|
Introduction
In ancient times, as throughout many
countries today, a person's social rank
could be determined by his dress.
Similarly, dress is a significant
measurement of Christian conduct and
practice. Christians can often by
identified as such by their outward
appearance.
Our people predicate their practices and
beliefs upon the Bible. In baptism, we
practice immersion in the name of Jesus
as the apostles did. We teach and preach
the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a
definite experience evidenced by
speaking with other tongues as the
Spirit gives utterance.
Since we adhere as carefully and closely
to the Scriptures as possible in matters
pertaining to salvation, we also measure
the standards of Christian
practicalities such as clothing, by the
same rule.
New Testament Teaching for Women
The New Testament makes several specific
statements pertaining to women's dress
in the epistles of Paul and Peter.
"I will that men pray every where,
lifting up holy hands without wrath and
doubting. 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
2:8-10).
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to
your own husbands; that, if any obey not
the word, they also may without the word
be won by the conversation of the wives;
while they behold your chaste
conversation coupled with fear. 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. For after this
manner in the old time the holy women
also, who trusted in God, adorned
themselves, being in subjection unto
their own husbands" (I Peter 3:1-5).
Paul admonished women to dress according
to certain standards and listed them in
this order: modesty, inexpensive and
nonornamental attire, and clothing that
becomes godliness. To be modest means to
be decent and respectful. The apostolic
Christian woman seeks to emulate all the
fine virtues of Christian womanhood, so
she carefully and prayerfully selects
her attire in order not to unduly expose
her body to the stares of the public.
She is not so old-fashioned as to look
like a monstrosity, but she is
deliberately methodical in choosing
clothing that will dignify her womanhood
without provoking the stares of the
opposite sex.
She has dedicated herself to the cause
of Christianity. This manner of
dedication avoids expensive, extravagant
clothing and superfluous, ornamental
jewelry, permitting only the functional
use of a wristwatch and a wedding band
to designate her wedlock. The great
needs of Christian evangelism and
charitable assistance to the poor demand
that she deny herself the exorbitant
tastes of expensive fads so that she
might practice the Christian art of
concern for others. In this manner, she
professes a godliness that stems from a
heartfelt desire for virtuous, holy
living.
Her hair style is again predicated upon
the Word of God, which teaches her to
let her hair grow uncut: "Is it comely
that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
Doth not even nature itself teach you,
that, if a man have long hair, it is a
shame unto him? But if a woman have long
hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair
is given her for a covering" (I
Corinthians 11:13-15).
Against this picture of scriptural
womanhood, we have the worldly female of
today who tries by every conceivable
means, it seems, to flirt with the
hazards of indecency. Costumes and
apparel that are inclined toward nudity
are sought after intensely. The results
are demonstrated in a wanton display of
seminude parades on our public streets.
Many authorities agree that this
concentration on exposure of the body
has contributed greatly to the serious
problems of immorality that threaten the
basic foundations of our homes and
families. It has also been a cause in
inviting serious sexual atrocities.
The worldly woman also makes a hobby of
fashion crazes and style shows. She sets
up a contest with her neighbors as to
who owns the most expensive jewelry, who
wears the latest clothes, and who has
traveled the farthest to buy the latest
creation. It makes for an interesting
discussion over a cocktail, but it does
not alleviate the serious problems and
needs of a reeling world, which
Christians are called upon to address
with a Christ-like zeal to help
desperate souls, both by their means and
their consecration.
Distinction Between Male and Female
Moreover, the Scriptures teach a great
difference between femininity and
masculinity as to dress. "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).
The desire to emulate men in dress has
seriously affected the fine and noble
characteristics of womanhood. Often it
takes a second glance to determine the
sex of a woman today, due to the
distorted and strange garb she wears and
the close proximity of her attire to
that of a man. The Scriptures call this
practice an abomination unto God, or
something God hates.
Perhaps some will say this standard has
changed due to the inception of the age
of grace introduced by Jesus Christ. But
this verse deals with moral law and with
the nature of God, which never change,
not with a ceremonial ritual fulfilled
by Christ. Moreover, when the Apostle
Peter wished to instruct Christian women
about proper conduct, he used Sarah, the
wife of Abraham, as his example (I Peter
3:5). Thus, we are not out of order in
this instance to use a verse of
Scripture from the law. We rightfully go
back over the years and learn a
spiritual lesson that sharply rebukes
the customs and practices of our day.
Scriptural Guidelines Summarized
Holy women of old concentrated on
adorning their spiritual life by
developing the character of the heart.
This is the major concentration and
beautification of the Christian woman.
Thus, the Apostle Peter used the great
dedication of women of another age to
impress the women of the first century
with the need for the ornament or
adornment of a meek and quiet spirit.
By the same token, we are within
reasonable and scriptural rights to
insist that Christian women today heed
the influential, sensible, and divinely
inspired advice of the apostles.
Here are the biblical guidelines
concerning Christian example in dress
for women.
1. Modesty
2. Moderation in cost.
3. Inclination toward godliness
(decency).
4. Avoidance of outward adornment.
5. Shamefacedness and sobriety.
6. Distinction between male and female.
Guidelines for Men
The New Testament does not provide
instructions expressly for men's
clothing. Apparently immodest dress was
not as much of a problem for men in
those days, even though it often is
today. However, in many instances it may
well be said, "What is sauce for the
goose is sauce for the gander."
The trend to indecent exposure is even
having an impression on the male sex
today. Comfort seems to be the overall
objective instead of a cautious,
considerate thought for decorum and
dignity. But comfort can be achieved
without some of the ridiculous,
outlandish costumes now being displayed
on our busy avenues.
We can honestly proclaim that the basic
principles of godly appearance that
apply to Christian women should also
apply to men; namely, modesty,
moderation, decency, elimination of
ornamentation and costly finery, and
distinction between male and female in
hair and dress.
NAU
Taken from the Word Aflame Press tract
"The Scriptures Decree Modesty in Dress"
- #1567220908
|
