“None of you shall approach any of his close relatives to uncover nakedness.” Leviticus 18.6

The Law of God is not a handbook on fashion. Nevertheless, it has some important words to teach us about how we should clothe our bodies. These are lessons which may seem prudish or perhaps absurd to our contemporary generation, but they are important nonetheless. Let me mention three only.

First, everyone should practice modesty in dress. No one should use the way he or she dresses to incite others to lustful thoughts. As it is a sin to look on the naked bodies of our neighbors, it is incumbent on each of us to make sure, to the best of our ability, that the way we dress does not provoke others to sinful thoughts. Sadly, as can be seen on any Sunday morning in almost any church in the land, this is a practice which seems to have been lost on many of the people of God today.

Second, we should not clothe ourselves in such a way as to blur the lines between men and women. Certainly different cultures and times will have different standards indicating which are men’s and which are women’s clothing; but, regardless of the place or time, it is an abomination to God deliberately to confuse this distinction (Deut.22.5). God’s people must be sensitive to this cultural requirement, for it is one way that God intends to preserve the unique character and roles of each gender.

Third, we must wear our clothing in such a way as to signal our commitment to the living God (cf. Deut. 22.11, 12). This may not require of us that we wear unmixed fabrics or sew tassels on our clothes. However, by some means the people of God should stand out from their unsaved neighbors in the way they dress, whether by simplicity, neatness, modesty, or other means, so that even our use of clothing wants to bring honor and glory to God (1 Cor. 10.31).

There is much room, within these three criteria, for wearing attractive clothing, expressing current fashions, and being pleased with one’s appearance. But the use of clothing is just one more way that the people of God show their love for Him and for their neighbors. Thus, even this are of culture must be brought into submission to the holy and righteous and good Law of God.

For a practical guide to the role of God’s Law in the life of faith, get The Ground for Christian Ethics by going to www.ailbe.org and click on our Book Store.