1 Peter 3:3-4
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
These two little verses speak volumes if we are only willing to open our hearts and listen. Growing up we were taught that women were not to wear pants, don't wear makeup, don't wear jewelry and the list went on and on. For many years I only wore dresses and sat under a pastor that would not hear of anything else until finally I picked up my bible and decided to start studying God's word and letting him lead me on the path he would have me go. Now when I read these verses they speak something to my heart. They are telling me that how we look is not what is important. That the plaiting of hair, wearing jewelry and certain types of clothing are not what is important to God. That God is looking beyond that outward appearance and seeing what kind of person you are. That God wants us to have a meek and quiet spirit...these are the things that he loves in us. God has never cared about the outward appearance of his children. He told Samuel when he sent him to anoint a king over Israel not to look on his appearance, that God did not see as man sees.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Now with that said, let me go on to say that with this understanding that God sees not as mans sees, he still expects his children to look like Christians. With the guidance of his Holy Spirit you will learn to dress modestly, if you wear makeup, you will know when a little improves how you look and when a lot makes you look like a Jezebel, when you wear jewelry, you will know when enough is enough. If you allow him, God's spirit will teach you to adorn yourself modestly. God's spirit will teach you that there is a difference between a pair of slacks and a pair of skin tight blue jeans that does nothing but cause men to lust after you. He will teach you that to dress modestly doesn't mean mini skirts and blouses that show so much of yourself that the pastor has to turn his head. This is what Timothy is trying to teach when he says that women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel.
1 Timothy 2:8-10
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
We are a Holy people and as such when we listen to his spirit our outsides will look just as holy as our insides. It is not what we wear, but how we wear it that separates us from the world just as his Holy Spirit dwelling inside us makes us long to do those things that are pleasing unto him. We are commanded to come out of the world and be a separated people. The world should easily be able to know that you are a child of God not by how you look but rather by how you live your life.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
