CLOTHING

                     

Glory Brand clothing

Adam & Eve did not need clothing before the fall.

• There was no shame - nothing to hide from God or each other.
• Climatic conditions were perfect - No sun hat & summer clothes nor winter jackets or rain coat were necessary.
• No protection needed - No mosquitoes or any other harmful insects.
• No enemies - No protective armour or bullet-proof vest needed!

• No special occasions for special clothing - They were always in their best attire!

They did not need any of these because they were clothed with the very Presence of God which was the glory of God!

Psalms 104:1-2 (NKJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty,
Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.

Daniel 7:9 (NKJV)
"I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire;

Jesus was sinless and His clothes were white as the light. This was seen by the three disciples at the Mount Transfiguration. His glory was temporarily veiled in flesh for the sake of mankind.
Matthew 17:2 (NKJV)
and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Revelation 1:12-16 (NKJV)
Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands,
and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;
His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;
He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

Moses also reflected a glimpse of this glory after being in the Presence of God.

Exodus 34:29-30 (NKJV)
Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses' hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.

As soon as Adam and Eve sinned, they desperately wanted to cover themselves from God and from each other. They used fig leaves which are large, as fabric, and sewed them together to clothe themselves , but God graciously clothed them with tunics of skin.

When we are saved from our sinful state, we once again receive God's glory in our hearts, by receiving Christ.

Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

That is our hope and our longing that when we put off this 'tent' in which we live which is our earthly body, that we would once again be clothed in God's glory!

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 (NKJV)
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,
if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.
For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

Colossians 3:2-4 (NKJV)
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

In the meantime, what are the scriptural guidelines regarding our clothing while on this earth?

Clothing, clothing, everywhere:

  But we should find something suitable to wear!

Shame:

We put on clothes, to cover our shame from one another, but not from God. God can see through our clothes and our bodies. His eyes are more powerful than the most sophisticated scanner! God is mostly interested in looking at the attitude of our heart and the intent of our mind.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his 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."

Therefore we put on clothes for others' sake so that we don't offend them. It is necessary for young people, especially young women to cover themselves decently, so not to stumble men. Being modest is being more-dressed! Let not our attire be seductive in anyway similar to that of a harlot.        

Proverbs 7:10 (NKJV)
And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

Matthew 5:27-30 (NKJV)
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.'
But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Mark 9:42 (NKJV)
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Romans 14:13 (NKJV)
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.

When you pick your attire, check your motives and ask yourself: Why do I like to put on these clothes?

• Do I desire to attract those of the opposite sex?
• Does my dress-sense make my husband happy, and does it honor him?
• Do I desire vain glory That could draw attention and provoke envy?
• Am I driven by envy to purchase better dresses than another?

    
Galatians 5:26 (NKJV)
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

There is yet a better way to beautify yourself. Walking in submission to the gentle Holy Spirit exhibits a gentle feminine beauty that surpasses the classiest soft silk dress. When we are so clothed, we glorify God and are a witness and a blessing to others.

1 Peter 3:3-6 (NKJV)
Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--
rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

Being in bondage to the fashions of the world is like the fish which are restricted to the boundaries of the fish tank.

• Do you fear being out of step with the fashion of the season, being seen as one who is old fashioned?

                     Or

• Are you in a legalistic bondage that wearing decent fashionable clothes makes you feel guilty?

The Lord Jesus sets us free from these bond-ages.

John 8:36 (NKJV)
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

It is good to be an offence to the worldly standards that are contrary to God's, but let us be careful not to offend individuals for whom Jesus shed His blood.

• Would my Mum, Dad, child or any family member or friend be ashamed to identify with me because of my attire,and would I cause them dishonor?

Let us dress smartly and carry a pleasant appearance.

• Do I bring honor to my Heavenly Father through my attire?

The prodigal son returned to his father in rags. His return brought restoration of every aspect of his life including his clothing and authority.

Luke 15:20-22 (NKJV)
And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

Joseph’s multi-colored coat  made it clear that he was his father;s favorite son. Although our Heavenly Father is no respecter of persons, His favor does surely rest upon those who walk in humble obedience to Him. It is like the beauty of the colorful rainbow reflecting in their lives.

Genesis 37:3 (NKJV)
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Proverbs 31:25 (NKJV)
Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.

Even more important than our outward clothing is our attitude of praise and the anointing of God on us which resembles a beautiful garment!

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV)
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."

