There are varying opinions on how Christian women should dress and look.
Modesty has been taken to the extreme by some religious sects by misinterpreting scripture. This specific topic causes some Godly women fear they are bringing shame to God, their church, or their husband.
What does scripture say about how a Christian woman should look?
Some churches shame women who accentuate their beauty with makeup, beautiful clothing, accessories, hairstyles, and so on. It is not a sin to look and feel your best. A frumpy woman certainly does not signify being holy.
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” 1 Timothy 2:8-10
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
These are the most common scriptures that are taken out of context when it comes to what Christian women can and cannot do when it comes to makeup, doing their hair, or wearing nice clothes.
God wants us to be careful not to place reliance on expensive clothing, jewelry, or hairstyles to feel or look beautiful. The latest fashion trends, designer handbags, and $300 hairstyle does not make us beautiful on the inside. It merely enhances the outward appearance of a person.
God does not forbid us to dress nicely, wear jewelry, have nice hairstyles, or carry a nice handbag. He desires for us to be on guard, so we do not fall into the worldly ways when it comes to our external appearance.
Modesty Is A Must
There is no debate about exposing too much skin when it comes to a Godly woman. Our appearance should reflect our inner beauty which centers around God. Wearing appropriate clothing for the occasion is key. Attracting attention to our body is not something God desires for us.
Our makeup should also be applied modestly in keeping with the occasion and who we are. There is nothing more radiant and beautiful than the natural look when it comes to cosmetics. Bright red lipsticks, black eye shadow, and fake eyelashes are a thing of the past and by all means should not be something we entertain using.
Presenting a respectable impression communicates to others our inward beauty as well as our desire to glorify God. Our hearts are reflective of how we dress and look.
Function Over Fashion
There is one primary function for clothes, and that is to cover our naked bodies. Clothing is rooted in the leaf to which Eve used to cover her nakedness after she sinned. Today, clothing has been taken to a whole new level with various styles, colors, patterns, and how society perceives what is acceptable and unacceptable.
Do you place more on what others think of how your clothing looks, or how you feel in them?
Do you feel comfortable and that you look your best barring the fact that you are not dressed in the latest designer top or dress?
Do you want to be the envy of your girlfriends or other ladies as you walk into a room with a new dress on?
When you find yourself desiring a handbag that is costly because of the designer’s name or a piece of jewelry based on how it will “wow” admirers, then you may need to reevaluate your walk with Christ.
What A Godly Woman Looks Like
A Christian woman exudes beauty from within that is there no matter what she wears. The presence of God’s love in her heart is evident through her actions and words. Her eyes are kind, her speech is gentle, and she loves at all times.
She loves comfortable jeans that may be tattered and worn paired with a trendy looking tee. Sometimes she loves to dress up the look with heels or just a plain old pair of sneakers. Going to church, you will see her dressed in a beautiful pair of slacks with a boho-chic top. Her earrings are small diamond studs that sparkle with a modest beauty. Bracelets of leather, pearls, and copper grace the presence of her wrists while a basic pair of black pumps finish off the outfit.
At bedtime, she loves to put on her favorite pair of yoga pants, thick socks, and stretched out cardigan that her grandmother made for her. As she prepares for bed, she sits in front of the mirror to remove her makeup and admires how regardless of what she wears, or how her hair looks, or if she has the right foundation on her skin, she is beautiful! God has blessed her with a body that functions and that is able to serve Him.
Be Beautiful, But Be You
Daughters of the King, you are already beaming with beauty because you have God living within you. Our body is a holy temple, and we must take great care to dress accordingly.
Glorify Him in guarding your inner beauty which he has richly blessed you with!