| 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.
Taken from the
Word Aflame Press tract "The Scriptures Decree Modesty in Dress"
- #1567220908
|
