What does holiness look like? Let us think for a moment what would be noteworthy differences in the first century world where the New Testament was born. Within Judea itself, it would be quite subtle, a difference only locals would notice. That’s because the more obvious things were unchanged; standard Judean practices in the main were quite acceptable in Christ.
But Judean lifestyle was certainly different from the rest of the Mediterranean world. How much of that was necessary for following Christ? Paul’s letters in particular are loaded with admonitions which, while not all inclusive in detail, do serve to indicate the differences were substantial. We have a pretty good idea of what was common in most regions Paul traveled, establishing churches. We tend to forget the issues were quite thorny because we don’t stop to think Paul wasn’t simply pushing his own preferences, but those of Jesus Christ. Western Christians tend to agree with the assessments of those to whom Paul aimed his messages, those who did not like it, and this is simply wrong.
We should not seek in any way to draw attention to ourselves. We don’t keep up with the latest fashions. We don’t struggle to make ourselves seem respectable by worldly standards. Do I have to state we don’t try to draw attention to ourselves by looking pretty? We draw attention to Christ by avoiding it for ourselves. Evangelism isn’t a talent contest, nor a sales competition. Evangelism means being transparent so His glory shines through.
Paul was a stickler about not showing too much flash or flesh. He didn’t wear the finest gentleman’s haberdashery, no jewelry or marks of nobility, and didn’t adopt the Grecian style of showing some leg. Grecian style was all about portraying the human ideal, as the entire culture was man-centered. And we are even worse today in the West.
The biblical culture also doesn’t call for us to reverse that by adopting any alternate fashion and style for some other brand of respectability, particularly by embracing something simply from an earlier decade or two. Nor should we strive to create our own “Christian Chic.” There is no correct and godly haircut, but it shouldn’t be like Absalom’s long locks, either. Women need neither burkha nor bling. There is no one right style, but we should strive to be pretty much without any particular style.
For my own use, I would pretty much say cover up between the knees and neck, and out to the shoulders, both sexes. Nobody should have to tell you skin-tight attire is wrong, as is see-through materials. In general, women have more hair and men have less. Do something reasonable to differentiate your gender from the other. Don’t ever catch yourself choosing something for the purpose of impressing someone. Ask the Lord to show you when you might be doing that, so you can stay humble and modest. The vanity of human adornment is evil. Neither your church meetings nor any other place in your life is a fashion show. Just keep your flesh covered without too much ornamentation.
These general comments should help make a point: If someone has to specify rules for you, something is already wrong. This is voluntary by the leadership of the Spirit every step of the way. There is no coercion of any sort, no nagging and wheedling, no ostracism — that is, unless someone adamantly persists in something too obviously disruptive and self-centered. If you can’t find a graceful way to advise someone who seems out of line, stay quiet. If you can’t absorb a comment from someone who disagrees with your choices, fix your attitude. No one walk in the Spirit demands uniformity in that sense. Rather, they demand a peaceful sense of cooperation over a ton of things which aren’t essential.
