Paul exhorted the believers in Ephesus to “dress properly” when they gathered together in the Name of Jesus. Ephesus was a city where sexual promiscuity and outward appearance ruled. Paul wanted these saints to know that Jesus redeems had redeemed them out of that culture. Our Role Model, dear ones, is Jesus Christ, The Holy One, not the worldly seductress or playboy.
1 Timothy 2.8-10 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, but with good works, as is proper for women who affirm that they worship God.(HCSB)
God is looking for modesty and purity on the inside of His people. I have seen the”reverence for God meter” needle move from modesty and reverence for God to dressing cool, hip and seductively. As goes the heart, so goes the apparel. I am not suggesting a legalistic dress code. I am pleading for heart reverence and modesty on behalf of men and women.
When we gather together for corporate worship, our focus is meant to be on Jesus, not us. Intimacy with Jesus will produce modesty in apparel. If you spend more time in the weight room, jogging, cycling or in front of a mirror getting ready for church than you do being alone with Jesus, your life is out of balance.
Gathering for church is a call for reverence. It is a call to deal with those issues of anger or bitterness towards others in your heart before you come and lift up your hands to God in prayer. We get ready for church by getting your heart right with God. Then we go to the closet and choose our clothing that in line with what is pleasing to Jesus. We are not going to the beach. We are not going to the gym. We are not going to a concert. We are going to worship The King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
