Titus 2 for Life

Helping ourselves and others transform the culture.

   Secrets of the Great Cover-up

True or False?

1. It’s my body so I can wear whatever I want.
2. God wants me to dress in dumpy, unattractive clothes.
3. God made my body so it’s o.k. to show it off.
4. Clothes are more than just a matter of personal taste or opinion.
5. The Bible is silent about modesty and clothing.
6. How I dress has nothing to do with relationships.
7. The clothes I wear say something about me.
8. I can’t help it if a guy gets “turned on” by what I’m wearing.
9. “Dressing up” means being rich.
10. Having a perfect figure means I’ll be popular.

1. FALSE.  The Creator God who made me tells me in 1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price (the price was Jesus’ death and resurrection).  Therefore, honor God with your body.”  If I believe in Jesus as my Savior, I have great freedom.  But, freedom in Christ motivates me to seek the good of others rather than doing whatever I want (1 Corinthians 10:24).



2. FALSE.  Look at the beauty of God’s creation!  Look at the colors of each flower or the leaves of trees in the fall!  God dresses His creation in color and splendor.  The beauty of His creation, however, brings glory to God – not to the flower or tree.  (Matthew 6:28-29)



3. FALSE.  When I “show off,” I am calling attention to myself.  Such pride can lead to problems of all kinds.  God isn’t happy with pride, but favors those who are humble (1 Peter 5:5).



4. TRUE.  Certainly I can dress in my favorite colors.  I may prefer pants to dresses or skirts.  But, more importantly, clothes were designed by God as a way of covering shame after the first sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:7, 21).  I can also remember that Jesus clothes me with a garment of salvation and a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).  In Jesus, embarrassment becomes my protection!  Modesty (or natural shyness and proper behavior) is God’s protection for men and women.  Clothing is His way of protecting the eyes and hearts of men and women so they are less tempted by sinful thoughts.  My choices of clothing and behavior reflect my attitude toward God.



5. FALSE.  Because clothes are God’s idea, He has lots to say about modesty and clothing.  God knows that every one of my choices – including what I wear or don’t wear – produces a consequence.  That’s why He cautions the young man in Proverbs away from “the temptress” (7:10) and instructs women to dress modestly in His presence (1 Timothy 2:9-10).  This means dressing respectfully and modestly not just in church but everywhere – because God is everywhere!



6. FALSE.  What kind of relationships do I want to have?  Do I want a guy for one night?  Then wearing revealing clothes that tease might accomplish this goal.  Do I want a guy to respect me, get to know me as a person, and be “patient and kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)?  Then wearing clothes that “cover up” out of respect for him will help accomplish this goal.  Clothes even help me know how far is “too far” in a physical relationship.  Touching under clothing is going too far.  (Titus 2:11-14)



7. TRUE.  Other people can’t see into my heart or soul.  Only God can do that.  But, other people can tell something about me by what I wear, how I act, and the choices I make.  If my clothes cover my body and are neat and clean, then I’m showing respect for myself and others.  I am also motivating others to better behavior (Philippians 4:8-9).



8. FALSE.  While it’s true that men are responsible for their actions and should practice self-control, God wants me to do my best to help men think good thoughts and make good choices by refusing to be a “temptress.”  (1 John 2:10)



9. FALSE.  “Dressing up” simply means wearing the cleanest and best clothes I have.  When I go to the funeral of a loved one, I want to dress respectfully.  When I go to church, I want to dress respectfully because I’m in the Lord’s House.  When I go to work or school, I want to dress in a way that shows I’m responsible.  Surveys show that “dressing down” -- or casually -- influences people to behave casually.



10. FALSE.  Who can define a perfect figure?  God creates human beings in all shapes and sizes.  Having friends and maintaining healthy relationships is more about personality, character, and behavior than looks!

  Some Personal Questions

1. What does my clothing say about me?



2. What does my dad (or brother or grandpa) think about the way I dress?



3. Do my clothes and behavior show respect for myself as a “temple of the Holy Spirit”?



4. Do my clothing choices and behavior show respect for everyone around me and help men think pure thoughts?



5. Do I really like what I wear, or do I just dress to be like everybody else?  Am I tired of constantly tugging at my clothes in order to “cover up”?



6. What is the perfect prom dress – a “sexy” little number that’s difficult to dance in, or a modest dress comfortable for dancing and respectful of my date?



7. Men appreciate mystery.  Does my swimsuit leave more – or less – to their imagination?



8. How would I feel if I were standing next to Jesus in the kind of clothes I wear?

There is wisdom in wearing clothes to

complement my personality rather than distract from it.

There are blessings for me when I wear clothes to

please God rather than myself.

 COPYRIGHT 2004 by Linda D. Bartlett

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