Introductory Thoughts
God’s people should conscientiously cover themselves so that the shame of their nakedness does not appear to others. Yet, it is also important that their choice of covering be acceptable in the sight of the Lord. Some people have wrongfully assumed that the Lord does not give any thought to the attire of His people. God's word emphasizing the inward man does not reflect a lack of concern for the outward adornments. The assumption that it does is sometimes based upon a misapplication of 1 Samuel 16:7 where the Bible says, “for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” Truly, man is generally limited to looking upon the outward appearance, but God sees both the outward appearance and the inward man. In fact, Proverbs 7:10 testifies to the validity of this truth. In that passage, the Holy Ghost plainly indicated that a woman’s clothing was representative of a harlot’s attire. Apparently, the Holy Ghost was keenly aware of what was seen on the outside.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God wants us to properly cover our bodies. Missionaries tell stories of tribes who wear no clothing, but when many of them respond to the gospel for salvation, they instinctively cover up their nakedness. Luke tells the story of a man who ware no clothes. After he met the Lord, the Bible says he put on clothes (Luke 8:27, 35). People who love God ought to learn and know how to dress accordingly.
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(For everyone): Does your outward apparel suggest a certain godliness or ungodliness about you? Would you be pleased if the Lord came and found you wearing what you are wearing right now?
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Do you desire to please the Lord in your choice of clothing? Would you be willing to prayerfully go through your closets and get rid of anything that would displease the Lord?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to show you what constitutes godly clothing.
- Ask the Lord to soften your heart to His will for your life.
Song
YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION
