Clothing Clarity

Introduction

The subject of what we wear seems to be a minefield among brethren but it is a topic that is of constant concern even among the irreligious.

I recently saw a story about women bringing extra clothing to wear on the subway to “protect” themselves. Clothing which they would remove once they got to work.

These types of stories show that the question of what we wear is not simply one of arbitrary rules of religious people but they are real life principles that have real life consequences and you ignore them at your own peril.

But when religious people have these conversations I think there is a lot of conflation of ideas that lead to some degree of confusion both on the sides of the conversation.

People advocating for more clothing kind of dump all of the elements into one basket and shove what ought to be separate considerations into one big jumble.

Then those advocating for fewer standards or rules make strawmen ought of some of that confusion and argue against that instead of what the Bible actually says.

We need some clarity in our own minds so that we have some proper grounds for making our own choices about clothing but we also need clarity so that we can be helpful in having conversations with others.

Nakedness or Lust

Nakedness is the first consideration when it comes to clothing (Gen. 3:7-10, 21).

“Clothed” here refers to covering up nakedness.

There is not a consideration of lust or stumbling brothers, there is simply shame that is associated with exposing parts of your body.

There is also the reality that you can cover up parts of your body and still be naked.

God’s word gives us additional information about nakedness (Ex. 20:26; 28:42; Ezek. 16:7).

The standards are universally applied (Isa. 47:3; Nah. 3:5; Hab. 2:16).

“Causing your brother to stumble” is a separate and more subjective conversation (Prov. 7:10).

Where the conversation is more subjective, we need to leave more room for personal application.

There needs to be a distinction in what we may do “to be careful” and what we do to Biblically cover our shame.

Modesty in Addition

Modesty is about appropriateness (1 Tim. 2:9-10).

“Modesty is an attitude of humility and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. If you are modest, you do not draw undue attention to yourself.”

Modesty assumes nakedness is already covered.

“This is about wearing too much clothing, not too little”

This does NOT exclude sexually provocative clothing (Rev. 17:4).

Modesty goes beyond the consideration of clothing while nakedness does not (1 Pet. 3:3-5).

Issue of the Heart

This is the main objection to teaching on clothing standards.

“The Bible is unclear about the styles of shirts and pants we should be wearing. What it does address abundantly is our motivation.”

What about the motives of someone who wants to know what is appropriate and what is not?

“So, less rules, more motivation. Less appearance, more heart. Less attention on closets and more attention on good works and quiet spirits. And if we’re all seeking the attention to be on God, this whole discussion will take care of itself.”

It IS an issue of having a heart of submission (Gen. 3:1-6).

Conclusion

As I’ve said before, this issue isn’t going away.

Ironically, the world may be providing us with some opportunities as people seek to avoid the consequences of ignoring God on this and related subjects.

We need to have clarity in our minds as we seek to please God in our own dress and as we talk about this subject with our friends and loved ones.

Pleasing God is not some undefined concept. It is defined through His revelation. We can only know what pleases Him by what He tells us about Himself.

If you need to respond to His revelation today, please come.