Climatic conditions

We may pick any clothing that would protect us and keep us comfortable, as long as they don't cause offense to others. Many summer clothes tend to be indecent, hardly covering the body.It is more important to consider the good of others than the comfort of ourselves!

When our life on earth ends and the dead are raised to eternal life, we will be doing a quick change into clothing suitable for heaven!

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (NKJV)
So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.
It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:53-54 (NKJV)
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."


That glorious body will not need clothes made by hands.It is not restricted by any weakness, and as it overcomes even the pull of gravity, it ascends to glory!


Humility

• Are you fearful of identifying yourself with the poor or those you think are below your standard? Do you feel very embarrassed to find someone else in an identical or prominently similar piece of clothing? Does it affect your pride?

• How about putting on a local dress when you visit a foreign country? Jesus Christ is our example. He put aside His heavenly glory and put on flesh to identify with mankind.

Philippians 2:3-8 (NKJV)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

1 Peter 5:5-6 (NKJV)
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Dressing in simple attire helps us to have a humble attitude.

Let us not show partiality, by going on the outward appearance of a person's dress.

James 2:1-4 (NKJV)
My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.
For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool,"
have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?


Protection

It would be foolish to enter a war-zone or a radiation-zone without appropriate protective gear.
There is a more dangerous zone in the heavenly realm where intense activity is going on. It is important for us to be aware of this and take suitable precaution to be protected spiritually, emotionally and physically. As this war is intense, we need to have the soldier's armor on at all times.

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NKJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;


We have to first put off the carnal and filthy garments that are stained with sin. These make us vulnerable, enabling the enemy to have a hold on us.
The protective armor is that of light and it exposes and overcomes the kingdom of darkness.
The armor is in fact the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!

Romans 13:12-14 (NKJV)
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.


Appropriate clothing

Don't we put on suitable apparel for various situations and occasions?

• Would you go to work in your pyjamas?
• Imagine yourself going for a swim in a Saree!
• Would it be right to attend a wedding in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt?

All we have been invited to a wedding dinner and we are expected to go in the appropriate wedding garment.
Matthew 22:1-3, 10-13 (NKJV)
And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come...
...So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

This special garment is the grace of God revealed through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.It does not matter whether we are good or bad but we must be covered with the grace of God and so we MUST BE ‘IN CHRIST.’
Revelation 7:13-14 (NKJV)
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?"
And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

If we are not completely 'In Christ, we would be seen as naked.

Revelation 3:17-18 (NKJV)
Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Color coding

Most bridal dresses are white, depicting purity. In some nations, when leaders are being elected, people are seen in the different colored clothes that indicate the political party they support.
Blue is for baby boys and pink for baby girls.
In the Holy Scriptures, white indicates purity.

Revelation 3:5 (NKJV)
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Ecclesiastes 9:8 (NKJV)
Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil.

Red indicates the redemptive Blood of Jesus.

Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.


The perfect Garment of love

The purpose of the choice of our garment should be love. When others see us and touch us, let there be a manifestation of God's love.

Colossians 3:14 (NKJV)
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

May our lives also impart the knowledge of God like the fragrance of a perfume.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

When we are clothed with love, we reach out to clothe others by generously sharing our clothes and substance and meeting their needs.

James 2:15-17 (NKJV)
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Matthew 25:36 (NKJV)
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

We should also cover the sin of others through intercession. The Blood of the Lord Jesus was shed for this purpose.

1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

The outward attire usually indicates the nationality and background of a person.
It could also somewhat indicate the attitude of the heart - rebellious, gentle, prideful or humble.

Let us carefully choose the clothing for ourselves and our children because our attire also tends to have an influence on our behavior.

• Overly grand and attractive dressing can puff up even a young child.
• A little girl dressed as a tomboy will behave like one. When she dresses as a lady, she will behave lady-like!
• A little boy having on a spiderman or superman kit tends to act like one.
• Even T-shirts with rebellious or callous wording or pictures printed on them can act as a foothold for the enemy of our souls. While avoiding getting them for yourself, pray in your heart for those who are seen in such garments. It could be the key-prayer that would set them free!
• An older woman in clothes of youthful fashion pretends, and could even make herself believe she is younger than her age!

             Therefore be prayerfully sensible with clothing, they matter much!
           
But don't be anxious or worried because you have a Heavenly Father Who cares for every detail of your earthly life. When you see a beautiful wild flower, take time to look at it and let The Father speak to you.
Matthew 6:28-34 (NKJV)
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;
and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.