CLOTHES
Ever since Adam and Eve fell in sin, God has wanted our bodies covered (Genesis 3:21), which is the main reason for clothes—to cover the body. Clothes ‘speak,’ clothes show respect (or lack thereof) for others or even for oneself. Clothes show if one cares about their appearance or not. Clothes show if one is concerned for how others might feel—for example, if he dresses inappropriately for a wedding, funeral, or work. We would not dress the same for a construction site as we would to work in an office building. And sometimes a person will wear clothes simply because of his friends or because it is the latest fashion, not realizing their clothes may be saying something about them that is really not true. If a lady dresses in seductive clothes simply because it is the latest style, even if she is moral, others probably won’t read it that way. Though it may not at all be the case, some people read sloppy dress as saying, “You are not important enough to dress nice for.”
Many women who wear revealing or sensual clothes are not immoral but are doing what is popular. Styles and fads sometimes have more effect on us than we may be aware of. Parents sometimes argue with their teens over what they will wear to school, but if one person in their peer group makes fun of their clothes, they will never wear that item again. Sometimes a person will wear certain clothes not because they like them but because they want to be accepted. Have you ever seen an elderly lady who wants to look younger, so she dresses in a miniskirt? Body piercings, dirty clothes, being unshaven, hairstyles (see HAIR), and tattoos are part of a person’s appearance, which may be acceptable for one’s friends but not to others. The military, airlines, and large corporations all have dress and hair standards.
Clothes can also deceive. There are people who dress conservatively who are evil, though their appearance is acceptable to almost all. And conversely the opposite is also true. Sayings that are written on shirts are sometimes teaching the wrong things. Right or wrong, consciously or unconsciously, the clothes we wear are, in part, how people view us, especially first impressions.
There is an expression: “The more you limit your rights, the broader your outreach.” Though I may have the right to dress a certain way, will it be helpful for the cause of Christ, or will how I dress close others’ spirits off to me? Jesus said we are “the light of the world.”
The wearing of attractive or colorful clothes is not wrong, any more than it would be wrong for a bride or groom to dress up for their wedding or Joseph’s “coat of many colours” (Genesis 37:3). However, transparent, revealing, or tight clothing can draw attention to one’s body. Men’s and women’s clothes are to be different. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 22:5).
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9–10). I have heard this interpreted to mean that women cannot wear gold rings, jewelry, or fix their hair. But a parallel passage explains this: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3–4). The emphasis is to be on the inside (the heart), not the outside (clothes or hair). There are men and women who will spend long periods of time fixing up their outside but little or no time fixing up what is really important to God, the inside: “But let it be the hidden man of the heart…even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” The above passage does not mean women cannot fix their hair or put on jewelry, for it also says her adorning was not to be the “putting on of apparel.” Surely God did not mean for women to be unclothed but to put the emphasis on their insides, not the outsides. God does, however, particularly stress the need to have “women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” Both men and women are to be properly dressed, but men especially have a problem with lust, as the vast majority of pornography is bought by men. And though a dress or skirt covers better, ladies who wear short or tight-fitting clothes, whether intentional or not, draw attention to their figures. The Bible teaches we are not to make others stumble. “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak” (Romans 14:21). “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).
“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” (Genesis 3:7). God did not accept their fig leaves. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). “Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea” (John 21:7). It is not easy to swim with a “coat” on. Even though Peter was most likely wearing a loincloth, when people get close to the Lord, they put their clothes on. The devil does not like God’s standards: “There met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes” (Luke 8:27).
Genesis 35:2–3 says, “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God.” As a child I said that when we went to church, it did not matter to God how we dressed, thinking myself wise for saying this. But when Jacob brought his family to Bethel (Strong’s “house of God”) he said, “Be clean, and change your garments” (Genesis 35:2). Wearing your best for God’s house (church) is honoring to Him. If all you have are holes in your clothes, God knows. He also knows if you have something nice but won’t wear it for Him. “Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped” (2 Samuel 12:20; see LEGALSIM).
COMFORT
Is this only for small children or for adults also? We were all made with the ability to cry and feel pain, both in our bodies and in our souls, and we all have the capacity to give and receive comfort from others and God. Every believer has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9), and He is the great “Comforter” (John 14:16–18). “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; also vv. 5–6). We can be comforted by reading the Bible: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Just visiting another person can bring comfort. “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:6). To the one who has truly repented of his sins we “ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:7).
There is “a time to weep” (Ecclesiastes 3:4), but we should not weep the rest of our lives. Do not be as Rachel: “Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted…” (Matthew 2:18). But as King David, who after he had sinned and his son had died, said, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:12–13). Sinners are “converted” when they see happy Christians, not sad ones. This is not the age-old advice of “grow up,” but let God comfort you. Ask Him to do this; He wants you to (see also Psalm 23:1–6; Matthew 5:4 and 11:28–30; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; and John 16:20–22). “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).
Christians are to take comfort in the great reunion we will have when we get to heaven and we will meet again all our loved ones who have died in Christ. “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4; see also John 14:1–6).
