 4:29; Colossians 4:6), never with personal opinions, judging or shaming, and never accompanied by gossip (Proverbs 11:12-13; 21:23).

We recognize everyone as a soul. Therefore, we have employed a new system of confronting the individual in a loving, biblical way with the hopes of conversion. We recognize that immodest behavior is typically a symptom of a deeper heart issue, and we want to minister to the heart before we change their attire.

However, public events (where registration is necessary) will be treated differently from outdoor outreaches and weekly Sabbath Gatherings where there is a chance that a guest can show up without knowledge of our modesty expectation. It is at this point that the Great Awakening will show unconditional love, apply grace once given to all of us, develop a relationship with the individual, and hope for an opportunity to teach them the standard of modesty. We recognize that we cannot scale a fish until we catch it first.

ALCOHOL

The Great Awakening International has decided not to enter into a contract with any venue that will have a wet bar open in our rented private event space(s). We understand that this could provide a temptation and a distraction from the purpose of our set-apart events.

Recognizing that the use and abuse of alcohol is an issue for some people within our reach, we strive to provide a safe sanctuary from the pain of addiction for those directly or indirectly affected by it. In addition, we admit that intoxication has the potential to impact clarity and understanding, thereby limiting our access to spiritual Truth.

We also recognize the exercise of freedom to choose to drink alcoholic beverages responsibly and in moderation. The Bible provides numerous examples of the responsible use of alcohol as well as condemnation for “drunkenness”. The Great Awakening International affirms the right of individuals in conscience to make responsible choices between abstention and moderate, non-problematic use. However, to avoid the potential of intoxication and the ensuing behavior that follows it, we will no longer hold events at venues where there is open access to alcoholic beverages.

Therefore, the Great Awakening International encourages and supports abstention at all of our Set-Apart activities. Moderate drinking in low-risk situations not provided by the venue in private rented spaces will not be opposed. Heavy drinking in any situation is vigorously discouraged by Great Awakening International.

MUSIC

While there is no “Thou shalt not …” with regard to secular music in the Bible, we know that some music degenerates into immoral behavior. Therefore, Set-apart music will be the preferred choice at all future Great Awakening International events. Great Awakening International will be monitoring all musical selections from guest bands and musicians moving forward. Henceforth, we are putting a moratorium on all outside bands/musical guests and will only be using awakened, Ruach-filled, and Torah-observant musicians for future events.