by Grace Raab
Why do I wear skirts full time?
- God Wants There To Be A Distinction Between The Sexes.
- Wearing Skirts Easily Adorns A Woman In Modesty.
- A Lady Wearing A Skirt Is Easily Identified As A Christian.
- A Warning To Christians.
- Let God lead you.
As a little girl and as a lady, I have worn skirts and dresses full-time my entire life.
I started doing it because my parents taught me to do so and because it was expected of me by my pastors and church families. I was always told the reasoning for it, but I never truly grasped the importance of this principle until recent years.
I want to say right away that this essay is by no means meant to offend anyone in the smallest measure, but is meant simply to provide explanation to those who have wondered about my peculiar dress code, and also to give clarity to Christian women who have lived this way because it was expected of them, but never really had a personal understanding of why.
There are many different reasons why I believe (based on the Bible) that God would have me wear skirts instead of pants.
God Wants There To Be A Distinction Between The Sexes.
Deuteronomy 22:5 “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
This verse describes a very specific principle of how God thinks about the way men and women should dress. Notice that it doesn’t just say that men shouldn’t dress like women, or that women shouldn’t dress like men; it puts the two in direct contrast with each other.
In 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, it says: Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
This shows that God has a different idea for how men should wear their hair, and how women should wear their hair. We’ve just seen two different passages, one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, that portray an attitude of God, how He wants men and women to have a different outward appearance. God does not want men to look like women, and He doesn’t want women to look like men. Have you ever looked at someone from behind and not been totally sure whether you were seeing a male or female? Often, the people you’re viewing are even more confused about their gender than you are (or at least, they appear to be). I’m not saying that every girl who wears pants is necessarily trying to be a cross-dresser, but she is definitely coming a lot closer to it than if she were wearing a skirt.
God intentionally made me a woman, and I am proud to be one. Wearing skirts (obviously a woman’s apparel) is a huge way for me to embrace my God-given femininity, and it keeps me from contributing to the gender confusion that’s becoming so common in our culture today. When women as a society choose to wear clothing that so closely resembles a man‘s, it brings our society that much closer to confusion, and blurs the gender line all the more.
1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
It would take an entirely different Bible study to show all the places where God made men and women different, and how He created them with different roles and expectations, but their appearance is definitely one of the major areas with which God is concerned.
Going back to Deuteronomy 22:5, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
The argument of a lot of Christians today is that this was an Old Testament law, not meant to be adhered to anymore, and even if it were, men and women’s clothing was so different back then that this law could never be applied today. Many of the Mosaic laws were abolished in the New Testament, yes, but this law is a little different than some. If you notice the end of the verse, it says that “all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Sometimes when God gave a law, He addressed it as being an abomination unto the children of Israel only, such as the laws concerning what the Israelites were permitted to eat. This one is listed as an abomination unto the Lord. I don’t know about you, but this is one area where I would rather be safe than sorry. Could I be totally off in my interpretation of Deuteronomy 22:5? I suppose it’s possible, but when dealing with something that says it’s an “abomination unto the LORD thy God”, I would rather not take the risk. It’s just not worth it to me.
Wearing Skirts Easily Adorns A Woman In Modesty.
In my opinion, this reason is about as important as the first, if not more so. Skirts and dresses cover a woman in a modest and beautiful way that pants never can, and never will.
1 Timothy 2:9a “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety…”
Ladies, I’m going to be very blunt here: Have you ever seen what you look like from behind in a pair of pants? I have. I see it every day, and there are very few of you who can get away with it without outlining every curve of your backside. I’m not just talking about loose women of the world, I’m talking about Christian women who want to please God. Maybe it doesn’t look quite as bad when you’re standing still, but as soon as you move or bend at all, that pair of pants becomes extremely revealing of your shape and form. I truly have no desire to be insulting in any way, but it seems like you really just don’t know what you look like, so I am simply trying to be informative while being as honest and straightforward as possible. However, I’m not the one you should be most concerned with; guys are seeing it too.
Matthew 5:28 “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Yes, men are responsible for the things they allow their own minds to dwell upon, but do you really want to be the image that prompts them into such fantasies? Some men will have corrupt thoughts no matter how you dress, but they don’t need you to clothe yourself in a way that leaves very little to the imagination. In addition to those types of men, there are also many Christian men out there who are trying to live a life pleasing to God with purity of thoughts and actions, but the way females dress around them –whether it be in tight jeans, a low-cut blouse, or even a short skirt– make it extremely difficult for them to do so. God created men with visually stimulated minds, and we, as Christian women, need to be aware of this. We are responsible for our part in preventing lust of the heart just as much as men are.
