WHAT TO WEAR

 

RIGHT DRESSING PATTERNS 

It's Friday night and Charlotte 16 is going to the mall with friends. 

She's all dressed up and is in a good mood She goes to the mirror to take one final look at herself, admiring her dress from head to toe, then she says "Perfect, just perfect" 

"Mom, Dad, I'm leaving now" Charlotte is ready to walk out the door and her parents can't believe their eyes. It was like for a moment there time had stopped. And then her dad blurts out 

with a "You're wearing that?!"

"Yes I am" Charlotte replies with a gleaming smile on her face I'm just going to the mall with friends "Not in that outfit!" her mom says exhaling  

"But mom most of the other girls are wearing stuff like this and besides it's the latest trend and it makes a statement," Charlotte says whining 

"Well, obviously we do not like this trend and we certainly do not like what statement it's making" Dad shoots back 

"Now go upstairs and change into something more reasonable or you're not going anywhere young lady" Charlotte stomps up the stairs and has lost her good mood. 

Does the following drama often play out in your family too? 

Well, it's called "Wardrobe Wars" and these are not something new. Over the years, with the improvement and advancement of science and technology, our lives and times have been moved into different realms and seasons. 

There was a time when a certain "dress pattern" was unacceptable in society and there was a time when a certain "dress pattern" was in vogue.

Your parents most likely have had the same "wars" with their parents when they were your age and they most likely felt the same way you do. 

Now they're all grown up and the issue of what you can wear causes one skirmish after another 

What you see as Comfortable - they see as sloppy

What you see as adorable - they see as provocative 

What you say it's nice - they say it's too expensive 

The only way to resolve these issues is to come to an agreement. 

This does not mean that you have to dress like a 40-year-old. NO! Rather, it means you and your parents discuss your differences and brainstorm other options that they—and you—can be happy with.  And honestly, this has numerous benefits.

Now due to the age, we live in most clothes are spotted online. 

When you've spotted one online that has caught your interest, what should you do? 

1. Consider What God Has To Say About It

God always has something to say about anything and everything and that's why the Bible calls him the "all-knowing God" Just like a radio God is ever speaking 24 hours a day, we can only hear him when we "tune our hearts unto him". 

The Wardrobe wars can only be settled by the advice from God's Word. 

With that said let's see what the Bible has to say about this subject 

a. 1Timothy 2:9 the Bible admonishes women to dress.
The word "modesty" does not mean that you should wear a sack around or dress like a monk. No, not at all! But rather it means that your clothes portray your self-respect and consideration of others' feelings. 

Most of the clothing of the 21st Century portrays extreme styles but it is possible to be fashionable without wearing extreme styles.

b. 1Peter 3:4 The Word says to focus on "the hidden man of the heart" Today’s English Version calls it, “your true inner self.” 

Momentarily an immodest dressing might get you attention from your peers or even passersby but it is your inner beauty that will win the long-term respect of your parents and peers Because of your modest dressing your peers will see the folly of extreme and excessive styles 

2. What Is Your Parents' Input? 

You might say "You know there's an easy way out, we could just stuff some daring outfits into our backpacks and change into them at school". 

Well, this may feel like fun but it isn't the right way to go This only makes things worse and you'll even lose your parents' trust if they were to find out. 

And let's face it, as long as you're under your parents' or guardians' roof, you are under their authority. 

Colossians 3:20 

Being open and honest with them is a better idea because not only does this gain you your parents' trust but you also show your peers how much you respect your parents and generally it shows how seriously you take God's Word 

Now you may ask "But why would I want to ask for their opinion? Isn’t it my parents’ job to stifle your fashion sense? Well, not really. 

Yes, their perspective is different from yours but sometimes that's what you need. 

Remember, our aim is to bring about a peaceful understanding between both parties. 

Once you understand their views and they yours-you might be surprised how often you come to an agreement thereby, bringing an end to the wardrobe wars. 

REMEMBER 

1. Your body is the temple of God and God dwells within you - 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 

2. Whatever you do remember that God's temple must be kept holy at all times and that is you. 

1 Corinthians 3:17 ESV 

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 

3. There are three things that can be used to define a person.

(I) Your Words 

(II) Your Thoughts 

(III) Your Actions

Your dressing is part of your action.
Your choice of clothes tells the people around you what kind of a person you are. It is also a pointer to the kind of thoughts that run through your mind. 

So go get an understanding with your parents and watch you both bond strong with peace and understanding.