BIBLE DRESS AND MODERN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

July 19, 2025July 19, 2025

NOTE: This was first posted www.ministryaiandi.com July 18, 2025

This is submitted as a Selah as it is a personal, pastor, leader matter of what THE LORD says about all of this:

“Holy attire” ” the Old Testament priests tore (rent) their garments’ in fasting and humility…..but in these modern days..in stage, pulpit ministry:

HOW FAR UP?

NOTE: It’s not slits..it’s HOW FAR THEY GO ABOVE THE KNEE

BIBLE DRESS AND MODERN MINISTRY
Appearance, Honor, Humility, and the Snare of People-Pleasing

“By our fruit, they will know us”

ASKING

” Who’s Ministry is it? MINE or JESUS CHRIST’S?”

Expressly to the Saved Christian In Ministry, 5 Fold Office, On Stage Ministry, Out in the Field

Song of Solomon paraphrase (and a good teaching phrase) “Dress like wall not like a door”

Introduction

Honoring Jeff Wright: My late brother in law, a one woman Christian real man, a fine gentleman,a great dad…who confided every once in a while, that he’d had a very hard time with women’s form fitting, revealing, tight, ‘worship team outfits (usually snug slacks,tight tops, fitted outfits, NO COVERING “OVERSIZED/ LONG TEES”) as they danced before the Lord, moved around and “sung”, And HE was no prude.” (I want to include skin tight jeans with short crop tops in this) Some are very busty.

Second: THIS WAS A FAD FOR A WHILE: At one, during the 2005-2012 ‘s or so I, Taveau, HAD A VERY HARD PROBLEM when the females on stage ministry (certain quarters in Dallas area) were wearing those many silky, shiny material (and similar exact cut) as a slip / lingerie top/camisole… on stage worship ministry, (Seriously. It bothered me!!! Embarrassed me.)

Third: A few years, I attended a great worship conference. The pastors and leaders running the conference were wise. I am the kind of worshipper who enjoys long praise and worship and at times going up to front to dance or be in God’s presence. (if , when Holy Spirit leads me).

During the good long worship a young ,attractive female, who was dressed very provocatively, came in, went directly up to the front and began to move and sway and dance..She was NOT in “spirit of the Lord” . Rather it was ‘the spirit of the evil one” and an intentional distraction,as she was immodest (under clothed) and danced “BIG” that it was hard to pay attention to the worship. . The lady was in her 20’s or early 30’s was moving so much that it was clearly demonic. And as I watched, I felt concern and wondered how the leaders would respond.

I very blessed to see that these wise, mature pastors,leaders had a Game Plan ready for such: A Large Tee Shirt. I observed the elders respectfully and calmly go over to her, speak with her and”bless” her with a pre-planned cover up tee shirt… which she did put on. . I was greatly touched and fully respected the leadership team’s healthy wise PRE PLANNING.

And I want to share this GREAT IDEA , (Good memories Fort Worth)

THE TOPIC

In every generation, God raises up leaders—priests, prophets, apostles, shepherds, and ministers. Yet Scripture shows a sobering pattern: many fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23), not only through private failure but also by misrepresenting Him publicly.

This article teaches from the Old and New Testament—using original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic—on how appearance, honor, humility, and people-pleasing impact leadership. It’s a call back to intercession, holy attire, and servant-hearted ministry

Appearance and Sacred Attire: Glory or Vanity?

Not being a prude…but REALISM:
Q. WHO ARE WE IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY FOR?

To

a. show off, to look stylish, to fine, cool?

b. To show that we’re approved?

c. To show we’re God approved, “GOOD ENOUGH?”

d. To be hip like all the other sister, many brothers

e. To get noticed, be filmed for our social media?

f. To catch a mate?

POINTS FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERS:

Old timey pentecostal term I heard in a rural ministry area, many years ago (meaning: IS IT A …)
A FLING OF THE FLESH?

Appearance and Clothing in Public, Stage, and Private Ministry

POINT GOOD ILLUSTRATION FOR TRAINING: Do They Dress Like Wall or a Door? (this is developed far down)

TALKING POINT:

The Christian Idolatry of Cultural Relevance?

