3. Biblical guidance about nudity and decency:
Scripture calls us to “present our bodies to God as a living and holy sacrifice which is our reasonable worship and not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Rom. 12:1-2).
As Christians we should draw attention to our countenance and eyes (which Jesus said is the “lamp of the body”) versus alluring and enticing the opposite sex through minimal clothing or seductive attire. Gal. 5:13 instructs us to “use our freedom not as an opportunity for the flesh but rather to serve others in love.” Let’s model the motto: “Modest is Hottest!”
We have the privilege and the ability to defer to rather then defraud the opposite sex through sensuality and nudity.
Bible teacher Bill Gothard gives these definitions:
• “Defer” — Limiting my freedom in order not to offend those God allows me to serve (Rom. 14:21).
• “Defraud” — Arousing sexual desires in another person that cannot be righteously satisfied (1 Thess. 4:6).
• “Sensuality” — Planned appeal to the physical senses for personal gratification (1 Pet. 2:11).
James 1:13-15 tells us that God never tempts us to sin. We are made in His image, so it is clearly sinful to be tempting the opposite sex to lustful thoughts or activities by our attire or lack thereof. We should never be dressed in such a way that draws lustful looks, causing others to “stumble” into sin (Matt.18:6) or commit adultery in their heart by fantasizing after viewing us dressed provocatively or immodestly.
Dating Naked and other such shows should not only be avoided but exposed for what they are—sexploitation. When our lovely and virtuous 33-year-old daughter shared with us recently that she believes God has brought her future mate into her life, it was not because of manipulation and lowering of standards to “hook” some hunk of a guy. It was because she yielded her life to Jesus Christ and His dating plan that never fails.
Her grandparents followed it 68 years ago and they’re still going strong, as are my wife and I after 38 years!
Let’s reject worldly counterfeits and dare to be different in showing our culture a better way under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His unchanging Word.
Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author and cultural commentator with more than 41 years of trusted ministry experience. His passion is to bring perspective, analysis and insight from a biblical worldview. He loves awakening people to today’s cultural realities and responses needed for a restored, influential church. Please visit LarryTomczak.com.
