We do not choose our appearances—the slope of our nose, the texture of our hair, the height and width of our physical frame—all of these are genetically determined and largely out of our control.
We do choose, however, which clothes we wear on our bodies, and we make this decision each and every day.
There is a power in this—we have the power to choose clothing that reflects our values and self-image.
The fashion industry spends billions of dollars each year marketing clothing to women, encouraging us to conform to specific ideals of what is beautiful and stylish.
They make it appear that clothing (certain clothing, not just any clothing) is a necessary vessel to achieving these qualities.
The messages are all around us, and it’s hard sometimes not to buy in. However, when we turn away from the barrage of commercials, advertisements and emails, refocusing ourselves to God, we are reminded of the true definition of beauty and where our values should lie.
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”(Colossians 3:12)
So what then, is an appropriate way for Christian women to dress? Are we expected to convey our beauty purely through gentleness and silence, with unbraided hair? Of course not.
The Scriptures remind us that modesty has value and that inner character displays beauty, but this doesn’t mean that we must dress in drab, stifling clothes that give an air of constant self-deprecation.
We should dress in a way that reflects our feelings of positive self-worth, letting our light shine for all to see.
This will look different for different people, since what lights up the eyes of one may not do the same for another. Wear what makes your heart hum, and buy clothes from vendors and at prices that keep your conscience pleased.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket… in the same way, let your light shine before others.”(Matthew 5:14-16)
We must find our own individual balance between trend and tradition, spending and thrift. When we find that balance, the clothes that we wear help us reflect Christ’s light into the world.
By Maria Cheshire : Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer.
