I have been asked to write about how one should react to women who wear slacks. This can be a very divisive issue and the last thing I want to do is stir up a hornets' nest. So as I write this, please keep in mind that my thoughts are just that, I am not a theologian or even a scholar. But I try to live a balanced Christian life that is always held accountable and in accord with Gods' Word.
To get a perspective on what the Word says about how we dress, I would like to refer to this post I wrote in this article here
I believe the scriptures forbid us to wear that which pertains to a man and vice versa to highlight Gods' distaste for perversion of the natural order and cross-dressing. There is usually a very distinct look to slacks that is feminine: however I *personally* do not like blue jeans as they are exceedingly masculine and can create an androgynous air. But I am quite sure there are many Christian women who like to wear them. Dressing in a feminine way can incorporate slacks if they are feminine.
Whether a woman dresses in feminine slacks or dresses and skirts, I believe that as long as she presents as a female and is modest, that this would be acceptable to God. Furthermore, dressing in slacks or dresses is not a salvation issue. I believe we should concentrate on the spiritual aspect of who we befriend and should concentrate on the fact that they are Christian. It is very sad that we miss out on fellowship because a woman is not under the same conviction as us regarding wearing dresses or slacks.
In reacting to women who wear slacks, I would say that they are not sinning. We are called to judge matters of great importance, but we are also called to live in the Spirit in the bond of peace. Worrying about what garments a Christian woman wears is short-circuiting friendship and fellowship that could benefit the Body of Christ. In all things, God calls us to live in balance and in His Word. Genuine faith and a right relationship is the heart of the matter.
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Thank you Glenys. Good things to think about and reminder that our focus should be the hearts of others, first, and trust Him with the rest. I strongly believe that when the inward is changed then the outward should reflect that change. I am for modest dress and love skirts and dresses more than pants any day. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. Be blessed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting today, Naomi. Welcome to my blog! Blessings!
DeleteVery tactfully explained! Well done!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kasey. Blessings!
DeleteWell written post. I expected to feel excoriated once I read the first sentence, but you were kind, generous and biblical. Switching my daughters and myself to dresses/skirts only is something I have been considering for several years. Everytime I decide to do it, I hear a sermon (sermon audio) that teaches that feminine doesn't necessarily mean no pants. My girls and I wear skirts often, they wear them almost daily, but not exclusively. And yes, (gulp) jeans are a staple in my wardrobe. In the spring, summer and fall I wear skirts more often. Minnesota winters help me to fall out of that habit!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading more on the link you provided. Thank you for sharing.
I do wear jeans myself on occasion, although I do not like them, my husband does. He believes they are slimming and he finds them feminine. I have one pair which I wear for him. We should dress to please our husbands. Chris never asks me to dress immodestly, which I wouldn't do as I believe that would be unpleasing to God. I think balance and moderation in all things is important- even to what we wear! Blessings!
DeleteEnjoyed your perspective on this controversial issue.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie! Blessings!
DeleteYour post took me back a few years, to some of the churches I attended as a child. I almost left your site after reading the first line, expecting to hear all-too-familiar condemnation and separatist dogma.
ReplyDeleteI was pleasantly surprised and blessed by how you addressed the topic, with grace, love, and truth.
You've blessed me this morning!
Thank you!
I am glad you stayed to "hear" me out! :D I am also glad that my post blessed you... there is enough separatism and aggression in the world without it coming from within the Church isn't there? Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWell said Glenys.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! Blessings!
DeleteIt was interesting to read your post, as I would never think to judge another woman on the basis of whether their clothes were sufficiently feminine. As you say, the clothes a person wears are not as important as the person they are. #dreamteam
ReplyDeleteNo,it's the heart that's more important! Thanks for taking tea with me today!
DeleteI agree with you but when women choose to wear tight jeans and particularly to a church service I find that to be disrespectful. I wear jeans often especially when working outside. It protects me from getting bitten, etc.
ReplyDeleteplus I kneel down to work as I can't stoop over or squat much at all. I do, however, love the look of pretty skirts and dresses for when I'm not weeding, pruning, etc.
Thank you for your thoughtful and tactful take on this subject. Ramona
Hi Ramona. I don't think it's sinful to wear pants or jeans, especially when one is trying to be modest whilst working. It's not a salvation issue which is the most important thing. I agree that wearing tight jeans at church is a waste of the chance to dress femininely but again, the issue is the heart. It is a pity when clothing choices can cause disharmony and lack of fellowship in the Body of Christ. Thanks for having a cuppa with me today!
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