Now... please don't misunderstand this page... We are not introducing any LAWS here about clothing etc...
Remember we were saved by faith, and we continue to walk by faith not by works nor by upholding any laws...
This is advice, pure and simple, presented in a light-hearted way... to assist you guys in a holy and upright walk before God. Please apply these suggestions as the Holy Spirit leads you, and gives you revelation...
We are not suggesting that everybody should dress the same either... But whether your swagger is smart, formal, casual, baggy, rough, or unique... there are some basic principles that you should consider, so that you present yourself well... and so that you do not lead the sisters into sin
1) - Caps & Sunglasses
In most cultures it is considered rude for a man to keep his head covered inside.
There is a Biblical foundation for this practice.
1 Corinthians 7:11 says: "A man ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God".
Verse 4 of the same chapter says: "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered, dishonours his head." This is a symbolic jesture, as the head 'represents' Christ... as verse 3 tells us: 'The head of every man, is Christ'. Christ is to be boldly upheld and glorified, and not covered up...
There is a beautiful truth about this section of scripture, which is too deep for this article... and as it is not our intention to bring people under legalism, we will just present it as a common principle that we should remove our caps/hoods in the house of God..
Now that might present some of you with the following problem...
Half finished hair!...
The simple answer to this is...do not start getting cornrow at 2am on a Saturday night!!!
Also guys... remove your sunglasses in the house of God please! Nobody is 'cool' as far as God is concerned...
Trying to maintain an 'image' is self-worship and pride, and there is no place for that in the Lords presence....
Also, we need to be able to see each others eyes if we wanna have proper communication with our brothers and sisters!...
2) Flirtatious Clothing
Ok, so we have all done it...'dressed to impress'... and I'm not talking about impressing the supervisor. We like to show off our best features...
As good as it feels to have girls telling you that 'you have a nice ass', or 'you have an impressive physique'... in doing this we are engaging in self-worship, and also encouraging sinful desires in the ladies.
There may be some circumstances where it is vital and appropriate to wear tight-fitting clothes, eg: the gym, sports, etc... But it is becoming an increasingly common habit for guys (especially muscular guys) to turn up to church wearing t-shirts that are so tight, they almost cut off your circulation.
Certain pastors are even doing this now... and in the words of Minister G. Craige Lewis of Ex-Ministries... "Why you trying to be sexy, in Church?"
Come on guys, you know how difficult it is not to notice the cleavage on the low tops, the shape of the breasts when girls wear them tight tops, and don't get me started on apple bottom jeans...
If you have respect for the ladies in your church, or even in your workplace, college or neighbourhood, and if you have respect for yourself and your future wife, do your best to remove all lust directed at you!
3) Wear a belt!
I shouldn't even have to mention this one...but I've visited a lot of Churches and nobody seems to be saying anything about this...
I don't know if you noticed it? But this guy's ass is hanging out. Now, not only do we have the same issues here as in the point raised above... but this is taking it to the next level.
There are 2 common theories about the root of what we call 'low batty' here in the UK, (sagging)... and both originate in prison.
Theory 1) - Often male prisoners experiment with homosexual sex when serving a long prison sentence, and in some prisons it is thought that the raped 'prettyboys' wear their trousers low like this to indicate to other rapists that they are already somebody else's 'property'
Theory 2) - In many prisons, the inmates have to remove their belts, as belts are often used in suicide attempts. This means that a lot of guys jeans no longer fit properly.
Root 1 = Homosexual Spirit
Root 2 = Defiant/Rebellious Spirit
Which ever of these is the true root... both theories are valid. Even if you just consider it part of your 'swagger'... quite clearly it is disrespectful to show your ass. Those of you who pull your jeans or joggers down like this are manifesting defiance and rebellion, and you are also inciting a homosexual spirit too.. dont pretend you don't realise that it is mostly men that are checking you out. Guys, pull up your trousers and have some self respect.
I also feel lead to suggest that the trend of 'bisexual' behaivour is increasing these days and you actions have a great affect on the 11, 12 and 13 year old boys that are watching the way you dress. They do NOT need to see your ass. The devil will begin to lie to them about why they are looking.
4) Don't show off
Ask yourself this when you dress: Who are you trying to attract people to? Yourself? or Jesus Christ?
There is nothing wrong with looking nice, and dressing well. But we are called to a lifestyle of humility. Paul says this in Galatians 6:14 "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord".
It really annoys me when I see pastors preaching in clothes that cost more than most peoples monthly wage...
I would go so far as to say this... If several people come up to you in church and says to you something like... "bwoi, i like your chain" or "where u get them creps? (trainers)"... you have got it all wrong. You have drawn attention to yourself. You have become the centre of attention. You have taken peoples eyes of Christ, and put them on you!.. Remember God said "I will share my glory with NO MAN!"... so be careful how you dress!
5) Logo's
I have become very careful not to wear anything which may give people the impression that I am endorsing somebody or something ungodly...
Why would a Christian wear clothes with logos representing death, freemasonry or satanic symbology, or even the clever spelling on French Connection UK. Be careful who you endorse on your clothes, and... just a thought... all them caps and tshirts with the Chinese writing on it... Do you have any idea what it says?
When somebody looks at you, especially somebody who knows you are a Chrsitian. Do not give them any cause for confusion.
6) Dress like a man
Do I need to say anymore?... I mean, I ain't hatin pink... Some of you callin it 'gangsta pink' now... But come on guys!... When you dress... look in the mirror and ask yourself this...
Could anybody think I'm a homosexual by lookin at the way I am dressed?
Summary
As I stated at the beginning of this article.... We are not trying to bring in a list of laws that... if you follow... you have passed... You are dressed like a Christian...
No!
We just wanna challenge you to think about how you are dressing, especially in the house of God so that:
1) - You look respectful
2) - You are not encouraging the ladies to sin
3) - You are not displaying rebellion
4) - You are not showing off
5) - You are not reppin some ungodly company/logo
6) - You do not look gay
7) - The Lord is glorified!
Be encouraged.... If you enjoyed reading this article, or if you found it helpful or inspiring, we would be grateful if you would post the link (www.36teen.co.uk/gentlemen.htm) to your facebook wall (or on your bebo/twitter/myspace page) to help promote this ministry, and get the message out there...