James 1:15 “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Some women do wear pants that aren‘t so bad, and yes, I admit that VERY loose fitting pants are not as revealing, but again, depending on how you move, even those can fit a little snugly. But do you really want to walk around in baggy pants? Sometimes that’s when women blur their gender identity the most, to be honest. The only real difference I’ve noticed between men’s jeans and women’s jeans is the body inside them. Ultimately, when a woman wears pants, she either looks sloppy or sexy. Still, some women continue to cling to their reasonings.
“You can’t do the things in a skirt that you can in pants.”
This is probably the most popular argument for why women don’t want to wear skirts: They’re inconvenient, and they supposedly hinder one’s ability to perform daily activities. Well… I am completely unimpressed with this argument. I have climbed trees, climbed ladders, ridden horses, ridden bicycles, played sports, gone roller-skating, gone rock climbing, detasseled corn (often climbing up and down a tractor), I’ve worked a job, and I never once put on a pair of pants. I do have one pair of waterproof sweatpants that I wear for shoveling snow or activities like skiing or sledding, but I’ve always worn them underneath a skirt. I’m really not trying to brag here, but there are just so many things a girl can easily do in a skirt!
When I was very young, I used to wear shorts underneath my clothes while playing, but only because five-year-olds haven’t learned to be lady-like yet. And it’s true, even some grown-up girls haven’t learned how to act in a skirt and can unintentionally be very immodest while wearing one because of the way they move, but it’s just a matter of learning to be appropriate, and when necessary, it’s just better to wear something underneath to be safe. It’s much easier, however, for girls to learn how to act properly in a skirt if they start wearing them from childhood. For others, it just takes a little getting used to and an awareness of your appearance. I promise skirts are very easy and comfortable to wear! But that’s only one excuse given for why skirts aren’t acceptable as full-time attire.
“Christian women who only wear skirts are legalists.”
Another argument some women give for why they don’t think it’s necessary to always wear skirts is that it’s legalistic. I would like to clarify now that there is not one standard in my life that I practice out of legalism. Legalism is a person following certain religious laws in order to earn their way to Heaven. I know very well that whether a woman wears pants or dresses, it does not affect her security of a home in Heaven, and it would be ridiculous to think so. The only thing that saves a person and takes them to Heaven is their trust in Christ to cleanse their sins with the blood He shed for them. I also do not believe that the Christian life is merely a list of rules and regulations that must be obeyed in order to stay on God’s good side.
I fail all the time, but every belief I hold and try to live is just an attempt to please my Savior who created me, gave His life for me, and has a purpose for me. In His word, God teaches that a woman should look different than a man and that a woman should be modest; that is why I dress the way I do. I don’t do it to try to appear better than anyone else, or because I think the way someone looks on the outside is all that matters. I have known and loved many wonderful, sincere Christian ladies who don‘t wear dresses all the time, and I by no means find them inferior to me or believe that I am better than they are, but that does not make my conviction any less resolute.
“It doesn’t matter how I dress, because God only looks on the heart.”
Here is yet another reason why some women don’t find it necessary to dress modestly (not just referring to pants), or even wear their hair in a way that pleases God. And they use the verse 1 Samuel 16:7 to defend their position.
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
This is a wonderful verse, but there’s just one problem. If you read this in context, God is speaking about a person’s appearance as far as height, color, etc. It’s not talking about the way a person deliberately chooses to adorn themselves. How tall you are, or how beautiful you are, or how blue your eyes are, is not something that speaks of your character. However, the way you honor God in your clothing is entirely up to you, and is a reflection of what is in your heart. God does, in fact, care about the way we present ourselves.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
One more word about modesty: Ladies, when you dress in a way that reveals the form of your body, you’re not only inviting men to lust after you, you’re putting yourself in danger. I have seen many dear, Christian ladies that are close to my heart do this unintentionally, and I am sincerely trying to protect you. I have worked in the customer service arena for nearly three years, and I have had very few and minor experiences with men coming on to me (even in spite of the friendly, ditsy personality that I have!), and I truly believe that I can attribute much of this to the way I dress. Guys generally go after easy prey. They see me, I give them nothing for their imagination to build on, and they know that I’m not interested. But they also can guess pretty well that a girl wearing a skirt in the workplace is probably a Christian, and that especially tells them that I’m not interested… Which brings me to my final point.
A Lady Wearing A Skirt Is Easily Identified As A Christian.
Not only does a woman in a modest skirt or dress look feminine, lady-like, and beautiful, but she often makes it quite obvious that she’s a Christian. Yes, I have gotten some pretty funny looks from people who’ve seen me going about my life in a skirt (especially when in a group of multiple ladies wearing skirts), but to be quite honest, I love that. I love that I have a way of so boldly proclaiming that I’m a follower of Christ, without even saying a word. Of course, this is only one area in which a woman can outwardly display her faith in God, but I’ve found it to be one of the most recognizable, simply because so few women do it anymore. There was a time not too long ago in our country when it was against dress regulations for a girl to wear pants in a public school. We’ve come a long way since then! But this means that Christian women have more opportunity than ever to display their separation to Christ.
