What does the Bible say about Christian dressing?

“And when Jehu was come to Jezereel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face and tied her head and looked out of the windows”. – II Kings 9 vs. 30.

“And thou shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty”–Exodus 28 vs. 2

“And thou shall make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs shall they reach” –Exodus 28 vs. 42.

How should a Christian dress up? What is the appropriate manner of dressing for Christians of both genders? Should there be a Christian dress code?

These are questions that generate so much controversy and debate in and out of Christian circles, yet the questions are so difficult to answer simply because there are no clear cut scriptures concerning Christian dressing. What is generally agreed however is that Christians should dress with modesty?

But where does the line of modesty begins and ends? The three scriptures quoted above may assist us in answering this question.

The first passage taken from II Kings 9 vs. 30 portrays what is commonly described as Jezebelic dressing. Shortly after Prophet Elisha anointed Jehu King of Israel, he sought to consolidate his powers and cleanse the land of wholesome.

His first target was the Joram, the substantive king whom he slayed. The next target was Jezebel, the queen mother.

But as Jezebel heard of Jehu’s approach, she painted her eyes, adorned her head and looked down from the window with the intention of enticing and seducing her potential killer.

Jehu ignored her seductive dressings and lustful glances, and ordered her to be thrown down to death.

The significance of this passage, for the purposes of this write-up, is that your dressing can be seductive and enticing.

The Bible, describes Jezebel as having many witchcrafts, therefore if you dress like Jezebel – painting up your face and wearing various adornments in order to entice men then you are really under the influence of witchcraft.

“And thou shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty” –Exodus 28 vs. 2.

Another passage that may guide us in deciding how we dress up as Christians is Exodus 28 vs. 2.

Here, a standard was set for garments to be worn by Aaron – a priest of the Lord Almighty.

This instruction is relevant to all Christians who are Priests of the Lord. According to this passage, there are three characteristics of priestly garments.

First, the garments must be Holy. Second, the garments must glorify God.

Third, the garments must add to your bodily beauty. The essential points you need to note when wearing any attire, rings or adorning are that:
• Does it enhance your holiness, such that it leads people to Christ rather than leading people to commit sin?

• Does it glorify God – are people likely to admire you as a human being created by God or think you are another animal.

• Lastly, does what you wear make you beautiful in terms of cleanliness, smartness and fitting?

Another passage that should guide to Christian dressing is Exodus 28 vs. 42, which preaches against wearing clothes that exposes our nakedness.

“And thou shall make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs shall they reach” –Exodus 28 vs. 42.

God created man with higher intelligence than animals; therefore God does not expect us to walk around without clothing’s to cover our bodies.

The instruction here is specific. Your garments, attires or clothing must cover up your nakedness. Therefore, a short dress that exposes most parts of the body is not permissible among Christians.

As stated earlier in this write up, the scriptures referred to are intended to be a guide. In reality and whatever situation you are in, the Holy Spirit is your best guide in choosing and deciding what you wear.

Anytime you wear a garment, ensure you take a look at a mirror and ask this simple question: is the Holy Spirit happy to see me in this attire.

However, the Holy Spirit can only speak to you and counsel you when you have a relationship with God. If you do not have a relationship with God, and you desire to start one, then say this simple prayer:

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and have fallen short of your glory.

I willingly and sincerely repent of my sins and pray that your blood cleanse away all my iniquities. I accept Jesus as my Saviour and invite the Holy Spirit into my life in Jesus name.

Today I commit myself and every members of my household before you and pray that you watch over us, guide our steps and prevent us from all vices in Jesus name.

Let your Holy Spirit lead me aright in my dressings and I believe my future is secure in your hands in Jesus name.