Whenever a young man or woman begins to look for their first job, there’s a piece of advice that is nearly universally given. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” The idea is that you always want to convey to a potential employer that you take your work seriously and have ambitions beyond an entry-level position. You are committed to growing your skills and maximizing your potential.
What we wear says a lot about us. Humans are visual creatures. Studies have shown that the human brain can process entire images that the eye sees for as little as 13 milliseconds. Within the blink of an eye, we can gain a ton of information about someone and make judgments about them. It should be no surprise then that we put a lot of time and thought into the things we wear. We want to make a good impression. So, we wear things that convey a certain message about ourselves or give the attention we desire. So, what message are we sending when we wear immodest attire?
The Bible teaches throughout the Scriptures that modesty is a mandate. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul gives three criteria for modest dress. He says, “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” Now, dressing modestly is not a command for women alone. Paul likens this command to the ones he gives to the men when praying publicly. This implies that the principles apply to the men, as well.
Notice the three criteria Paul gives. “Modest apparel” means “being appropriate for winning approval.” The emphasis here is clothes that signal your status as a Christian. “Propriety” means “the modesty of women; reverence or respect.” These are clothes that demonstrate reverence. “Moderation” means “practice of prudence, good judgment…self-control.” This word emphasizes dressing in a wise way, especially according to the virtues of decency and chastity. Together, these words give us a clear understanding of how Christians ought to dress.
When Christians dress modestly, they demonstrate their Christian faith, their reverence for God, and their commitment to self-control. If we can dress properly for the job we want, shouldn’t Christians be able to dress for the eternity they want? So, the next time you take a trip to the beach, go out to dinner, or come to assemble for worship, ask yourself, is what I’m wearing proper for professing godliness?