Ever since Adam and Eve fell in sin, God has wanted our bodies covered (Genesis 3:21), which is the main reason for clothes—to cover the body. Clothes ‘speak,’ clothes show respect (or lack thereof) for others or even for oneself. Clothes show if one cares about their appearance or not. Clothes show if one is concerned for how others might feel—for example, if he dresses inappropriately for a wedding, funeral, or work. We would not dress the same for a construction site as we would to work in an office building. And sometimes a person will wear clothes simply because of his friends or because it is the latest fashion, not realizing their clothes may be saying something about them that is really not true. If a lady dresses in seductive clothes simply because it is the latest style, even if she is moral, others probably won’t read it that way. Though it may not at all be the case, some people read sloppy dress as saying, “You are not important enough to dress nice for.”
Many women who wear revealing or sensual clothes are not immoral but are doing what is popular. Styles and fads sometimes have more effect on us than we may be aware of. Parents sometimes argue with their teens over what they will wear to school, but if one person in their peer group makes fun of their clothes, they will never wear that item again. Sometimes a person will wear certain clothes not because they like them but because they want to be accepted. Have you ever seen an elderly lady who wants to look younger, so she dresses in a miniskirt? Body piercings, dirty clothes, being unshaven, hairstyles (see HAIR), and tattoos are part of a person’s appearance, which may be acceptable for one’s friends but not to others. The military, airlines, and large corporations all have dress and hair standards.
Clothes can also deceive. There are people who dress conservatively who are evil, though their appearance is acceptable to almost all. And conversely the opposite is also true. Sayings that are written on shirts are sometimes teaching the wrong things. Right or wrong, consciously or unconsciously, the clothes we wear are, in part, how people view us, especially first impressions.
There is an expression: “The more you limit your rights, the broader your outreach.” Though I may have the right to dress a certain way, will it be helpful for the cause of Christ, or will how I dress close others’ spirits off to me? Jesus said we are “the light of the world.”
The wearing of attractive or colorful clothes is not wrong, any more than it would be wrong for a bride or groom to dress up for their wedding or Joseph’s “coat of many colours” (Genesis 37:3). However, transparent, revealing, or tight clothing can draw attention to one’s body. Men’s and women’s clothes are to be different. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 22:5).
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9–10). I have heard this interpreted to mean that women cannot wear gold rings, jewelry, or fix their hair. But a parallel passage explains this: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3–4). The emphasis is to be on the inside (the heart), not the outside (clothes or hair). There are men and women who will spend long periods of time fixing up their outside but little or no time fixing up what is really important to God, the inside: “But let it be the hidden man of the heart…even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” The above passage does not mean women cannot fix their hair or put on jewelry, for it also says her adorning was not to be the “putting on of apparel.” Surely God did not mean for women to be unclothed but to put the emphasis on their insides, not the outsides. God does, however, particularly stress the need to have “women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” Both men and women are to be properly dressed, but men especially have a problem with lust, as the vast majority of pornography is bought by men. And though a dress or skirt covers better, ladies who wear short or tight-fitting clothes, whether intentional or not, draw attention to their figures. The Bible teaches we are not to make others stumble. “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak” (Romans 14:21). “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).
“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” (Genesis 3:7). God did not accept their fig leaves. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). “Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea” (John 21:7). It is not easy to swim with a “coat” on. Even though Peter was most likely wearing a loincloth, when people get close to the Lord, they put their clothes on. The devil does not like God’s standards: “There met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes” (Luke 8:27).
Genesis 35:2–3 says, “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God.” As a child I said that when we went to church, it did not matter to God how we dressed, thinking myself wise for saying this. But when Jacob brought his family to Bethel (Strong’s “house of God”) he said, “Be clean, and change your garments” (Genesis 35:2). Wearing your best for God’s house (church) is honoring to Him. If all you have are holes in your clothes, God knows. He also knows if you have something nice but won’t wear it for Him. “Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped” (2 Samuel 12:20; see LEGALSIM).
COMFORT
Is this only for small children or for adults also? We were all made with the ability to cry and feel pain, both in our bodies and in our souls, and we all have the capacity to give and receive comfort from others and God. Every believer has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9), and He is the great “Comforter” (John 14:16–18). “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; also vv. 5–6). We can be comforted by reading the Bible: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Just visiting another person can bring comfort. “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:6). To the one who has truly repented of his sins we “ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:7).
There is “a time to weep” (Ecclesiastes 3:4), but we should not weep the rest of our lives. Do not be as Rachel: “Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted…” (Matthew 2:18). But as King David, who after he had sinned and his son had died, said, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:12–13). Sinners are “converted” when they see happy Christians, not sad ones. This is not the age-old advice of “grow up,” but let God comfort you. Ask Him to do this; He wants you to (see also Psalm 23:1–6; Matthew 5:4 and 11:28–30; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; and John 16:20–22). “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).
Christians are to take comfort in the great reunion we will have when we get to heaven and we will meet again all our loved ones who have died in Christ. “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4; see also John 14:1–6).