Recently, a viral bruhaha emerged over a dress worn by a pastor’s wife and the question of its appropriateness. There were hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people who weighed in with their opinions and feelings. What struck me, as I heard and saw the responses, was the number of positions of professing Christians framed more on emotions, visceral responses, and opinions than biblical instructions.
The question then is, “What does God say in His Word—the Bible--concerning the areas of the body and dress?” Is there a theological framework that we should use to inform our decisions as Christian believers? The answer is a resounding YES!
The Apostle Peter in his first letter writes Christian wives to let their husbands “see the purity and reverence of your lives.” He goes on the say that [the wives] “beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4). This did not mean that she is to exclude any focus on her outward appearance. The emphasis, however, is on purity, reverence, gentleness, quietness, and inner beauty!
The Apostle Paul added his teaching to the issue of dress. He writes in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 that women were to “dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God”. The Greek word ‘kosmios”, which is often translated “modesty” conveys the idea of a life or outward bearing that is well-ordered, honorable, and fitting to those who profess godliness. It speaks less of fashion and more of moral symmetry—actions, attitudes, and appearance arranged under the lordship of Christ so that nothing is in conflict against the gospel’s harmony.
There should be “shamefacedness,” (1 Timothy 2:9) that is, when the woman (or man) is dressing, she or he is behave with discretion and do nothing to incite lust. Moreover, the Christian should demonstrate self-control (sophrosyne) and emphasize inner discipline, moderation, and good judgment, preventing frivolous or immoderate desires. These “immoderate desires” could include dressing in such a way that our sexuality was put on display, whether heterosexual or homosexual.
In 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, the Apostle Paul again addresses the issue of dress. Paul teaches that Christian dress should reflect modesty, order, and respect for God, the family, the church, and the community. In this text, although he specifically addresses the issue of head coverings, the relevant principle and theological takeaway are that a woman’s (and man’s) praying or prophesying are to be as a sign of honor and submission to their husbands and God. By doing this, they are distinguishing themselves from worldly and culturally promiscuous women. On the other hand, men themselves are not to cover their heads, as it dishonors Christ. The Apostle Paul is teaching that our dressing should honor Christ and distinguish us from the world.
This passage also taught that there is to be a distinction between male and female in their dressing. There were to be no blurred lines! As it was with Deuteronomy 22:5: “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.” Although this verse was for the nation of Israel in a particular context, the underlying principle still applies. There was to be distinctiveness between the clothing of women and men. God was also drawing a line between the pagan practices of the surrounding cultures and the requirements for His people.
Another consideration in determining our practice concerning dressing is the principle found in Romans 14:21. The Apostle Paul declares that it is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” The principle in this passage is about Christian liberty. Although Christian believers should exercise their freedom in Christ on issues of personal conviction, it should not be done in a way that causes weaker believers to stumble. The emphasis, therefore, should be on love, unity, and building each other up rather than contempt.
These biblical teachings help us to draw several relevant conclusions concerning how a Christian ought to dress: (1) we should dress modestly; (2) our emphasis should be on internal disposition of humility, not pride and rebellion; (3) it should be a reflection of the holy position that we have in Christ: (4) there should be no ambiguity in a gender distinctiveness; (5) it should honor our husbands, but mostly it should honor Christ; (6) it should not cause our brothers and sisters to stumble; (7) our dressing should be in alignment with our bodies, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The criteria for determining the appropriateness of dress for the Christian believer is not merely personal preferences, feelings, the opinions of others, including spouses and significant others. It is what God says through His Word and His Spirit!
May God grant us all the discernment, wisdom, and heart to dress in a manner that will be always pleasing to Him in all places!
Soli Deo Gloria
