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It's That Time Of Year Again!

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Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles

Well, it’s that time of year again when the wildlife starts coming out! By wildlife, we mean that time of year when both women and men start divesting themselves of their clothing, men wearing no shirts [bare chested], women wearing tight-fittingshort-shorts, halter tops, bikinis, and less.

In this short article, let us consider where clothing originated, what the purpose of clothing is, and what God’s thinking is regarding proper clothing.

Where Clothing Originated

First of all, we need to understand that men and women did not always wear clothing (Genesis 2:25).The lack of clothing indicated the innocence of man. However, things dramatically changed after Adam and Eve‘s transgression in the garden. Man’s eyes were then open to good and evil. With that knowledge came the loss of innocence, and man then became aware of his nakedness (Genesis 3:7).

What The Purpose Of Clothing Is

Adam and Eve made themselves garments to cover their nakedness, the description being that of a belt of fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). However, their attempt at covering themselves was still inadequate, for even with that covering, they hid themselves from God because they still considered themselves naked (Genesis 3:10).

After telling Adam and Eve the consequences of their sin (Genesis 3:16-19), God made garments of animal skins to clothe them (Genesis 3:21. The description is that of a tunic, a shirt that reached from shoulders to knees or ankle (see commentary). The purpose for the skins is clearly stated. It was to cover or clothe the nakedness of the man and the woman.

In the twenty-first century, we still require clothing to cover our nakedness. We may not have eaten of the forbidden tree, but we still learn of good and evil by living in a world full of sin (Romans 5:12).We do not wear fig leaves nor tunics, so the question is, “How can we determine if our clothing is acceptable to God?” We need God’s ruling of what proper clothing consists of that is not based on the whims of mankind’s fancy.

Clothing In The Old Testament

It’s interesting to note that in the Old Testament, the altar was not to be elevated, lest the worshipers saw the priest’s nakedness (Exodus 20:26). As an additional precaution, the priests were to wear linen trousers that covered from the waist to the thighs to hide their nakedness (Exodus 28:40-43).

From Ezekiel 16:7; cf. Hosea 2:1-3), we learn that the exposure of a woman’s breasts was considered being naked. Any exposure of the sexual organs is considered nakedness (Genesis 9:18-23).

The purpose of clothing then, is to cover and hide those areas of the body. Some clothing covers, but do not hide a person’s nakedness, i.e., Adam and Eve’s belt of fig leaves still left them naked in God‘s eyes. Job 22:6 speaks of folks stripping the naked of their clothing.  In other words, they were clothed, but they were still considered naked.

What’s God’s Thinking Regarding Proper Clothing?

Now, let us ask ourselves, “What makes some clothing modest and other clothing not modest?” Note Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:9-10. In this reading, the Greek word for “modest” is the word “Kosmios” (Strong’s 2887). This word means that which is orderly, well-arranged, seemly, or modest. In other words, clothing that is neat and appropriate for the occasion.

Clothing that does not adequately cover the parts of the body that would cause lustful thoughts, or clothing that is made of a material that a person can see through, or form-fitting clothing that forms too closely to the body, leaving little to the imagination, does not fit the definition of modesty.

Another Greek word is “Aidos” (Strong’s 127), translated “shamefastness.” This word carries with it the idea of having a sense of shame, modesty, or reverence. The ability to blush at inappropriate behavior (including dress). In other words, dressing with the sense of propriety. Still another Greek term is “Sophrosune“ (Strong’s 4997).

This term gives us the idea of sobriety — descriptive of an individual who possesses a sound mind. One who is self-controlled, has good judgment, and uses moderation in all things. In other words, not pushing the limits of taste in what we choose to wear.

Conclusion:

The bottom line is this: Our outward appearance is a direct reflection of our inner heart. Men going around bare chested, women who wear low-cut blouses, miniskirts, short shorts, and show belly buttons do not reflect a meek, quiet, and submissive spirit (1 Peter 3:4). Risqué clothing, or the lack of clothing, shows a pursuit of the sensual and worldly (1 John 2:15-16). We are instructed by the Lord to “come out” and be separate from that kind of worldly influence (2 Corinthians 6:14-17; cf. Romans 12:1-2 AMP).

Brethren and friends, it is our responsibility to instruct our sons and daughters on how to dress properly in the sight of God and society, and then provide the proper godly example ourselves (Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:3-7).

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