I’ve had so many occasions to discuss Jesus with people, often total strangers, that I probably would’ve never been able to talk to had they not inquired about my uncommon dress standards. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting other Christian ladies that just walked up to me in the middle of a grocery store and delightedly said “You must be a Christian.“ I’m not making this up!
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Don’t miss out on this great experience! There is no greater joy than to show forth the praises of our God, and reflect to the world the light He’s given us, because that’s what we were created to do. Dressing in feminine, modest apparel is one of the many ways we can do this, and also one of the most powerful.
I have met with many women, mostly young girls, who’s biggest problem with giving up pants was their fear of humiliation. They were afraid of how their friends and family would view them for looking so different. I sympathize with these ladies, and pray that they will get a hold of the Biblical truths on separation from the world, and the joy it brings to a Christian’s life.
1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”
Romans12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
2 Corinthians 6:17 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
The Bible speaks for itself. Different is good, and being separated unto God is the best.
A Warning To Christians.
I know that there are many different reasons women have for either wearing or not wearing pants. I have heard many of the explanations behind each standpoint, and I’ve addressed most of them, but I can by no means judge the motives of each individual I encounter.
Perhaps you’ve read this whole essay and you’re thinking “I’ve been living the Christian life for years, and I’ve never felt the need to practice this.” I understand and respect that. But there is a certain attitude that has plagued the mindset of many of my fellow Christians that I would like for you to be cautious against. Perhaps it doesn’t apply to you, but perhaps it does. It’s the attitude of “How much can I get away with and still technically be living a Christian life?”. Of course, that’s not usually how people phrase it in their minds. Usually, they begin by asking questions like “Is this really a sin?”, or more specifically for women “Is it really a sin to wear pants?”
I’ve known far too many Christian women who lived many years of their lives wearing skirts, and then stopped because they asked that question. Not because they didn’t truly feel led to do it at one point, but often because they started becoming more concerned with how the world was viewing them, or how they viewed themselves than how God viewed them.
The issue with this mindset is that it starts with something seemingly harmless like dress standards, and then it keeps going. Pretty soon you’re listening to worldly music that dishonors God and asking “Is this really a sin?”. Then before you know it, you’re finding reasons why it’s okay to miss church, drink alcohol, or have improper conduct with the opposite sex, all because you started becoming concerned with how much you can get away with, and the process often starts with something like dress standards. This is not the attitude of a Christian. The attitude of a Christian ought to be “How much can I do to please my Savior?” Please do not go down the wrong road.
Let God Lead You.
Finally, as I’ve said before, my purpose in writing this is not to offend or insult anyone, nor is it to boast about my own Christian achievements. I am a far cry from the perfect Christian, and still, have a long way to go, but I humbly desire to share with others some things that the Bible and the Christian experience has taught me. I pray that I have not given anyone the impression that I believe a woman cannot have a walk with God or be used by God unless she wears skirts all the time; that would be very untrue. However, I do firmly believe that it has been a wonderful and powerful practice in my own life for all the reasons given, and I believe it can do the same for any of my sisters in Christ.
If you’re not sure what God would have you do, consider what the Bible teaches, and pray about it. The Holy Spirit has a way of telling us what kind of changes need to be made in
Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Have a blessed day!
-Grace Raab
Thanks for your beautiful testimony. I agree whole heartily with it. I have never been hindered from doing anything I wished to do because I was wearing a skirt, including living in St. Paul, Minnesota where the temperature dropped way below zero many times. In my older years I cleaned houses part time for extra money and never had a problem washing floors on my hands and knees. Playing in the snow and sledding with our children was also fun even in a skirt.
I’m a Baptist Pastor. God has always taught modesty in His Word. On the hair issue. I have seen some women have long hair and just as long a tongue to go with it. I also had rather see a women in modest pants than to see the same women in a dress/skirt that is way to short or a split from the ground to her butt. Ya’ll be blessed now you hear.!!!!
Lust prevention being the focus of “modesty” is a modern invention that goes against what the term meant originally. Your position is what the majority took in the 1970’s which led to the gender confusion we have today.
I was not taught to wear skirts or that they were wrong to wear, BUT one day I went to an Apostolic Church.Yes, the standard is to wear skirts and not cut your hair, BUT.. I was not made to.; I was convicted of them. No one made me do it, but one day I felt condemned myself. I do wear skirts and if I am in a crowd people pick me out as a christian above others. No just wearing skirts or not cutting your hair does not make you a godly person, but if the heart is right, then you want to please God. Something I always looked at is that I would rather do toooo much for God than not enough.. AND if you give up something for God, he will bless you for your sacrifice.
so…
tell me just how many pairs of pants jesus/moses/etc wore ?
you have attached an ARTIFICIAL morality and gender to clothing.
if you are judging via deuteronomy, you also need to pay attention to the fact that you are mixing the fibers of your clothing, and that your parapets are not crenelated.
your god (yahweh) is a failed war god of samaria and judah, and only ONE of the gods of the tribes of israel.
learn the truth, don’t just blindly follow the words of other fanatics that preceded you. they were no better educated about this than you are.
when i get to the afterlife, i will destroy him.