In today’s TV Media, Social Media, Hollywood “making it big” even in church culture…and being ‘influential” and fawned over…is a preferred ‘custom” now..in this image-saturated culture.

Back DFW in 2013-16 I got this PHRASE in my spirit (Back then people were falling off of cliffs, right and left, taking selfies and social media was increasingly rampant) (“effects of Play Time Fantasy in Show biz and media America”)

“WHO PUT THE “ELF” IN SELFIE?

The society pull, acceptance, the culture of most churches, top ministries affects and established the way Christian ministers (in that group and in general media affected population) present themselves—meaning on stage, in public, and even in private—sends a powerful message. Is the emphasis on God’s presence or personal branding? On holiness or hype?

This discussion examines how Scripture views appearance, clothing, and attire in ministry and what that means today.

1. God’s View of Outer Garments in Leadership
Is it fear of the Lord “holiness” or hot fashion?

Old Testament: Clothing for Glory and Beauty“

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.”

— Exodus 28:2 (KJV)

Hebrew:
- Kavod (כָּבוֹד) = glory, weight of presence
- Tiferet (תִּפְאַרְת) = beauty, dignity, majesty

God designed sacred garments for the priesthood to reflect His glory—not to draw attention to the priest himself. These garments distinguished God’s holiness, not man’s personality.

The priest wasn’t supposed to “perform” on stage—but to minister before the Lord.

2. Stage Ministry Appearance: Calling for Reverence, Not People Pleasing

KEY POINT: In today’s ministry, stage presence can blur into performance. Fashion, lights, and branding are not sinful—but can be substitutes for spiritual anointing.

“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)

Yet appearance does matter—because people see you before they hear you.

But God never intended stage ministry to be a fashion show or self-promotion.

Ask: Is my attire drawing attention to me—or preparing hearts for Christ?
Modesty, honor, and spiritual discernment should govern our wardrobe choices.
TD Hears on Social Media:(and wars with that herself, often)

“I gotta look fashionable, cool, hip, to win people to Jesus Christ”

REALITY CHECK: WHILE THAT RESPONSE, IS SORT OF VALUE, TO A POINT. the bigger picture is ARE RATIONALIZING, TO GET WHAT YOU WANT?

Regarding the COOL, SEDUCTIVE COOL LOOK: : ARE YOU, I, THEY THE HOLY SPIRIT?

He’s for greater and bigger than that! AND MUCH BETTER THAN THAT ….!

Modern Pitfall: Performance Garb vs. Priestly Robes

Some ministers wear trendy fashion to relate. Others wear robes for tradition. But neither style justifies pride.

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
— Philippians 4:5 (KJV)

3. Public Ministry Appearance: Representing Christ in Culture

A Christian leader in public is a walking witness. People see:

How you dress
How you walk
How you speak
How you carry the presence of God

“Be ye holy in all manner of conversation [conduct].”
— 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)

Key Point: Do We Dress for Honor OR People’s Approval

“If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10 (KJV)

In public, ministers must avoid two extremes:

Over-dressing to impress
Under-dressing in irreverence

GIANT KEY POINT:

We are not here to fit culture but to transform it.

4. Private Life Appearance: Integrity When No One Is Watching

The most authentic version of a leader is the one off-camera.

“Let your adorning be… the hidden man of the heart… a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
— 1 Peter 3:4 (KJV)

In private, does the minister still seek holiness?
Is the leader still clothed in humility, not only in garments but in spirit?

Biblical Garment of the Heart

Isaiah 61:10 — “He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation…”
Colossians 3:12 — “Put on… kindness, humility, meekness…”

Outer clothing must match inner clothing—robes of righteousness over ego and self-promotion.

