How Should a Christian Dress? Christian Modest Apparel
Has the fashion industry influenced a Christians dress ethics?
How has society and even the Christian community been influenced by the fashion designs of today?
Examine what God's word says about this subject.
Rom.13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts
Society and the fashion industry is moving at such a rapid pace and has such a major influence on what is considered acceptable when it comes to how we dress; it has become downright shameful, immodest, indecent and improper. For one who calls themselves a Christian, your behaviour sets the tone for how others see you and your faith. Being a believer, you are a representative for Christ not only in speech and actions; but how we dress; these are all ways that we demonstrate our faith. God is interested on what s on the inside; but what we consider as acceptable to wear is often a reflection of ourselves, our morals, our ethics and represents a picture to others. Your modest appearance is as much a witness and powerful as your words and actions
Consider that if you are witnessing or preaching to others about God, your attire if it is revealing and of immodest taste can damage your testimony of your witness for Christ. The way a person dresses is a reflection of that persons character and spiritual maturity.
Gal. 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
A Christian should wear what is appropriate and stylish for the given occasion, with proper modesty; and God will look on the heart of such a woman with approval. First, apparel should indicate the sex of the person; men and women are to honor God in who He created us to be. We should strive to maintain the male/female distinction as how God created us.
A Christian should not be interested in living a life patterned after the world, through the fashion industry ideas and what celebrities, stars and actresses are presenting to society as acceptable. Dress for both man or woman should respect the Bible principles of modesty, non-conformed to the fads and fashions of society; and express humility and simplicity. Modesty is to be measured by God's standards not the standards of friend's, family, Hollywood, movies, celebrities, singers, or the world in general. Unbelievers prefer dress that draws attention to their bodies, which reflects extravagant and changing fashions.
Clothes should not be provocative, suggestive, or revealing and should not expose large areas of the human anatomy; nor have a conforming fit with suggestive intent that appeals to the eye. Also clothes should not draw attention from the opposite sex or offend anyone. Also she should consider how her clothes may reveal parts of her body in normal movements of sitting, standing, bending, etc. Clothes should not be attention getting that would draw attention to self and off of God. A Christian should not attract undue attention to herself. Improper dress should not be an issue for the Christian; as they should be decerning of their choice of attire.
When a women dresses in a provocative manner, she can cause a man to sin, bringing shame on her and on Christ. A man is responsible to guard his mind from impurity and woman is responsible to help prevent the lustful stare. Lust in inexcusable on the man s part; but if a woman by her apparel or conduct has encouraged it, she also shares in the guilt.
Matt 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Also in your appearance men should generally be well shaven, or have a beard, mustache and/or hair reasonably in place as not to look sloppy or uncaring in physical appearance. In general your overall appearance should not draw attention to you that would hinder another from focusing their attention to worshipping the Lord.
As in any other biblical area of life these principals need to be taught and modelled in the Church, among God s chosen people; at home, through generational teaching and example; and from individual study and meditation of the Word.
Are you catering to the fashion industry and the celebrity circles of society by buying outfits that attract the opposite sex and draw attention to you? It is not a sin to like nice clothes, but it is a sin when the desire for fashion becomes more important than your faith.