Is God Displeased With Your Apparel?
By: Ivie Powell
In discussing the Israelite’s journey from Egyptian bondage, Paul said, “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Cor. 10:5). The things he listed were for the purpose of showing that they too could sin and fall (1 Cor. 10:6-12). As we look at the church, we have to ask, “Is God displeased with His children today?” Have we become like those in Jeremiah’s day, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush…?”(Jer. 8:12) Read Galatians 5:19-21 and see if the “works of the flesh” that shut heaven’s door to all participants, is commonly practiced by far too many Christians today. Brethren, has the church lowered God’s standard (Rom. 12:1-2) and adjusted to “the works of the flesh”?
Speaking of false prophets,
Jesus said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
(Mt. 7:16). As we look at the church, do we see any “fruits” that
brethren are following “the works of the flesh?”
An area that has gradually become common place is that of immodest
apparel. In years gone by, pulpits of the Lord’s church were known far and wide
for speaking against immodest apparel. That is not now the case! As a matter of
fact, elders in many places have muzzled the pulpit, especially when it comes to
such taboo subjects as: immodest apparel, mixed swimming, dancing and social
drinking. The result of this is a people who are not ashamed and seldom blush!
The lack of shame can be seen as many mothers and daughters enter the assembly
in disgraceful apparel! So in tuned are they to the world that they arrogantly
disregard God’s word, and have deceived themselves into believing that God will
accept them as they are!!!
One needs to remember that moral values have been established by Almighty God,
and are set forth in the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3-4)! Someone may
object by saying, “The Bible does not use such language as Thou shalt wear thy
apparel so many inches above or below the knees, or thou shalt not wear shorts,
tight fitting jeans, bathing suits, etc.” One must remember that the Bible is
not just a book that establishes things to do and not to do; it is also a book
of principles as well! Principles that teach the Christian how to live a godly
life in this present world!
Look again at Galatians 5:19-21 and note the word “lasciviousness.” Whether one understands the meaning of “lasciviousness” or not, such conduct will shut heaven’s door to him! For Paul says, “…that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God!” In commenting on “lasciviousness,” Wayne Jackson wrote:
The term “lasciviousness” connotes several things. It involves excess, shamelessness, insolence, unbridled lust, debauchery and sensuality. It suggests a disregard for public decency. It pictures the individual “who is so far gone in lust and desire that he has ceased to care what people say or thing.” (Barclay) The word also covers “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females.” (Thayer) It is also defined as “the tendency to excite lustful desires” (Webster) The Bible affirms that the lascivious person shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:19, 21)…” (Christian Courier).
By definition, “modesty,” is: “orderly, becoming” (Young’s Analytical con., p. 666). “Observing the proprieties of dress and behavior, decent, limited in size, amount or aim, unpretentious” (Webster 7th Ed., p. 544). “Well-arranged, seemly, modest” (Thayer’s Gk-Eng. Lex., p. 356). Therefore, the Christian should adorn themselves in apparel that is orderly, decent, well-arranged and unpretentious! As to “drawing a line,” The Bible does draw a line of modesty, that being: However a Christian may dress that excites sexual desire in the heart of another is immodest, and sinful!
The wearing of apparel that is designed to sexually stimulate whether it be too tight, too short, or too low is immodest attire and is lasciviousness! This also includes t-shirts and blue jeans with messages that are very inappropriate, and in some cases down right sinful! Sometimes people wonder why parents allow their children to dress very inappropriately. One of the reasons is that far too many parents have lost heart, and simply given in and allowed their children to go anywhere and dress in any manner they desire. This alone testifies to the fact that many parents are failing to properly bring their children, “up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4)!
It is true that there are men who are evil minded and would lust no matter what was worn. But this does not excuse the one wearing immodest attire! Our heavenly Father created man with the desire for a mate. Such desire is to be utilized only within the marital relationship (1 Cor. 7:2-4). When women dress in apparel which is immodest, it can bring out sin in man that which is only to be fulfilled in the marital relationship.
So ladies, dress as one that is a child of Almighty God, and let your adorning be of “…the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quite spirit which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Pet. 3:4). And the question of utmost importance is, “Is God displeased with your apparel?”