A lot of arguments occur between teens and their parents over what they wear.

Admittedly, tastes vary, and you do have a right to your opinions. But should this mean that ‘anything goes’ when it comes to how you dress?

What You Wear Sends a Message

Clothing sends out a message, a statement to others about you. It can whisper conscientiousness, stability, high moral standards. Or it can shout rebellion and discontent. It can ever serve as a form of identification.

Someone said, “The way we dress has a remarkable impact on the people we meet and greatly affects how they treat us.” Little wonder your parents are so concerned about how you dress. To them it is more than an issue of personal taste. They want you to send out the right message, one that projects you as a balanced, responsible person. Does the way you dress, however, accomplish this?

What Guides Your Selection of Clothes?

For many, clothing is a statement of their independence and individuality. Due to their bizarre, outrageous attire, instead of establishing their ‘individuality’, they call attention to their immaturity – not to mention embarrassing their parents.

Others simply choose to dress like their peers; it seems to give them a sense of security and identity with a group. But would a Christian really want to be identified with unbelieving youths? (I Cor. 9:22). Is it wise, then, to let your peers set your standards – even when such go against your common sense or the values and wishes of God and your parents?

Others are guided by the winds of fashion. But how temperamental those winds are. What is “in” today can become obsolete tomorrow with astonishing suddenness.

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, “Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourself the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

What Is The ‘Acceptable Will Of God” When It Comes To Your Choice Of Clothing?

I Tim. 2:9 enjoins Christians to “adorn themselves in well-arranged dress, with modesty and soundness of mind.” “Well-arranged dress” would naturally be neat and clean. “Modesty” takes circumstances into consideration. For example, a well-tailored suit may be appropriate for a job, but it is out of place at the beach. Modesty also takes into consideration the feelings of others. Should you not be particularly concerned with the conscience of your parents?

Dressing Up “The Inner Man”

Apostle Peter encouraged Christians to let their adornment be “the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God” – yes, and in the eyes of others. (I Pet. 3:4). Fashionable dress may dazzle some of your peers but it does not win hearts. Working on the “inner man” can accomplish this. When you are beautiful on the inside, you will be attractive to others, even if you are not in the latest style or “tattooed” with silly designer labels.

As a Christian youth, hold to high standards of dress. Avoid faddish attire and clothes that stress sexuality. Look for quality garments that will last – not quickly drop out of fashion. Be sure that your clothes send out the right message, displaying, not some image conjured up by the media or person but the real you! 

Written by E Samuel [Ghana]