Christians have been called to glorify God. We have been charged with living holy lives. Peter wrote, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:15-16). The holiness we practice should be seen in all areas of life, including the way we dress. Immodest dress is a very touchy subject with some, and so the problem remains. We often associate this problem with youthfulness, but that is not fair. Some adults, long beyond their youthful years, dress far more inappropriately than those who are younger. Immodest dress is a potential stumbling block for Christians of any age. The pressure to conform can be intense. Think of how clothes are marketed in today’s culture. Take a look at the selection of clothing supplied by our favorite retailers. Their selections may not leave a variety of choices in modest clothing.
Despite the problems and pressure, our spiritual obligations should cause us to rise above the ever decreasing worldly standards with the way we dress. Note that I stressed our spiritual obligations. When we get to the core of the issue, it does not matter how we personally feel about this topic. It does not matter what our parents, brethren, or friends think. What matters is whether God is pleased. In the New Testament, God lays down some simple guidelines on modest dress. Let’s consider one passage, found in 1 Timothy 2:9. Here, Paul outlines some important principles to keep in mind as we dress.
We should adorn ourselves properly. This is the rendering of the New American Standard Version (NASV). It carries along the meaning of being dressed in an “orderly, decent, and well arranged” manner (Vines Expository Dictionary of NT Words). In other words, we need to give care to the way we dress. There should be some thought associated with it. Does my attire fit the occasion? Does my attire fit properly? Is it neat? Does my clothing glorify God? Does my clothing detract from my influence as a Christian? We need to be dressing in such a way that it reflects the values of our heart. The heart of the Christian should be focused on higher, more excellent, and spiritual values which will be reflected in the way we dress.
We should dress modestly. “Modesty” and “properly” are very similar in definition. Both convey the point of our need to be clothed in a manner that is decent and modest. Modestly in the NASV is translated shamefacedness in the KJV. This carries along the idea of staying away from dressing in such a way that would be immoral or indecent.
We should dress discreetly. Discreetly is translated “sobriety” in the KJV. Both of these words are closely associated with self-control. Self-Control is a fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:23. In what ways should we exercise self-control in the way we dress? In our passage, the Holy Spirit teaches that we should dress in such a way that does not draw attention to ourselves. Thus, this is a warning against excess in our dress. Albert Barnes has written, “(this means) moderation of the desires and passions. It is opposed to all that is frivolous, and to all undue excitement of the passions,”.
While we can easily see Paul’s warning against excess in our dress, the point that we should dress modestly should not be ignored. Marshall Patton has written, “A lack of apparel, so that parts of the body are exposed in such a way as to excite improper passions and desires, is incongruous with what ought to be in the heart of a rue child of God”. These standards apply to all people at all times, regardless of cultural changes. Are we living up to God’s standards? Do we project holiness in our dress?
It might do us well to consider some ways we can dress immodestly. We can wear clothes that are too short or too revealing. Some wear clothes that are “see through” or extremely tight which leave nothing to the imagination. And yes, it can be a challenge in today’s culture to find clothes that are not immodest. But, we can make the extra effort to seek out fashions that are not only stylish, but God-pleasing. Are we willing to do what it takes to follow through?
Is this issue really that important? Everything we do impacts ourselves and people around us. For example, Christians who dress immodestly often sear their consciences and lose their sense of shame. They fall prey to compromise and give into worldliness. Paul wrote, do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…, Romans 12:2. Some Christians even reach the point to where they resent teaching on this subject. We must not ignore the obligation we have to make sure our dress is appropriate and modest. Not only does this matter impact our lives, but it can also impact the lives of those around us. The Christian who dresses immodestly can place others in the path of sexual temptation, thereby giving them the opportunity to sin. Immodesty can also compromise the influence of the child of God. Jesus said that Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, Matthew 5:13-16. How many children of God set a very poor example by the way they dress? Some dress to the point to where they bring shame on Jesus Christ and His church. This is a serious matter. We must give attention to it.
We have an obligation to make sure we dress in a way that pleases God. God has spoken on this very important subject. Let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained, brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us, Philippians 3:16-17.
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Excellent article – one that’s very much needed in today’s society.
Trying to get clothes for my 5 year old daughter can be really hard. She is tall so needs bigger size for length but all the clothes look like they’re for teenagers. The article was encouraging to keep on being picky in what i’m willing to put the kids in.
I applaud your effort, Chelsea! It’s well worth it. too many parents think that modesty doesn’t matter with children, but the truth is that what they wear as they are growing up will influence their choices when they are grown. We are molding their attitudes with everything we do. Your recent life choices are really going to make a positive difference in your children’s lives.