Actually, trousers existed long before the time of Jesus’ ministry and were an adaptation to do permanently what men could do temporarily through girding up their loins (pulling the robe upwards and cinching it raised between their legs). Something Jesus could do, but His half-sisters would never have done for public display.
I suppose that is why they reference trousers all throughout the Bible (insert sarcasm) as opposed to robes? I am sorry Mr. Robinson, your reasoning makes no sense. I support modesty, I believe a woman should dress as a woman and a man as a man, but let’s face a few facts here, the world has been consistently evolving for centuries.
You appear to be wearing a suit and tie in your photo. Do you believe Jesus wore a suit and a tie? My Bible references His robes, among the references of many other robes. God was pretty specific in Exodus 28 when he instructed Aaron and the priests what to wear for the services in the temple. Do we still abide by such instruction? No? Ah! That is because we have evolved.
Just as technological advances occur, so do the changes in our overall outward appearances. If we are going to be dogmatic about scripture, then we might need to spend a little time among the Amish learning and adapting to a more conservative lifestyle. Do you use electricity and plumbing? Do you drive a car? The only shoes I know of Jesus wearing were sandals. Do you wear them year round? Most importantly here, did Jesus use the internet to communicate or argue over God’s word?
If women choose to wear skirts all the time, that is fine. I think it is a bit ridiculous as skirts vs. pants have never swayed my Biblical believes or relationship with Christ. I believe our love and acceptance of Him, our love for one another, our repentance, our witness, our service, our actions, our relationship with God are what is most important, not pants vs. skirts. God does not care what we are wearing as long as what we wear does not hinder our relationship with Him or our mission for Him.
Finally, what are we accomplishing by discussing this matter? What is this conversation or the fact a woman wears a skirt vs. pants doing to further God’s kingdom? Satan is dancing a jig as I type! 🙁
Definitely dancing a jig. He does that in the presence of rebelliousness.
The fact of the matter is dress matters. The very first provision God made for man and woman after the fall was proper clothing–because what they provided for themselves was not adequate.
Throughout God’s Word, modesty and difference between genders is important to God–in role, in dress, in appearance, etc. In fact, it is an abomination to blur those differences.
While society has changed, and while there are “evolutions” in dress–that there is a difference in dress between male and female has not changed. The need for modesty has not changed. The need for a broken and contrite spirit has not changed.
No, Jesus didn’t wear Nikes; but I can guarantee you he wouldn’t wear high heels today as those didn’t exist back then, either. Why? Because they are meant for women.
Jeans were not always unisex pieces of clothing. The fact that they are now, according to the world, just goes to show the blurry line the world is always trying to walk.
Their are many that would push high heels onto little boys today. Where are you on that one? Your standard seems to be “follow the world and society” while the Bible’s standard has always been “come out from among her.” It is now acceptable and almost demanded now that we accept men in clothing that pertains to a woman and vice versa. This is where giving in a little here and there leads…
Skirts were not previously women-only garments. Men’s robes used to have skirts. Therefore, the fact that the are now, according to the world, just goes to show the blurry line the world is always trying to walk, putting men in pants instead of robes with skirts!
And you are quite wrong. Women used to gird up their skirts when they worked in the fields. You’ll see it in such historical works as the Duc du Berry’s Book of Hours. They would have also done it when working around an open fire (so they didn’t get their skirts caught on fire and burn to death).
Dan spoke out of ignorance. Trousers existed thousands of years ago. It was preachers in the 1970’s that saw miniskirts and shorts on women becoming mainstream who settled on trousers as being the lesser of two evils. Subsequent generations lost sight of the why of trousers being condoned. A minority of preachers said that the lesser evil was still evil and they stood firm on no trousers on women. However, the false premise that both groups operated upon was that attire for women is primarily concerned with lust prevention. They even accepted a modern perversion of the word modesty as being focused upon lust prevention instead of what the word originally meant after it was taken from the Latin word modestus 500 years ago (as it was used by KJV translators).
You speak out of ignorance now. Trousers were worn by some horse barbarians in the ancient world. They were NEVER worn by Semites, by Greeks, or by Romans. If you knew anything about history, you would know that. Medieval people, influenced by the Romans, gave up trousers for centuries, which showed that they were civilized.
Pantaloons were worn from about 1500 onward. Modern trousers were invented by the Prince Regent or Beau Brummel around 1800s.
Then why does Paul teach upon sound doctrine and use gender-based roles and attire as key teaching points?
Paul teaches against cross-dressing. If you are confused by a woman in pants and think she’s a man, you need your eyes checked, as well as your heart.
