Esther: Fashion and Clothing (4)
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Genesis 3:6
Read Genesis 3:1-7
Today’s text shows us that fashion was a form of communication in Paradise already. When Adam and Eve saw that they were naked, they were ashamed. For that reason, they sought to cover themselves with fig leaves. Before they had rebelled, their nakedness was not a hindrance to them; there was no shame. But what actually is shame? To be ashamed is to feel one’s guilt and one’s vulnerability. Consider Adam and Eve: Eve had tempted her husband to sin, and Adam did not shield his wife from sin. Consequently, both of them experienced their guilt between themselves and before God. They had ruined the pristine purity of creation—including their own lives.
Shame has two sides to it: It brings about a breach and also requires protection. For that reason, clothing has become necessary. This very fact reveals the distance that has come between mankind. This breach can only be restored by the safe haven of a loving marriage relationship. The more revealing clothing is, the less society has a sense of shame and propriety towards his fellow man. Because of this trend, the message has become clear: We require clothing so that we may keep an appropriate distance from those around us as well as for protecting ourselves. Clothing guards both our neighbour and ourselves. By wearing modest apparel, we protect ourselves from lustful glances. We live in a sexualized society. Statistics of various kinds point this out. Therefore, you and I will have to keep this in mind. Let us then also communicate where we stand to those around us!
Question: Have you ever been ashamed of the way you dressed in the past?
Psalter 438:2 (based on Psalm 19) The fear of God is clean, A fountain of serene And everlasting bliss; The judgments of the Lord, Which purest light afford, Are truth and righteousness. More to be sought are they Than gold and silver, yea, More precious far than money; In sweetness they excel The sweetnesses that well From honey comb and honey.
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