Dressing Modestly

Question: ‘I've noticed a lot of Christian women are dressing what I would consider ‘immodest’. What does a Christian need to dress like to represent the Lord?

Answer submitted by Pastor Stacey Weeks

Clothing is an outward expression of ourselves, that much is true for both genders. Clothing sends messages to others about what we like, who we admire, what we affiliate ourselves with and even what we believe. Clothing is also used as an identifying measure. It identifies priests, those in mourning, or the wealth of the wearer throughout Scripture.

As we turn towards the Bible to guide us on this question (and the other tough questions in life), there are a few things to keep in mind:

First, taking verses out of context to further your position (also known as ‘proof texting’) is easy to do on this topic. Take the time to really read through the passage, the chapter/book of the Bible you are in and see what the Holy Spirit reveals to you about what the passage’s audience, intent and meaning is. Otherwise no women would wear gold or pearls and men would not wear utlil-kilts to the clan meetings. Following Scripture at face value could lead to no wedding rings and Scotsmen being shameful in God’s eyes!

Second, use the teachings of Jesus as your “lens” as well. What did Jesus say about or how did he treat those who were not dressed appropriately for their situation or station in life? Prostitutes, tax collectors, wedding guests and the like?

Third, remember that this is not a salvation issue! At Adventure, we agree to preserve the unity within our community and to focus on reaching more people for Jesus.

So what about our threads, our duds, our favorite designer clothes? In 1 Timothy, Paul writes about modesty, as well as gold and pearls.

And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. (1 Timothy 2:9)

So what was Paul really getting at in this verse? The letter is focusing on not distracting others from worship. Some clothing choices can be a distraction! For instance, a T-shirt with obscenities on it or a short skirt have equal power in the ability to distract a worshipper or someone serving within the church gathering.

This is where the discussion really begins. Scripture doesn’t directly spell out what modesty is. How short is too short for her skirt? How low can a man wear those pants? How much cleavage is vulgar? Should women wear long johns instead of nylons with dresses?

But the discussion is bigger than that. Will the outfit play well in New York CIty but not in the African countryside? What is appropriate in one region or community may not be appropriate in others. How can there be a single definition of what is modest?

Another factor is that people are refined in their faith over time and the intervention of the Holy Spirit. What an individual may choose to wear one day may not be what they would choose in 5 or 10 years. Kind of like watching a toddler choose it’s clothes, some outfits may not make it over time.

Your opinion may simply be your opinion. Scripture may not be able to back your view on clothing.

This is why I offer caution before offering comment on someone’s clothing. We are not called to be cruel or heavy handed in how we discuss this topic (or any other!) with each other. You may also want to ask yourself if you are right person in that individual’s life to speak about the clothing. Would that hurt your relationship with their parent, spouse, or another?

"Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."  

(1 Peter 3:3-4)