Isn’t it interesting that

the loveliest women in the world and

the finest men in the world 

dress in modesty and refinement.

Editor’s Note: It is that time of year when the air temperature begins to warm, and almost instinctively it seems that people start shedding their clothes to appear immodest. This worldly mentality affects many in the church. When our young girls and their mothers wear clothing (or we might say, the lack of clothing) unworthy of a Christian, we know the world has captivated them. When our young men and their fathers wear clothing (and again, the lack of clothing), we know the world has overcome them too! Please consider the following articles.

The Long and Short of It

There were fig leaves, mini-skirts, short-shorts and now long shorts. The aforementioned refers to a variety of styles and fads that have been worn by women from mother Eve to the modern day women. This article is not intended to be a fashion critique, but it is to underscore the problem of immodesty. Someone has accurately stated, "our apparel broadcasts a message telling people something of where we have been in life and where we plan to go." This penman wholeheartedly concurs with that statement.

Several weeks ago, a friend called to inform me of a serious immodest problem plaguing the church where he labored. Apparently many of the ladies began wearing "long shorts," the newest craze designed to get females to wear the garment. It’s unfortunate the current style of clothing is captivating and alluring to even Christian women. When are we going to learn that what’s in vogue may not conform to God’s definition of modesty. This penman vehemently opposed the ungodly mini-skirt in the late 60's and early 70's as scores of our "sisters" could not wait to try what was the "hot" fashion. Now another fad as descended upon us. Why dear reader should popularity and what’s new be such a temptation? The Bible plainly says, "...be not conformed to this world..." (Rom. 12:2). When will we learn?

Let us notice some basic principles of apparel for Christians.

1) Our apparel should conform to God’s requirement of modesty. Paul with great clarity emphasizes that "women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety..." (I Tim. 2:9,10). Certainly, God is no respecter of persons and what He expects of the woman He also expects of the man. God never dealt with a particular style of clothing or that our apparel be so many inches above or below the knee. He is simply laying down a principle that can be applied to all situations for all generations. 

Notice the word modest – it suggests discreet clothes , avoiding extremes either way. Modest apparel places emphasis on Christian graces not on sexual attraction. 

Shamefacedness – being prudent which shrinks from overpassing the limits of womanly reserve and modesty. 

Sobriety – simply means sober-mindedness. Long shorts, short shorts and etc. cannot meet God’s standard, therefore it is wrong.

2) Our apparel must not be provoctive of lust. Jesus said, "...whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery..." (Matt. 5:27,28). According to this passage a woman’s dress can provoke lust in men. Christian mothers need to understand this and teach their daughters that certain apparel is provocative and seductive to the opposite sex and should not be worn. It is not enough to say the man should control his thoughts...the female may be equally responsible by wearing such seductive clothing that would cause him to lust.

3) Our apparel should pass the influence test. Paul said we should "Give none offence (occasion of stumbling, ASV), neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God" (I Cor. 10:32). How many Christians by their apparel or lack of it cause vulnerable souls to stumble? Christian friend, our influence is at stake when we wear short shorts, long shorts and the like. The very name we wear, Christian, infers that we be Christ-like. 

Henceforth, our apparel is to a great degree a barometer of our spirituality. Jesus said, "...let your light so shine before men..." (Matt. 5:16). The Savior did not say, "let your leg so shine" or "let your thigh so shine" and etc. Too many children of God feel that it is stylish to see just how much flesh can be exposed. One of the quickest ways to lose our influence and cause others to stumble is by conforming to the modern fashion trends.

4) Our apparel should respect the distinction God has made in males and females. God has established this principle in both the Old and New Testaments (Deut. 22 and I Cor. 11). A clear distinction in our apparel must be seen. The feminist movement has been devastating in this regard by seeking to destroy all distinctions of males and females. Unisex clothes and other apparel is only a sample of their intentions. God made us males and females, therefore, let us respect His defined guidelines with respect to hair length, apparel and etc.

Warm weather and summer time offers many problems to the Christian, not the least of which is the selection of our apparel. Men as well as women should be conscious of this and select clothing that communicates a clear message that we are Christians.