By: Beth Johnson
All Christians (men and women) should be adorned inwardly and outwardly with only what is fitting for one of God’s children. Our outward appearance should never shame the name of Jesus or our Heavenly Father, nor should we have moth-eaten clothes or nakedness instead of the spiritual clothing God has intended. We know that man looks on the outward appearance while God looks at the heart. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV).
So where should our focus be? Should we think only about our outward appearance? Why do we spend so much time thinking and “worrying about clothing” (Matthew 6:24–34)? What should we do? Why?
Christian women know we brought nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out. “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:7–9).
Most women want durable clothing, but what is it, and how do we get it? We know that only eternal things will endure. “Her gain and her pay will be set apart for the Lord; it will not be treasured nor laid up, for her gain will be for those who dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for fine [“durable” KJV] clothing” (Isaiah 23:18). When men or women are subject to the authorities that God sets over them, it is a beautiful thing before Him. Being subject to authority is being subject to God and not men. That is durable clothing. [God’s children, though, have a biblical obligation to obey governments (Romans 13:1–7), except when man’s law contradicts God’s law (Acts 5:29). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
Christian women should choose between outward adorning and the hidden heart (1 Peter 3:1–4). When seeking the favor of God, the Christian woman will rend her heart and not her garments (Joel 2:12–13). Our Heavenly Father sees particular beauty in meekness. Fasting, afflicting our physical bodies or tearing our clothing is not what God wants; He wants us to turn to Him and to tear away every worldly thing from our hearts.
The Christian woman will be adorned like the holy women of old (1 Peter 3:1–6). She also will adorn the doctrine of God (Titus 2:9–10). We notice that good fidelity (faithfulness) adorns, and in that way, we can be an attraction to God’s doctrine. Notice other things that may be bound on one’s heart (Proverbs 6:20–23; 7:2–3). We must believe the promises and have faith that God’s laws are good. That is beautiful in His sight. Fulfilling the covenant we make as Christians is beautiful. Knowing and keeping God’s laws is also beautiful in His sight.
The Christian woman binds God’s words like frontlets between her eyes (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; 11:18). Knowing and following the commandments our Heavenly Father makes us beautiful in His sight. Knowing the Word and keeping it ever before us is also beautiful in God’s sight.
The Christian woman is clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5). God particularly favors those who humble themselves to submit. The humble will find more of His favor.
The Christian woman is clothed in strength and honor (Proverbs 31:25). Spiritual strength is standing strongly for what is right and good. God praises (honors) those who are good in His sight.
The Christian woman avoids spiritual nakedness; she keeps (guards) her garments (Revelation 16:15). This was something the Laodiceans had not done. Will we guard our spiritual clothing so that we are not naked and shamed? “Can a man take fire in his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? Can one walk upon hot coals, And his feet not be seared?” (Proverbs 6:27–28). This may be understood in both a physical sense and a spiritual sense, too. We must guard our spiritual wardrobe.
How must we buy white raiment from Jesus (Revelation 3:18)? The Laodiceans were not clean and white. They were lukewarm and unconcerned for true holiness. They trusted in their own riches and had not clothed the inner man of the heart.
How does a bride adorn herself (Isaiah 61:10)? What is the wardrobe of the bride of Christ (Psalm 45:10–15)? The picture of walking in white is typical of a wedding ceremony. We know that faithful, worthy children of God will marry Christ. How can the Christian woman expect to walk with Jesus in white (Revelation 3:4)? White clothing indicates purity of heart and mind. White clothing is also symbolic of what is clean and pure. What else must we do or be to walk with Jesus in white (Revelation 3:5)?
As the bride of Christ, will we make ourselves ready (Revelation 19:7)? Christ’s bride must be fully clothed in righteousness. Will we be prepared and adorned to be the bride of Christ? The bride of Christ also is arrayed in fine linen. Let us note what the “fine linen” of the saints really is. “And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8). Notice that righteousness is the right acts or deeds of the saints. Will we be dressed in a fine linen wedding garment? May God help us all to accomplish that goal.