5. Balancing Modesty, Cultural Relevance, and Spiritual Authority

In ministry, clothing should:

** Dress for TD’s term ” The Audience of ONE” (Mighty God) not to please yourself or the many People

“Fear of (hu)man brings snare” Psalm 29:25

Reflect God’s holiness and honor
Avoid distracting others from Christ

Fit the cultural context without compromising integrity
Demonstrate servanthood, not fashion slave

Try to have a modicum of Christ like dignity

False Teachers and Appearance

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! … outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within…”
— Matthew 23:27–28 (KJV)

Jesus warned of leaders who dressed religiously but lived hypocritically. Today, ministers must guard against becoming “Instagram holy” but inwardly cold.

BIG POINT
Conclusion: Wear Christ, Not Just Clothes

The greatest garment a minister can wear is Christ Himself:

“Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Romans 13:14 (KJV)

Whether in public, on stage, or alone at home—a true minister is clothed in humility, righteousness, and holy fear. Your appearance should confirm your call—not distract from it.

Final Thought

God Ordained Holy Garments—Not Costumes

“And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.”
— Exodus 28:2 (KJV)

Hebrew:
- כָּבוֹד (kābôd) = glory, weight, honor
- תִּפְאָרֶת (tiph’āret) = beauty, splendor, dignity

These garments reflected God’s majesty, not human ego. Today, our attire—on stage or in church—should reflect God’s holiness, not our branding.

Let us be a generation of leaders who:

Dress for His Majesty, , not for popularity
Serve reverently, even quietly…not perform
Represent Jesus, not a brand

Let our robes be washed in the blood, not just styled for the crowd.

Humility Precedes True Honor

“Before honour is humility.”
— Proverbs 15:33 (KJV)

Hebrew:
- עֲנָוָה (ʿănāvāh) = meekness, true humility

“Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12 (KJV)

Even Jesus modeled humility, washing feet (John 13:1–17). But many today wear titles and garments like the Pharisees—while lacking the brokenness of a servant.

TD POINT: Many, if not most, of God’s people are dressing to please themselves, to please others which is TEMPERAL EARTHLY PERSPECTIVE …meaning “for themselves” In Ministry however, one serves the Lord and it is extremely important to live to please ONLY Him!

Old Testament Prime Example of the Priesthood: Ministry Perspective

A Ministry Perspective: Holy Terror, Fear of the Lord
1. The Respect for the Lord God and also for God’s call in Ministry
2. Priests Weeping Between Porch and Altar

“Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar…”
— Joel 2:17 (KJV)

This is not performance—it’s intercession.

The porch = public leadership
The altar = private surrender

Today’s leaders must return to this posture—not showmanship, but travail.

God’s Rebuke of Corrupt Leaders

4. False Shepherds, Corrupt Prophets, and Elite Spiritual Abuse

Isaiah’s Warning to Blind Leaders

“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant… greedy dogs which can never have enough…”
— Isaiah 56:10–11 (KJV)

Watchmen = צֹפִים (tsōphîm) = prophetic guardians, now asleep
Leaders are blind, sleeping, and greedy, failing to protect God’s flock.
The Hebrew word for “watchman” (צֹפִים, tsōphîm) implies prophetic guardians, now spiritually asleep.

Jeremiah’s Warning to False Prophets

Elite Corruption

Jeremiah 23:1–2 (KJV)

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!”

Jeremiah 5:31 (KJV)

“The prophets prophesy falsely… and my people love to have it so…”

This exposes spiritual abuse rooted in performance, greed, and mutual flattery between false prophets and followers.

This reveals a mutual agreement between false leaders and people-pleasers—spiritual codependency fueled by ego, not truth.

People-Pleasing: The Silent Disqualifier

Galatians 1:10 (KJV)“If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

Greek Word Study:
- ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (anthrōpareskos) – man-pleaser
- δοῦλος Χριστοῦ (doulos Christou) – slave/servant of Christ

The apostle Paul contrasts serving Christ with seeking human approval. People-pleasing, whether to maintain church numbers, donations, or popularity, disqualifies true servanthood.

Colossians 3:22 (KJV):

“…not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God…”

Isaiah 29:13 (KJV):

“This people draw near me with their mouth… but have removed their heart far from me…

“For do I now persuade men, or God? … if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10 (KJV)

Greek:
- ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (anthrōpareskos) = man-pleaser
- δοῦλος Χριστοῦ (doulos Christou) = slave/servant of Christ

You cannot please both the crowd and Christ. Leadership demands truth-telling, not fan-building

QUESTION: How far up?

