29/08/2024
I want to share 8 biblical standpoints on the picture displayed above. Please sit back as we peruse the scripture together and draw conclusions.
*Firstly*, in the Garden of Eden, when Adam sinned by rebelling against God’s commandment, he sewed fig leaves to cover his and his wife’s nakedness. However, fig leaves could not fully cover their nakedness; they only partially did so.
"And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons." (Genesis 3:7)
God, however, reached out to them by covering them with coats. He covered their nakedness, shame, and disgrace. God was unhappy with their nakedness and made them coats to cover them.
"Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21)
It can be concluded that the fallen nature of man tends toward half-nakedness, but God’s design is for man to cover his body with a coat—a piece of clothing that fully covers our nakedness.
*Secondly*, in the Old Covenant, God dwelt in temples, tents, and tabernacles made by the hands of men. The Ark of the Covenant, which signified God’s presence, was placed in a tent. King Solomon built a magnificent temple for God.
"But Solomon built him an house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet," (Acts 7:47-48)
However, God’s original plan was to dwell in man. The sacrificial death of Jesus made it possible for God to dwell within us as believers. We are the temple of the living God, and the Holy Spirit lives inside us. Apostle Paul, speaking by the Spirit of God, emphatically declared that we are the temple of God.
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
Just as the Ark of the Covenant was covered with cloth to prevent those in the outer court from seeing it, we too ought to cover our bodies so that our nakedness is not exposed.
*Thirdly,* the Word of God calls us a "royal priesthood." We are referred to as "kings and priests." A king is special and the first citizen of any kingdom, city, town, or village. Whenever you see a king, you immediately recognize him, and the same applies to the queen, prince, and princess.
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" (1 Peter 2:9)
"And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:6)
We are special people, people of honor and dignity. The Word of God says that anyone who is in honor and does not realize it is like a beast that perishes. We reflect God’s glory.
*Fourthly,* Our appearance speaks volumes about who we are, what we represent, and what we do. For instance, when you see a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, their appearance indicates their profession. Similarly, when you see a harlot, her appearance reveals her profession.
"And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart." (Proverbs 7:10)
The verse tells us that it was through the woman’s attire that she was identified as a harlot. When you dress, what impression or message are you conveying to those who see you? There is an attire of harlots and an attire of the daughters of Zion. Your dress reflects your values and worth.
*Fifthly,* we must not be stumbling blocks to others. In other words, we must not cause others to sin or fall into temptation through what we wear.
"Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." (Luke 17:1-2)
Our lives, both in actions and inactions, should build up rather than pull down others. Our lifestyle should point souls to Jesus, not drag people into hellfire. A brother once told me that he stopped attending a particular church because he came back with a double portion of lust due to what the so-called sisters wore in church. Apostle Paul resolved not to eat meat if it would cause other believers to sin or destroy their faith. Have you not read that we are Christ’s ambassadors and living epistles?
"Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." (1 Corinthians 8:13)
*Sixthly,* we are not of this world. Believers are called "strangers" and "pilgrims." We are not to dress like the world. The world, in this context, refers to unbelievers, pagans, and those who have not accepted the lordship of Jesus.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:15-17)
It is disheartening that the world often dictates and determines our dressing, dance moves, and speech, even in the church today. We are not of the world; we are God’s special people.
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:20)
*Second to the last point*, our moderation must be evident to all. We must be moderate in whatever we do.
"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:5)
Note that the Bible says our moderation should be known to all men, not just in church, but in offices, public gatherings, and wherever we find ourselves.
"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." (1 Peter 3:1-5)
Christianity is not just in the heart; it is also reflected outwardly. A perfect work of transformation done in the heart should be evident externally. Unfortunately, some believers have different attire for church and the office. Unbelievers should be drawn to us by our conduct and lifestyle.
*Lastly*, we shall all give an account of our actions and inactions to God on the last day.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
God will bring all our works on earth to judgment.
My dear reader, in case you have not given your heart to the Lord, Jesus loves you and died for you on the cross of Calvary. Kindly say this prayer after me:
Lord Jesus, I come before you today as a sinner; have mercy on me and wash me with your blood. Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God who came to this world to die for my sins.
I believe that you rose on the third day for my justification. I receive eternal life into my life. Thank you for forgiving me.
Locate a Bible-believing church where the Word of God is taught and preached. God bless you.
**Evangelist Orowole Kolawole Emmanuel**