He does not teach on “gender-based roles” in the sense that you mean–that women can’t be business women, etc.–unless you do extreme violence to the scripture. The “keepers of the home” phrase is excerpted from a general admonition for women to not hang out in the doorway and gossip or act like a prostitute who is trying to tempt men into her house and to instead engage oneself in constructive activities. Priscilla explained scripture and taught alongside Aquila. She is always mentioned first, before him, because she was the more important person in the couple. Lydia, the seller of purple, was an important and wealthy businesswoman who helped finance Paul’s ministry. Do you REALLY, HONESTLY think he was telling Lydia that she was sinning because she was a wealthy merchant engaged in commerce? REALLY?
Absurdity, ignorance, and evil! But of course, people like you do not actually know the whole Bible. You look with one eye closed so that you can justify the evils that you preach.
Lo mas valioso que posee una persona es la salud; y hay que cuidarla.
El pantalón fue utilizado para discriminar, abusar, maltratar; y humillar a la mujer; y es necesario que los hombres volvamos a retomar el uso de las faldas y vestidos con falda para los hombres. Es vergonzoso que un hombre ande por ahí descamisados mostrando pechuga; como si esa fuera la gran hombría; y organizándose los calzoncillos; y es a raíz del horroroso e incómodo pantalón; ninguna parte del cuerpo del varón se magulla; ni se machaca o se maltrata tanto como los genitales ; pues el calzoncillo bóxer hace las veces de una férula que mantiene los genitales inmovilizados; magullados, machacados y recocinados todo el tiempo ; la correa o cinturón hace las veces de torniquete y produce mala irrigación sanguínea; afectando el aparato digestivo; el aparato; reproductor; el sistema urinario.
Además a raíz del uso del horroroso e incómodo pantalón; a los hombres nos abusaron , por que nos obligaron a orinar de pie; lo cual es totalmente antinatural e irracional ; pues los esfínteres de manera sincronizada, o al mismo tiempo, y aparte de que ensucian el baño; dicen los expertos que se daña la próstata. Lo mejor es lo original es el hombre quien debe volver a modelar pudor respeto y decencia; y no existe una prenda más cómoda; saludable; y decente para vestirse un hombre como una falda al estilo escocés; o un vestido con faldas al estilo toga.
Las faldas para los hombres deben tener la pretina mas ancha, mas o menos 6 o 7 cm; las faldas para los hombres no llevan cierre o cremallera; no tanto detalle de adornos y decorativos. Deben ir colgadas de la camisa con una botonadura por dentro de la pretina. La pretina lleva los 4, o 6 ojales, de 2.5 mm; y los botones van pegados en la camisa, con un refuerzo por dentro de la camisa; para evitar el uso del torniquete , (correa o cinturón ). Siempre deben llevar su enagua o falda de debajo, (en tela mas liviana)
Claro que lo que si se debe hacer es marcar la diferencia entre el atuendo masculino y el atuendo femenino. Por ejemplo las faldas para los hombres deben ser muy sencillas, y preferiblemente con prenses al frente y por atrás; para que no se ciñan los glúteos; ni los genitales; tampoco irán con boleros, volantes, o encajes; ni estampados típicamente femeninos
El pantalón se desgasta en las nalgas; y la costura del tiro en cualquier momento le puede dejar en gran vergüenza; el cierre o cremallera es lo que primero se daña, y los ajustes que le tiene que hacer en la cintura; y las botamangas. Una falda hasta la puede rediseñar y modificar con extrema facilidad; si por algún caso depronto se le suelta el ruedo o bajo.
El tiempo de vida util de un pantalón es supremamente corto ; mientras que el tiempo de vida util de una falda es mucho mayor; bajo los criterios de ergonomía; economía ; y ecología, no hay punto de comparación.
Y si evaluamos la gran bondad; y generosidad de las faldas con el medio ambiente, es supremamente valiosa.
La vulnerabilidad de un pantalón es extrema; mientras que la favorabilidad de una falda es Enorme.
So I’m in trouble for wearing my kilt?
The word “modest” or “moderation” means “appropriate” or even “reasonable”—which could refer to gender, circumstance, culture context, etc. To suggest that a woman must consider a limited scope of what she must wear is to ignore the most basic definition of the word “modest.” Women should wear what is appropriate and reasonable to life and her daily activities. Many of those activities would be better suited with pants or even shorts.
I agree to your point that we are to live in a way that pleases the Lord. That certainly includes how we dress. But strict guidelines set up by social structures is not the way we should go about interpreting what does or does not please the Lord. The Lord looks on our heart not on our outward appearance.
That said, we are encouraged to live in a way that discourages immorality. So we should dress and act (men and women) with care and dignity. Will that look the same in all cultures and contexts? No.
I heard it once said, “would you be comfortable sharing the gospel in what you are wearing? Or would your apparel detract from the gospel?”
