A Christian's Attire

Often, clothing is lumped into two groups: modest and immodest. Scripturally speaking, that is not what we see, however. What we see in scripture are three groups of dress: nakedness, proper, and immodest. It is worth our time to very briefly consider each of these. It is also worth remembering that the same rules regarding dress apply to both men and women.

Nakedness
Nakedness is not necessarily being completely unclothed. Nakedness can also mean partially clothed, but not clothed enough. In Genesis 3. In verse 7, we see that the man and the woman made for themselves “aprons” or “girdles.” These coverings would have been minimal, but there would have been some covering provided. In verse 10, however, Adam describes himself as naked, even while wearing some clothing, and God does not dispute the fact. A person can be clothed partially, yet still be naked. We see instead that the Lord makes them “coats” or “tunics” which provided sufficient covering (roughly shoulders to knees) to cover their nakedness. It is also worth noting that preventing lust in others is not the sole reason why nakedness is condemned. If such was the case, then Adam and Eve would not have been sinning in their nakedness. I would contend that it has as much to do with respect and proper treatment of what the Lord has provided (our bodies) as it does with not being a stumbling block to others.

Nonetheless, we do see in the Bible nakedness being placed with sexual immorality In Leviticus 18, there are a number of verses in which the Israelites are told not to “uncover the nakedness” of various relations. Some translations go so far as to translate it as having sexual relations, as this is certainly the point of these passages. Nakedness is a close relation to sexual immorality, which as Christians we are to flee (II Timothy 2:22). It's not worth getting close to.

Preventing lust in others (Romans 13:14), honor and respect for God (I Peter 2:17), and taking care of what the Lord has provided (Titus 1:7) are certainly principles in the New Testament, and reasons to avoid nakedness.

Immodesty
If nakedness is not wearing enough clothing, immodesty is perhaps the opposite. Immodesty is the act of dressing in a proud manner meant to attract the eye and attention. In I Timothy 2:9, Paul gives instructions for women's dress. His instructions are essentially “Don't be proud and haughty in your dress.” Wearing flashy or much jewelry, wearing only the finest and most expensive clothing, and the like is condemned. Indeed, we must realize that such attire is entirely counter to what we should be as Christians: humble (I Peter 5:6). Biblical immodesty is showing off through clothing. Instead, we should focus our selves on the inward man and on humbly serving the Lord.

Proper Attire
A sense of propriety should be seen in the dress and manner of a Christian (I Timothy 2:9, Romans 13:13). Our clothing should not be scanty. Nor should it be rich and vain. Anything more or less is not in line with following Christ.

It is worth noting once again that the same Bible principles that apply to dress for men also apply to women, and the other way around. It applies equally to the young and elderly. Nakedness and immodesty are equally important for all. And if you have a question about something, there's an easy rule of thumb. If you're not sure whether it's immodest, proper, or nakedness...put it back in the closet and put on something else that you're sure is proper instead.