Christian Living

Dressing to Please God or Man?

by Shaila Touchton
05/03/25
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As Christians, we are called to live a life that honors God in every aspect, including our physical appearance. The way we dress can reflect our values, priorities, and relationship with God. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical perspective on dressing to please God or man, with few  practical examples.

The Heart of the Matter

The Bible teaches that our outward appearance is a reflection of our inner heart and motivations. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God says, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Therefore, our primary concern should be to please God, not people.

Examples of Dressing to Please God or Man

1. Modesty vs. Vanity

• God-pleasing: "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." (1 Timothy 2:9-10)


• Man-pleasing: Dressing to draw attention to oneself, seeking praise and admiration from others.

2. Humility vs. Pride

• God-pleasing: "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:5)


• Man-pleasing: Dressing to show off one's status, wealth, or power.

3. Purity vs. Sensuality

• God-pleasing: "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." (Ephesians 5:3)


• Man-pleasing: Dressing to allure or tempt others, prioritizing physical attraction over spiritual purity.

4. Stewardship vs. Materialism

• God-pleasing: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)


• Man-pleasing: Prioritizing expensive, trendy clothing over wise stewardship of resources.

5. Identity vs. Conformity

• God-pleasing: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)


• Man-pleasing: Dressing to fit in with the crowd, seeking acceptance and approval from others.

6. Service vs. Self-Display

• God-pleasing: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28)


• Man-pleasing: Dressing to draw attention to oneself, seeking praise and admiration for one's appearance.

7. Holiness vs. Worldliness

• God-pleasing: "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16)


• Man-pleasing: Dressing to blend in with the world, compromising one's values and standards to fit in.

Conclusion

As Christians, we are called to dress in a way that honors God and reflects our commitment to Him. By prioritizing modesty, humility, purity, stewardship, identity, service, and holiness, we can ensure that our outward appearance aligns with our inner heart and motivations. Let us strive to please God in every aspect of our lives, including our dress.