Could a girl effectively share the gospel in pants? Probably. In a skirt? Probably. Could a man effectively share the gospel in a suit? Probably. In cutoff jeans? Probably. All depends on context and decorum (or casual atmosphere) of where one is. Are there things that are inappropriate then? Yes—but it depends on a spectrum of things and contexts/circumstances that goes much farther beyond mere articles of clothing.
To switch the gears a little: Are women portrayed today as sexual objects? Yes. Is that the fault of women? No. Do women today have to unfortunately take extra measures to protect themselves? Unfortunate yes. Do some churches and organizations reinforce this sexual objectification by telling women to hide their bodies and be ashamed of them? Yes. And it’s unfortunate. I do not believe women (or men for that matter) should flaunt their bodies sexually (that’s would be unbiblical and immoral)—but I also believe it is just as wrong to have women live in the paranoia of “am I accidentally showing too much to make a man’s lust my responsibility?” —that’s an illogical and unfounded fear.
Men are not base animals who cannot keep their sexual appetites in check if they “see too much”. No. Men are Image bearers with God given dignity. Men, especially Christian men, should view women as fellow Image bearers (because they are). “Seeing too much” is not the issue—wrongly objectifying women *is* the issue. A woman’s body is not a dangerous or sinful thing. To objectify a women’s body is. Teaching men that (God given) attraction to women is different than theobjectification of women—is paramount and will change the conversation and application dramatically—for both genders.
And so what a woman wears is not where the weight of this conversation lies. We, as men and women, are to be like Jesus. Not in a “feminine” vs “masculine” way. God made us each who we are, and if we strive to be like Him, we will be the woman or man we are supposed to be.
Did God make men and women different for a purpose? Yes. But a unified complementary purpose. Our roles in the kingdom and it’s putpose differ very little (outside a very small scope of specific internal roles of church leadership). And so as brethren, we serve one another. We value each other equally. And we lift one another up in Christ. And we do not put mandates on the practices of one gender over the other.
“To switch the gears a little: Are women portrayed today as sexual objects? Yes. Is that the fault of women? No.”
No? Whose fault is it? Concerning the thoughts of men, they are responsible for their own sinful lusts. However, to suggest that women who dress provocatively have no blame? Silly.
Many men do not want to see a woman’s cleavage, yet there it is! Men are visual creatures and it’s hard enough to avoid lust without a woman’s asssets being flaunted and on full display.
Paul wrote concerning the modesty of women, not because it was a cultural issue or because he was arbitrarily “putting mandates” on one gender, but because there is a proper way for a woman to present herself in the Church.
Christian woman are to adorn themselves in a manner that attracts attention to their character not their wealth, their virtue, not their physical form, and their humility not their pride–to their godly intention in worship not their evil intent. They are to call attention by the way they dress to the God they worship. This is what Paul’s exhortation concerning the conduct of women in church is about:
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
The mandate has been placed, not by men on woman or woman on men; but by the word of God on women. If a woman comes to church dressed provocatively, she is in direct violation of the Scriptures–and yes, it’s her fault.
Shamefacedness is the mindset that a woman would be ashamed if anything she did would cause another person to be distracted from worshipping God in purity. This includes if she intentionally or not caught the eye of a man because of the way she dressed or acted.
Sobriety is being conservative in mind, actions, and appearance; possessing Godly fear and self-control.
This was a big problem with the early church, particularly the Corinthians who were dealing with sexual sin. It is a problem today in many churches, too, and why it’s very important that Paul’s exhortation be taken just as seriously today as it was then.
This isn’t a social justice issue. This isn’t a gender equality issue. This isn’t a mindset issue. This is a sin issue. You don’t avoid sin by attempting to “change someone’s mindset.” You avoid it by obeying God’s word.
For a woman to say “It’s not my fault you’re looking” is the perfect demonstration of the wrong attitude. A woman’s attitude should be to do everything within her power to make sure she doesn’t give anyone a reason to look or think anything but Godly thoughts.
Men are sinful creatures, and sometimes regardless of what a woman is wearing will have evil thoughts. This is his fault. However, this does not cancel the need for a woman to do her part as is clearly written in the Bible.
David, I see what you’re saying and why you take issue with that statement. Allow me to clarify. (And I’m sorry I am just now seeing your response).
Yes, a woman can certainly intentionally choose to objectify herself to others. And that is absolutely wrong. In my statement, I was referring to something far more societal/biological/general. Let me see if I can rephrase to better capture what I was trying to communicate:
“Are women’s bodies wrongly objectified? Yes. Is that because women’s natural bodies are inherently debase sexual objects? No because they are not.”
I think you’ll find that I did very strongly condemn women flaunting themselves sexually in the manner they dressed—in my original comment.
