"Fashion as an Expression of God's Love"
By Zoë Azaryah
Style. We all have one, whether we try or not—a style of walking or talking. We are all identified by how we do things, from the things we notice daily to the things that pass unnoticed if unmentioned. Today, we're talking about arguably the most cherished of this generation—style in the context of fashion. But how does fashion link to God's love? And why has it remained one of the most prolific forms of self-expression?
Yesterday, as I sat down to read my Bible, not departing from my usual custom, I asked the Lord to direct me to where He wanted me to read. He led me to Genesis chapter 3. I thought it was interesting and spent some time trying to figure out why He led me there.
Fast forward to today. I am searching for a topic for this article, and I now see why. Before ending the chapter, one thing truly stuck with me. It was my takeaway from my Bible session for that day—God's love. Not only His love, but His lovingkindness. The greatest betrayal to happen outside of Jesus' death, the greatest sin to happen outside of the crucifixion of our Lord and Saviour, and God does what? He clothes Adam and Eve! Pause. Now, I've read Genesis a few times—we are well acquainted with God clothing Adam and Eve—but this time around, a fresh revelation of God's lovingkindness truly struck a chord, and in all honesty, a loud one.
Something became clear after further reading and analyzing verses 7–11 and 21. Fashion is an expression, but that expression can only be pleasing and acceptable to God if it stems from God Himself—His character. Who He is. Adam and Eve tried to clothe themselves. They covered themselves in fig leaves, but what did Adam say when God came searching for them? "I was afraid because I was naked." Wow. If this isn't a revelation of our inadequacy to help ourselves without God, I don't know what is! Despite Adam's attempt to cover himself in a way he thought best because he expressed fear outside of God's character, it was to no avail… I'm really trying not to make a pun here! Anyways, we see that Adam and Eve used fashion as an expression of fear, but that expression was outside the character of God; therefore, it was inadequate. So, what does God do? He covers them as an expression of love, grace, and mercy. An expression of kindness. God expressed His love for us by covering us in a way that pleased Him, so why don't we also express our love for ourselves, and most importantly for God, by continuing what He so graciously started?
All of this poses one key question. How should our style represent God? Or rather, why does our style represent God? Modesty is a well-debated, well-circulated topic within the Christian community. Some say it's a personal conviction, and I would agree, but lines can easily be blurred when we say things like this. The Holy Spirit plays a key role in renewing our mindset on everything, including how we dress, so let's hear what He's written in His Word! Let's reflect on one of the most well-known verses regarding modesty, 1 Timothy 2:9.
'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 2:9-10
Jesus' disciples were identified as such because people could tell by how they behaved and how they acted (essentially, their style) that they had been around Jesus. They had a style, and that style represented God and His qualities! On that note, I'll leave you with a few questions. Based on your dress, would you be as easily identifiable as Jesus' disciples were to others?
'When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. '
- Acts 4:13
We also know that God looks at the heart. As our Lord and Savior, Jesus stated, the first and most important command is to love the Lord with all your heart. So, bonus question: How is your heart dressed? We often associate the heart with love, but in reality, it can carry so much more. The heart can carry different feelings, thoughts, and emotions that aren't so loving.
'A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. '
- Luke 6:45
Dressing modestly derives from reverence and honor for God. I would say it's a reflection of how we view ourselves, whether through the eyes of the world or our Creator. Now that I understand God's "why?" behind clothing Adam and Eve–or reclothing, you could say, I'm eager to explore the beauty of modest fashion. As Fashion Week continues, let's align our hearts to God concerning this excellent form of expression that multiplies in His glorious presence.