Esther: Clothing and Fashion (6 )
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair,
and of wearing 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 a quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Peter 3:3,4
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7
Not only does the Old Testament give instruction about fashion, but the New
Testament also provides guidance in this area. In fact, the latter gives more
detail than the former. That is to be expected. In Lord’s Day 1 of the Heidelberg
Catechism, a true Christian confesses that in body and soul he is not his
own but belongs unto his faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who has purchased
him with His precious blood. The exercising of faith involves both soul and
body. Your conversation, gestures, lifestyle and the way you dress identify
who you are. A true Christian communicates in his whole life that he is not
his own but Christ’s possession. This is noticeable in one’s life. Because of
this, Christians recognize one another.
The Christian life is very different from the world’s standards. For example,
our people today have their own thoughts about their body. This is very
noticeable when we look all around us at society and the way the general
public dresses during the warm summer months. It is immediately apparent;
we do not fit in with their norms. They will not seek to fit in with our
cultural distinctives either. We are faced with much nudity in the public
square, whether we like it or not. It is therefore our responsibility to speak
up. Why wouldn’t we? Do we not want to treasure the bodies that God has
created? Or do we not see the benefit of this? Do you not want to
preserve your body for yourself, as well as for your future spouse? More
importantly, do so for the Lord! We ought to serve God with our bodies as
well as our souls. The Lord is worthy of this.
Question: What is the relationship between one’s clothing and one’s prayer
life? (See 1 Peter 3:1-7)
Psalter 298:1,2 (based on Psalm 108)
My steadfast heart, O God, Will sound Thy praise abroad,
With tuneful string; The dawn shall hear my song,
Thy praise I will prolong, And where Thy people throng,
Thanksgiving bring.
Thy truth and tender love Are high as heaven above;
Thy help we crave. Be Thou exalted high,
Above the lofty sky; Lest Thy beloved die,
O hear and save.
