Esther: Fashion and Clothing (4)
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food,
and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make
one wise she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto
her husband with her; and he did eat.
Genesis 3:6
Read Genesis 3:1-7
Today’s text shows us that fashion was a form of communication in Paradise
already. When Adam and Eve saw that they were naked, they were ashamed.
For that reason, they sought to cover themselves with fig leaves. Before they
had rebelled, their nakedness was not a hindrance to them; there was no
shame. But what actually is shame? To be ashamed is to feel one’s guilt and
one’s vulnerability. Consider Adam and Eve: Eve had tempted her husband
to sin, and Adam did not shield his wife from sin. Consequently, both of
them experienced their guilt between themselves and before God. They had
ruined the pristine purity of creation—including their own lives.
Shame has two sides to it: It brings about a breach and also requires protection.
For that reason, clothing has become necessary. This very fact reveals
the distance that has come between mankind. This breach can only be restored
by the safe haven of a loving marriage relationship. The more revealing
clothing is, the less society has a sense of shame and propriety towards
his fellow man. Because of this trend, the message has become clear: We
require clothing so that we may keep an appropriate distance from those
around us as well as for protecting ourselves. Clothing guards both our
neighbour and ourselves. By wearing modest apparel, we protect ourselves
from lustful glances. We live in a sexualized society. Statistics of various
kinds point this out. Therefore, you and I will have to keep this in mind. Let
us then also communicate where we stand to those around us!
Question: Have you ever been ashamed of the way you dressed in the past?
Psalter 438:2 (based on Psalm 19)
The fear of God is clean, A fountain of serene
And everlasting bliss;
The judgments of the Lord, Which purest light afford,
Are truth and righteousness.
More to be sought are they Than gold and silver, yea,
More precious far than money;
In sweetness they excel The sweetnesses that well
From honey comb and honey.
