What's the Big Deal With the Way I Dress?

Imagine that a young woman walks into a funeral wearing a flashy hot pink dress. Or a man arrives for his wedding sporting an old sweat-stained T-shirt and torn jeans.

Do you find either of these scenes disturbing? If you answered, "Yes," then you agree  that what we wear matters. Ladies, would you care if it was your wedding and the man was you fiance? What impression would you get of the young woman at the funeral? Like it or not, people make assumptions about you based on what you wear. Your clothing tells a story about you before you ever open your mouth.

Galatians 3:27 reminds us, "for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Would others get the impression that you are a follower of Christ, leading a life of holiness, by your appearance? You may say, "But God sees what's in my heart." Of course He does! but what we do and say is a mirror into our hearts, revealing our attitudes and deepest desires. The Bible also warns that "people look at the outward appearance" (1 Samuel 16:7). Try sharing Jesus with someone while wearing a shirt with a beer logo on it. Or imagine dressing in a mini-skirt, stiletto heels and low-cut top on a mission trip. What message would you be sending?

Not only does clothing shape our reputations, it also has the power to build up or destroy. Guys, you can inspire others through T-shirts with spiritual messages, or you can pollute people's minds by displaying ungodly images and profanity. Ladies, you can reveal your pure beauty through modest attire, or you can become stumbling blocks, filling men's hearts with lust by donning the latest mini's and halter tops. Jesus taught that the second greatest commandment is to "Love you neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). We will all stand before God one day to answer for our choices, even our choices in clothing. It's time we put others over fashion!

Who doesn't want to look nice? Unfortunately, fashion often goes beyond looking clean and well-kempt. 1 Corinthians 10:31 is clear: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." When you get dressed in the morning, whom  are you trying to please? If pleasing yourself, your friends and "looking cute" in the world's eyes is placed above honoring Jesus, then it's time for an attitude (and maybe wardrobe) change!

1 Timothy 2:9 teaches, "I also want the women to dress modestly." The Creator knows how He designed men. He also has the advantage of seeing the unseen--watching the enemy as he seeks to devour each of us (1 Peter 5:8). As commander-in-chief in the spiritual war against evil, He has blessed us with all we need to combat Satan. Modesty is one of our weapons.

Ladies, when we deny the visual way men were created (or even abuse it) and selfishly insist on cladding ourselves in the latest itsy-bitsy styles, we are not only rebelling against God but also putting ourselves in danger. Rapists often admit that pornography drove them to act on their desires. Modesty is a safeguard for those who wisely heed it.

1 Timothy 4:12 wisely advises, "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." Present yourself in a way that will win you the respect and admiration of older Christians, and who knows?

You may win souls as well.


Taken from an article in Kaio Magazine.