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
I do think it’s important to note that Paul says nothing here of the woman’s body/form in his relation to modesty. But rather he speaks to her outward presentation that would include the fabric of her adornments and flashiness of her accessories when she comes to worship (Chapter 2 is specific instructions in corporate worship, after all). He is literally asking her to come ready to worship with humility and seriousness—reminding her that worship is not the time to show off her amazing personal style, wealth and riches. She is to take great care to not draw attention to herself (from men or other women). I do not sense there are any hidden warnings in this passage in relation to sexual provocation. The Christians addressed here would already be expected not to flaunt themselves in an impure manner regardless if they are taking part in formal corporate worship or not.
My point above was not to excuse one gender or another for dressing in an immodest way. Immodesty is always inexcusable. My point was to reevaluate how we perceive each other as Image Bearers—and to do so without undue burden on one gender or another by dogmatically creating guidelines based in social construction (like the instruction that wearing skirts—a socially constructed garment—is somehow more righteous or more “Christian” for women than wearing something else).
I delved into the topic of woman’s bodies because, in my experience within *some* facets (not all) of fundamentalism, I was essentially (even if not explicitly) taught that women’s bodies were nothing more than base sexual objects/hindrances for men. And the need to cover was based in fear vs. that a female body was made in the Image of God. Yes, our bodies were made to be healthfully attractive to the opposite sex (and vice versa)—a fact that can be wrongfully exploited and turned dangerously on its head for seduction and immorality. But our bodies are not sexual objects. They were not created for the purpose to invite impure lust. And so I see the application of that fact have very specific application:
1. Women who follow Christ are not to use their own bodies to impurely seduce and incite lust
2. Men who follow Christ are to respect woman’s bodies as being created in the Image of God and not to think of them as objects that were made to impurely arouse lusts.
And vice versa to the above.
You’re right. It IS a sin problem. But if that application is intentionally followed from our hearts, the respect we have for the Lord, for each other and for ourselves as Image Bearers will clear up so much of the confusion.
There you go, abusing the scripture again.
There is NOTHING in that passage that referenced sexuality. NOTHING. They are asked not to go in FANCY clothes, not to wear a lot of JEWELRY, and not to have elaborate hairstyles (that would require a slave to arrange).
To change it into something sexual is absurd. If you want to insist on it now, the equivalent would be to demand that people not wear designer clothes or jewelry from Tiffany’s at church.
Women are requested to wear plain clothes when they attend church because the fact that very rich women would dress up in very fancy clothes, which was causing resentment and criticism, particularly among other women. So Paul simply asks that they not dress in a manner that displays conspicuous consumption and worldliness. He felt that displays of wealth might not be inherently sinful but would definitely cause a bad impression of Christians vs. the message that they should send.
If you have a problem with any woman displaying herself, then it is a problem with your heart. This is not some inherent male weakness. It is, in fact, not addressed AT ALL as an issue in the Bible. Nakedness was associated with poverty and abasing the body. That’s why people in grief tore their clothes. Prostitutes, meanwhile, tended to veil their faces and sit near the gate so that (theoretically at least) people passing by wouldn’t know who they were. The other type of prostitute was the adulterous prostitute, who would hang out in the doorway of her house and call to men. Finally, there were crossdressing prostitutes, who were actually only men who dressed as women–a long history of this kind of prostitution existed in the Middle East. By dressing up as a woman, they let it be known that they were sexually available.
Devout Christians in the late Roman Empire and the Middle Ages would bathe in mixed-gender bathing facilities without any shame because there was so little privacy that seeing people of the opposite sex and not related to you nude was quite common. Married women of good repute simply kept their hair covered, which fully satisfied the standards of propriety. Prostitutes would hang in bathhouses for customers, and they would distinguish themselves by their uncovered hair. It was NORMAL for a fairly high-ranking lady to honor a male guest in a castle by helping him bathe. There would be plenty of other people in the room, and the nudity was in no way sexual.
In our current society, flaunting the body in certain ways is a sexual message, and so it should be avoided by Christian women, but it is entirely a matter of context, as it always was. There is no situation in which a ton of people could hang out naked in a pool without a sexual context now, and so that’s something people (of both sexes) shouldn’t do.
There is nothing sexual about wearing pants, however, and the fact that some men want to project evil onto things where there is none is incredibly troubling. It is no wonder all the sex scandals and misbehavior that has been revealed by men who want to make innocence evil. They do it because their own hearts are twisted.
Sampson had long hair. Where is your god now? A god who cares if women wear skirts or pants is petty. …petty enough to give children malaria and cancer.
Thank you this was helpful.
Thank God for a young woman of God with a mind to serve the Lord, inside and outside…Yes, truly how a woman of God dress can portray an ungodly outlook on your Christian testimony…keep on the firing line, my sister…Love it…
Thank you! I could hug you! You get it!
