by esther phinias | 2 September 2019 08:46 pm09
ANSWER:
The issue of Christian appearance—especially in clothing and grooming—is not just about style or personal preference. It touches deeper areas of spiritual identity, personal witness, and holiness. In both the Old and New Testaments, clothing often symbolized a person’s inner condition, status, or relationship with God.
1. Biblical Meaning of Garments
In Scripture, clothing had spiritual significance. Royal garments set kings apart from ordinary people (2 Chronicles 18:9; Esther 6:8). Sackcloth symbolized repentance or mourning (Jonah 3:5–6; Daniel 9:3; Joel 1:13). Priests were given specific garments to wear before ministering to the Lord (Exodus 28:2-4)—not just for function, but to represent holiness and consecration.
There were also garments of shame or immorality. Genesis 38:14 describes how Tamar disguised herself in the attire of a prostitute. In Proverbs 7:10, it says:
And there a woman met him,
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
Proverbs 7:10 (NKJV)
From these examples, we understand that outward appearance was never neutral—it spoke of the person’s identity, spiritual state, or intentions.
2. Modern Application: Fashion and Identity
This principle still applies today. The way we dress and present ourselves communicates a message—to others and to God. For example, when a young woman dresses immodestly—wearing revealing clothes like mini-skirts, skin-tight jeans, or see-through tops—it’s not just “fashion.” In both the world and in heaven, such clothing is associated with sexualization and worldliness. The same goes for men who adopt worldly styles like sagging pants or excessively tight clothing.
We must remember: the body of a believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NKJV)
If your body belongs to God, then your clothing and hairstyle choices should glorify Him, not draw unnecessary attention to yourself or imitate worldly culture.
3. Worldly Identity vs. Kingdom Identity
A Christian is called to be distinct from the world—not in arrogance, but in holiness. Jesus said:
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)
We are not called to blend in, but to shine with a different spirit—a holy one. Fashion trends that glorify self, sensuality, or rebellion against biblical values contradict our calling.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15 (NKJV)
Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)
Hairstyles such as “kiduku,” dreadlocks, or braids that mimic secular celebrities may be trendy, but we must ask: Do they glorify God, or do they associate me with worldly identities? If someone sees you and mistakes you for a weed-smoking celebrity or a secular artist, is that the witness of Christ?
4. The Call to Transformation
The believer is called to a renewed mind and a transformed life. Paul exhorts:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…
Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV)
The phrase “conformed to this world” includes the fashion, values, and images promoted by culture. Many of these trends are rooted in pride, lust, or rebellion—none of which align with the Spirit of God.
Before adopting a style or look, ask yourself:
Would Jesus dress this way?
Would this bring honor to the Holy Spirit within me?
Does this reflect holiness, modesty, and humility?
If not, then wearing it would be a compromise—and for the believer who knows the truth, compromise is sin.
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
James 4:17 (NKJV)
Conclusion: Yes, it is sin if it misrepresents Christ
If your appearance reflects the world more than Christ—if your fashion and grooming send the wrong message—then it is a sin for you. We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) and should dress and behave in a way that honors our King.
Let your body, your clothing, your hair, and your entire lifestyle testify that you belong to Jesus.
Be holy, for He is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16).
Be set apart, because you are His.
Be blessed and walk in holiness.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/09/02/is-it-a-sin-for-a-born-again-youth-to-wear-tight-fitting-clothes-like-fashionable-jeans-or-have-trendy-hairstyles-such-as-the-kiduku-cut/
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