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THE SHAME OF NAKEDNESS
Forty-seven times the word “nakedness” appears in our King James Bibles. Other words such as “uncovered” also deal with the subject. Most people in our day think little or nothing of displaying their naked or near-naked bodies publicly. But God looks at nakedness differently than sinners do. Speaking of spiritual shame, Christ used these words: “...that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear...” (Revelation 3:18). How can a child of God ignore such a passage? The display of sin-cursed bodies is a shame. In the Old Testament God commanded the Jews regarding the danger of nakedness. In the temple worship, for example, God required that the Jewish priests (all men) not only wear robes, but also that underneath they wear “breeches to cover their nakedness” (Exodus 28:42). As a further matter of modesty God said, “Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon,” (Exodus 20:26). We are told they constructed a ramp instead of steps. The book of Leviticus spells out in great detail those whose nakedness was not to be seen or “discovered.” One rather general prohibition is found in Leviticus 18:6: “None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.” The Scripture is clear that New Testament believers – true children of God – are not subject to the Old Testament Law of Moses. These instances are cited to show what God's view of nakedness is for He does not change. If the display of the flesh (nakedness) was viewed by God as a shame and prohibited to His people, does this not teach us His view on the matter today? The fact is that nakedness – the display of the body – is a shame and furthermore God promised that He would judge Israel with that shame: with nakedness. His prophet spoke for Him saying, “Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man,” (Isaiah 47:3). Modest clothing – the covering of the body – is to be characteristic of God's people, especially of women lest others be enticed to evil thoughts and actions. Paul wrote: “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,” (1 Timothy 2:9). So the texts quoted above (to which more could be added) are clear, are they not? But someone says “times have changed.” We admit that society does not look upon nakedness as either a shame or a sin. Even professing Christians are found displaying their bodies for everyone to see. They – men and women - wear few clothes, revealing clothes, sheer or “see through” clothing, sleeveless tops, shorts, tight fitting clothing, short skirts, etc., etc., all designed to display their “assets” in sexually suggestive ways. “Modest apparel” or clothing is clothing designed to conceal and not to reveal. Wear it! |
