Answer # 95

Let's understand one thing first: God looks on the heart (I Sam. 16:7). He is more concerned with the inward attitude than with the outward appearance. The Kingdom of God is not clothing any more than it is food and drink (Rom. 14:17). Some zealous but unknowledgeable Christians have placed undue emphasis on wearing certain colors or styles of clothing.

Actually, God's guidelines on this matter of clothing and dress are very general. God expects Christian women to dress in "modest apparel" (I Tim. 2:9) - that is, clothing that is not overly flamboyant or garish. A Christian woman should not be an exhibitionist, attracting undue attention to herself by wearing provocative or loud clothing.

By the same token, this does not mean that Christian women should be drab, colorless or tasteless dressers. One's personal appearance is a reflection of one's inner attitude. The Christian is to be a light to the world - an example of balance and good taste. We should not be so out of step with the fashions of society that we stand out like the proverbial "sore thumb." Clothes may be fashionable but not immodest or garish.

Also, apparel should be appropriate for the occasion - swimsuits should be worn at the beach, not at the market.

In the Old Testament God gave a law that stated: "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God" (Deut. 22:5). This is a reference to transvestitism. It does not refer to a woman wearing slacks that are designed for women.

Women may wear slacks when the occasion warrants it - for example, for vigorous sports activities, outdoor functions, picnics, gardening, hiking or even ordinary housework. This violates no Bible principle.

It is natural for those who are zealous but lacking in knowledge to become pharisaic self-righteous about various aspects of women's clothing. Sometimes humans are far more concerned about such things than the Creator Himself.

At the same time, there is a tendency to plunge headlong into the opposite ditch and feel that there are no guidelines for Christian dress and grooming. There are, but they are not meant to become an obsession or a fetish. The "gentle and quiet spirit" of a truly converted Christian woman (I Pet. 3:1-6) will be reflected in clothing she selects for herself. She will understand the balance. She will wear clothing that is appropriate and stylish for any given occasion and of the highest quality available to her, but with proper modesty and decorum. And God will look with approval on the heart of such a woman.