How would you write a Christian clothes commercial? That’s the way I decided to approach an address I was asked to give on “A Biblical View of Clothes.”

I started by setting out the five foundational principles that would guide my writing and production team. I wanted to avoid hair-splitting legalism, and yet give full weight to the Bible’s teaching.

  • God’s primary interest is in the heart (1 Sam. 16:7)
  • God is also interested in clothes (1 Tim. 2:9,10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4)
  • What we wear communicates a message (Gen. 3:7; Prov. 7:10)
  • God gives general principles to work out, rather than specifics
  • The principles apply to men and women!

I then set out a series of five commercials, each based on one biblical word.

1. Beauty

God notices and appreciates beauty (Gen. 1:31). He is not the author of ugly confusion (1 Cor. 14:33), but of beautiful order. God has provided beautiful materials, colors, textures, etc. There is no virtue in dowdy, untidy, unthoughtful appearance.

2. Modesty

God replaced Adam and Eve’s inadequate leaves with more substantial animal skins (Gen. 3:21). However, he did not design a burka! It was something in between nakedness and total cover. Modesty, or moderation in appearance, means we do not dress to call attention to ourselves or to certain parts of our body. This principle of moderation also extends to the number of clothes we buy and how much we spend on them.

3. Distinction

There should be distinction between the sexes – men should look like men and women like women (Gen. 1:27; Deut. 22:5). And there should be distinction between the Christian and the non-Christian (Rom. 12:1-2)

4. Respect

Wear clothes which show sensitivity to and respect for those you are with (Rom. 14:13). But also remember your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit ( 1 Cor. 3:17; 6:19). You live with God 24/7/365.

5. Example

Model these biblical principles for other believers, especially younger ones (1 Tim. 4:12). Lead by example.

Conclusion

Physical clothes are God’s provision for human sin (Gen. 3:7, 21). But God has also provided spiritual clothes for spiritual nakedness (Rom. 13:14). And that is where we must begin and end. Each time you dress/undress, ask yourself, “Have I clothed myself with Jesus Christ? Have I an adequate covering for my sin?” Buy no other clothes until you put on the free and spotless righteousness of Jesus Christ.

  • Anonymous

    I think you did this on the puritan pod. I posted it on my blog and showed it to the students at my Bible College. The points are refreshing. Thank you.