When we're saved by grace through faith, we enter into God's FAMILY. Sadly, there are times when we may feel out of step with the family. There are innumerable reasons, but for brevity, we'll look at one situation worth noting.
The subject of CHURCH ATTIRE can affect so many yet often goes unspoken for fear of disrupting what appears to be a loving and healthy church. Who wants to walk into a sanctuary strident while waving the Flag of Modesty? It can seem like a very subjective thing. But, is it really - for a Christian?
What does the Bible say?
"Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire." 1 Timothy 2:9.
Respectable business attire, at least here in Austin, TEXAS, has definitely changed over the last ten years. Exit - dresses and suits at the office. Enter - flip flops, tees, and shorts. Abruptly, the dress code took a quantum leap from business attire to everyday, casual Fridays; things were never the same. So, what do believers do with this ultra-relaxed attire pivot? They simply remain submitted to the loving words in 1 Timothy 2:9.
The operative words in that verse are "respectable" AND "modest." This means to think of OTHERS above ourselves but moreover of God's mandate. There's remarkable wisdom and simplicity in God's instructions for something like church attire. But how simple is it?
In a culture of uber-political correctness along with mind-reading expectations, we jump through hoops so as not to offend anyone, anywhere (even in church); it's a minefield.
Think of the church as a corporate entity. This means we're no longer just operating in individualistic silos. God's Word says, "...fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:2-8.
Think of the men who come to worship at church. Their focus should be on the service and not on ungodly, unfit attire. Whether scantily clad or modeling the latest "skinny jeans" that leave no room for the imagination, God's Word in no way endorses such clothing. This standard should also hold true in men's wear. We are ambassadors to "the church" equipped with a standard given to us by our Heavenly Father. So, why are some areas of God's instructions or disciplines heavily emphasized (taught) while this particular situation goes largely ignored in the church?
The Bible says, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22.
As we grow, our lives should radically change from unholy to holy. This is a heart, mind, and spirit overhaul in every sense. When God saves, as in justification, we embark on the journey of sanctification.
Sanctification (noun):
To set apart for special use or purpose.
To make holy or sacred.
The process of being set apart or made holy (as a vessel) and full of the Holy Spirit.
Sanctification is a lifelong process where no one reaches pure perfection. However, it's a journey of being established as the relationship with Christ, being personal, grows over time. In this growth, there should be hallmarks that convey a person is truly a Christian by Biblical standards - not of our own or the world's. This means a dress code that elevates the believer out of acceptable cultural standards and into holiness (set apart) for God.
The KJV says it best, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9.
Looking different from the world, whether modestly dressed or otherwise, is how God ordained it. Be set apart, be respectful and modest, and rejoice in your peculiarity!
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