The people of the world are known for wearing as little clothing as possible during bare season [not to be confused with “bear season,” comparable to “deer season.” ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]. Women and girls go into public places wearing shorts and the briefest of tops. Some assemble with the saints wearing short skirts and low cut blouses. Men and boys work in their yards or go to softball fields or the fitness center in brief shorts without even a shirt. Both genders go to beaches in attire that is only appropriate in the bedroom. There seems to be little thought given to modesty and the effect our dress can have on others, or on our positive Christian example.
As Jesus taught, lust is a problem men must avoid. “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Women can help their brothers by being chaste or pure and dressing in a way that does not call [inordinate] attention to themselves, especially in gatherings of the saints (Titus 2:3-5; 1 Timothy 2:8-9).
Women also struggle with lust, who now comprise the fastest growing group viewing porn on the Internet. God instructed priests in His service to be sure to be properly clothed. He had Moses write, “Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed” (Exodus 20:26). The covering of Aaron’s sons was to “reach from the waist to the thighs,” and that was beneath robes that went from neck to toe (28:42).
All Christians should strive to avoid causing their brothers and sisters to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9). None of us wants to cause a little one in Christ to be led astray (Matthew 18:6). The way we dress is a good indicator of our love for God and our fellow Christians. We need to be good examples in the way we live, like Timothy was (1 Timothy 4:12).
God’s children must dress at all times to be pleasing to their Father, even in bare season. Put on something that would not cause you to be embarrassed when you meet the Lord.
