“The way you dress is the way you’ll be addressed” goes a common saying among the African people. Ever seen a queen or a First Lady dressed half-naked? Yet they wield so much power and respect that even the best of man will accord them their dues.
Meanwhile, there goes the majority of the youths of today who believe in going half naked before they can make a fashion statement and they are not totally at fault, the main issue here are the celebrities who dress this way and it’s making the younger generations think it’s completely normal and fashionable to dress that way. Also, worldly musical artists have their way of dedicating their music to a female body, and the female vixen usually used in such music videos is always scantily dressed. That is it for those in the world.
As Christians we are the light of the world, the salt of the world if we are to have the same mentality as those in the world how are we to make an impact? how are we to be the salt that gives taste to this bland world of sin? How are we to be the light to this world of darkness if we insist on going the same way as the majority, the same way as the worldly people?
“Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever, therefore, will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” James 4:4
There is this beauty, this confidence that comes with being decent, there is this prestige and respect that comes with it. And I know for a fact that you can’t dress decently and an “agbero” or a street urchin will holla at you as a lady. NO it doesn’t work that way. As a young lady it’s what you dress like that you’ll attract as you can’t dress like a market seller and expect kings in high places to come to your table. It certainly doesn’t work that way.
Also, being decent does not mean you’ll dress in oversized or unkempt clothes and say it’s all about decency because it’s not. God is not a dirty God, as he wants our hearts clean that’s the same way he wants us physically too. Why will you carry body odour, and mismatched clothes and look extremely messy and think you’re being mindful of the kingdom? My dear brothers and sisters, it’s not possible.
The way it goes for those dressing indecently is the same way it goes for those dressing shabbily. Find a balance, look for role models in the kingdom, and try to imitate their way of dressing in any way your budget permits you.
Fashion is not an extremely dramatic affair it’s just dressing in a way you’re comfortable and confident in and within your budget at the moment. Every one of us has our unique style and that’s the major Ingredient I’m fashion. That your unique sense of dressing rushes it up, but more bright and colourful attired with proper accessories to match, make that your hair neat and honestly natural hair is the latest trend now. Make it neat and beautiful and brush up your edges then you’re good to go. Also, note that no matter how hard you try to channel your inner Fashion Nova self, ensure that it’s decent and doesn’t portray you in a negative light. Dress in a way that when people see you they can easily associate you with the light of Christ because you are one of the lights.
Deborah Eneche is a gospel minister and music artist from Nigeria who is actively making waves in the Christian fashion industry. She got married to Sam Hawthorn late last year.
While she has a unique and creative fashion sense she is always decent at it. She is the first daughter of four children of the Nigerian pastor and founder of Dunamis International Gospel Center, Dr Paul Eneche.
Deborah has imparted to the Christian fashion world by showing that there’s no limit to your creativity in clothes. Her fashion sense has been subjected to criticism and being called weird over the years. Before her engagement and marriage to her husband majority believed, she would find it hard to see someone willing to marry her based on her “weird dressing sense” and how wrong they were.
Posting her usual unique outfits, a follower commented that she would start dressing “normally” now. She replied that her husband loved the way she dress and does not complain about it. This was confirmed when she shared a picture online featuring both of them in their Sunday wear where she rocked an uncommon style.
“Today a young woman gave a testimony that brought me to tears and my knees. In summary, she saw my life; as one of a fun-loving musician/fashionista with a heart for God, and Jesus used that to bring her back to Himself after years of running from him.
I’m so deeply moved and humbled. And the Holy Spirit gave my spirit the balm it needed after the back-to-back assault from people with no clue what He has called me to do.
The Gospel is not merely spoken. It is lived!
So I will continue to live Uninhibited and unafraid.” She posted on her Facebook page.
To every lady out there who thinks her fashion sense will get restricted once they finally decide to do the will of God. Now we know fashion can rather be a way of living this new life in Christ rather than it being a limit to living.
Deborah Eneche despite all odds has created a niche for herself in fashion and although she’s still being criticized people are getting used to her fashion sense and very soon she will have young girls toeing in her footsteps.
Redefining the modern woman’s definition of fashion, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts is a businesswoman, mother, wife, and media personality who balances career, ministry, and her personal life altogether. She is known for her bold fashion choices, She has a fashion shop: “Shop women evolve” Because she believes faith & fashion should be friends.
She stated in an interview with Hello Beautiful that “Fashion started as a mask for me because I wasn’t sure I was anointed.” Jakes Roberts says when she would first begin in ministry, she wanted to make sure she was stylish because she felt like fashion and her testimony were all she had to offer.”
As her call to ministry became clear, Sarah said she committed herself that she would always be herself as she ministered. That, she is. Screenshots of her preaching attire hit church girl group chats weekly. Though she laughs off the question of whether she’s accepted her status as a style icon, calling it “extra” and asserting that being stylish on Sunday is just what Black women do, this millennial pastor has allowed her personality to shine in a way that makes many feel seen.
It isn’t just that she’s fly. When church girls are taught there’s only so much personality we’re allowed to bring into the pulpit, Sarah brings her entire self. And she does it for a specific reason; it’s bait. “I want to be the woman who could have grabbed my attention when I was in church feeling like I was the only one who doesn’t get it.”
“I will always trust what is authentic to me in whatever season I’m in and give myself room and grace to allow for growth and change.” Sarah says she hopes that her work doesn’t just give her that space but presents that room for evolution to others.”
She posted her picture on her IG page which spiked lots of criticism from her followers and She subsequently addressed the criticism, stating that the whole point of posting the photo was to do something people would deem as “unexpected” coming from someone like her, as she was trying to drive home a point – to challenge people to do the unexpected and get out of their comfort zones, as illustrated in the photo caption. She also stated that she has always had a passion for fashion, and as a result, she’s never afraid to take chances with her style.
In an interview session with Kandia Johnson four years again she stated that “I want to challenge the belief that your relationship with God has to look a certain way for it to be real, I also want to challenge the belief that for you to be a Christian you can’t also like fashion. I believe it’s important for our generation, especially millennials who are leaving the church in droves, to look relevant to the cultures so that they can learn about our Jesus.”
For the brothers, decency in fashion is not for just the ladies, decency as well as creativity has a role to play in your choice of outfits too.
Look after your appearance as beauty is not only in your choice of clothing but in the manner in which you take proper care of yourself. For those with beards, Trim your beards as when due, and ensure it’s combed and neat.
Dear brothers, body odour is a real thing. Having one or two perfume that works fine with your budget is not a bad thing as a good smell will make you feel more confident and able to relate well with people.
Sagging of trousers is a street fashion of wearing trousers or jeans that sag so that the top of the trousers or jeans is significantly below the waist, sometimes revealing much of the wearer’s underpants. It is not decent and can never be, Invest in belts of various designs and sizes to use with your trousers, sagging does not make you look cool and it’s not supposed to be characterized with you as a carrier of light.
Wear Coordinating outfits and match them with the appropriate tie when necessary. Dress with the mindset of you as a king because we are indeed kings and rulers of this earth. As a king don’t be caught wearing T-shirts that are unbuttoned at the chest because honestly it’s not needed. As a king, your outfit’s colour must not be a colour clash. Dress neat, sensible, and Likenthe king that you are.
Stick to the fashion trend for guys and add your touch of creativity to it.
