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PROGRAM D-7399
We often hear that clothes make the person. Do you think the way we dress has an impact on our success in the working world? Should Christians be clothes-conscious?
I’ll begin by answering my own question, and stating that I believe it is important for Christians to be careful in their dress and in their appearance, so as not to bring any dishonor to the Lord. Sloppiness and dowdiness and certainly immodest dress are never condoned in God’s Word.
When we feel confident about the way we look, we become less self-conscious. I’ve discovered that when I leave the house in the morning feeling that my hair, my outfit, and my overall appearance are close to optimum, then I can forget myself and how I look for the rest of the day. But if, on the other hand, I face a day feeling that my dress is not proper or my hair is not becoming, then all day long I’m thinking about myself, running into the ladies’ room to try to improve my appearance, fussing with my clothes—in other words, self-absorbed. In that condition I cannot be very effective at reaching out to other people and being concerned about their lives, because I’m too much into myself.
As Christians in the working world, I believe it is important that we dress in good taste and in good fashion. Clothes do contribute to others’ impressions of us, and we should not ignore that fact. We carry the reputation of Jesus Christ with us, and it’s important that our personal appearance is never a hindrance to our witness.
But we must also be very certain that our dress is modest and does not call undue attention to us. If you find that you’re dressing so as to get attention, then of course you’re out of line with Christian principles. Both women and men need to be aware of modesty in dressing, so that we never give any opportunity for others to stumble because of our immodest clothes.
We know that clothes do not make a person. Lasting worth and purpose in life only come as we establish a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. But God has given us everything to enjoy, and that includes clothes. We need to be conscious of them for the sake of our testimony, and we can enjoy them because of the graciousness of our God.