I hate pants, like, a lot. So I don’t wear them. The problem is, I also hate skirts, probably more than pants, so I don’t wear them either. That leaves me with just shorts, which I wear all of the time, even in the winter. My legs don’t get cold because I haven’t shaved them in three years. God gave me this body hair, I see no reason to alter his perfect creation.
I really enjoyed this! I take a stand on dress standards and have done so for 19 yrs. God convicted my husband and I to dress modest and for me to only wear dresses and skirts. But not ONLY that…. but to wear LONG ones as not to flash everyone. I notice the last 7-10 yrs independent Baptista are wearing their skirts, but they’re getting shorter and shorter. I have been told my tons of fundamental friends that as long as the thigh is covered you’re modest. That’s crazy! That leaves a whole lot of flesh still for a man to see. Even the leading independent Baptist college here – Heartland, in its dress code only requires ladies to wear skirts to their knees. So sad and is teaching ppl incorrectly imo! This college is where most our new preachers in Okla and surrounding states are coming from. I’m concerned that modesty as we knew it is getting pushed aside. No one I know has the conviction I do anymore. They wear skirts, but they’re short. Tragic. Any thoughts here and what length do you wear? We were convicted that my daughter and I should wear ankle length to be respectful to our family and God….as not to tempt another and to honor God, and save our bodies for our spouses.
Hi Grace!
I am a business suit only girl. I couldn’t agree more with this post.
However, there is something else going on here often not mentioned in these discussions. It is the relationship of modesty to attractiveness. Most of the women who write about this issue are, to be blunt, gorgeous, and hence do not understand the temptation to immodesty that beguiles many women. Most writers assume it is about a desire to look stylish or conform to the latest fashion trends or the inability to find modest clothing that is stylish and reasonably priced. Perhaps this is part of the story, but not the main part. (I am dressed to the nines every day for my job but in the most demure, modest clothing imaginable.) The fact is causing men to lust is the reason why women, including Christian women who deny it, dress immodestly.
Men are attracted to beautiful women like you just like you are attracted to them. For other women like myself this is not the case, and here lies the temptation to immodesty. I’m sure you have seen how the woman in tight yoga pants gets all the male eyes on her and the attention she wants when those men sin. These women are often not particularly attractive and would never be given the time of day by a man who is not lusting.
There is no easy way to address this issue. I have resigned myself to a life of spinsterhood; I have given up on dating and marriage in order to do His will. (I am thinking about converting to Catholicism or Orthodoxy so I can become a nun.) For many women, including most Christian women, this is too bitter a pill to swallow, because it is only through immodesty that the homely, pudgy girls can ever hope to get mates.
Alyssa, trust God! If he wants you to marry he will bring you the right man!
Thank you, I needed to read this I am transitioning my clothes to wearing pants and I never would have imagined how many people who have absolutely been cruel to me about it. Except my dad . Thank you I needed to read this
If women must wear skirts, then men must wear robes. Period. Anyone who insists on the one and not the other is a hypocrite and deeply dishonest or simply evil–making women responsible for the sins of men.
To the author: if your conscience tells you not to wear pants I would never urge you to violate your conscience. Paul sternly warns against that in his discussion of the weaker/stronger brother. I take issue with your definition of modesty though. The word doesn’t refer primarily to how much skin is showing or what garments you are wearing. Being modest is dressing and conducting oneself in a sober, restrained way so as not to draw attention to oneself. Not just sexual attention, any attention. I have seen many church women wearing skirts and also big hairdos, tons of makeup, and flashy jewelry. Even if the dress covers everything, that’s not modesty. There’s still an obvious effort to attract attention. You almost seem to say in your article that you like wearing skirts because it makes you stand out and causes people to pay more attention to you in the store to you than to the other ladies who are dressed similar to one another. I am all for the Biblical principle of each of us having an appearance that makes our gender obvious. I can’t follow you all the way to wearing pants is a sin.
Wow. Wearing pants is a gateway sin to illicit sex? I’m so fed up with independent Baptists like you controlling everything about a woman and being so afraid of allowing her to make a personal liberty decision such as what clothes she can wear. You are mincing the scripture apart in order to manipulate women of your church through their Christian faith and bullying them. Here is a truly frightening thought for you — allow women the God given freedom to choose their standard of dress according to their beliefs. Maybe, they will still choose to be modest without your grasping at straws because she is a Christian adult and capable of being convicted by God without you acting as the Holy Spirit. Ding Ding. And don’t assume that choosing an item of clothes that you disapprove of will lead her to all manner of fornication. Just STOP trying to destroy the faith of your sisters.
If only skirts or dresses, how long? Which fabrics are modest? Are leggings under a knee length skirt alright since the behind is covered or are legs then unmodest too? What about arms? Shoulders? Feet? What if your eyes are extremely beautiful? Why not just wear long robes and head coverings? I’m not trying to bully, I just think we need to be very careful here. There is no end to man made rules, and if someone bases these choices on rules then there becomes a tendency to feel more righteous the better we follow that rule.