Dress: Come Before the Lord in Holy Attire

Psalm 96:9 (KJV):

“O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.”

Hebrew:
- בְּהַדְרַת קֹדֶשׁ (behadrat qodesh) – “in holy attire” or “the adornment of holiness”

God’s definition of “beauty” is set-apartness—qodesh. He’s not impressed by designer robes or clerical uniforms, but by those clothed in humility and truth.

“O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.”
— Psalm 96:9 (KJV)

This is not just outerwear—it is the inward adorning of holiness, purity, and reverence.

Song of Solomon 8:8–9 (KJV)8We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?

9If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar

Meaning and Interpretation

This is a poetic conversation—likely between the brothers of the Shulammite woman—speaking of how to guard and prepare a young girl for adulthood, especially regarding modesty, purity, and emotional boundaries.

++ “If she be a wall…”

The “wall” metaphor implies:
- Strong boundaries
- Chastity or self-restraint
- Not easily accessed or opened
The reward? She is honored and adorned (“a palace of silver”).

++ “If she be a door…”

A “door” implies:
- Easily opened
- Lack of discernment
- Possibly naïve or too open to romantic/sexual advances
The response? They will enclose her—meaning discipline, protection, or correction.

Where the Phrase “Dress Like a Wall, Not a Door” Comes From

This modern proverb or Christian teaching phrase is drawn from this metaphor in Song of Solomon 8:9. It’s used as a wise way to say:

“Let your clothing and demeanor show dignity, strength, and modesty—not vulnerability, seduction, or recklessness.”

++ Hebrew Notes:

Wall (חוֹמָה – chomah): Strong structure, protective, boundary-keeping.
Door (דָּלֶת – delet): Entry point, accessible, open.

The original Hebrew supports the contrast between strength and guardedness vs. openness and exposure—especially in the context of a young woman preparing for adulthood.

Application for Today’s Believers

This metaphor is less about literal dress codes and more about what’s deep inside the person’s heart, esteem, beliefs, ministry choice:

Internal self-worth
Emotional boundaries
Spiritual discernment
Guarding one’s purity—not only sexually, but spiritually and relationally

But yes—appearance does play a part. How we present ourselves publicly—especially as Christian leaders—communicates either:

“I belong to God, and I carry His dignity,” or
“I seek the world’s attention, approval, or seduction.”

In Short:

* The “wall vs. door” metaphor is biblical (Song of Solomon 8:9)
** The phrase “dress like a wall, not a door” is not in the Bible word-for-word, but it’s a valid paraphrase of the deeper principle found in the text.

ONCE MORE: Whom do we dress to please? The Lord? Ourselves, the People

CALLED BY GOD VS SET APART

Being called by the Lord” and being “set apart” are deeply rooted biblical and theological concepts. They both describe how God selects, invites, and prepares a person for a special purpose—often for ministry, leadership, or consecrated living.

What Does It Mean to Be “Called by the Lord”?

To be “called by the Lord” means that God initiates a personal summons—a spiritual invitation—for someone to follow Him, serve Him, or carry out a specific assignment in His Kingdom.

This call can come through:

A deep inner conviction
A prophetic word
A revelation while reading Scripture
A life-changing encounter with God
Or often, a quiet but consistent divine tug on the heart

+ Biblical Examples of Being Called

Moses: Called through the burning bush (Exodus 3)
Isaiah: Called in a vision of the Lord’s throne (Isaiah 6)
Jeremiah: Called from the womb (Jeremiah 1:5)
The disciples: Jesus called them by name (Matthew 4:19)
Paul: Called through a blinding encounter with Christ (Acts 9)

+ Hebrew and Greek Insights

Hebrew – קָרָא (qara)
Meaning: to call, summon, invite, name
Used in Isaiah 43:1:

“I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”
Greek – κλῆσις (klēsis) / καλέω (kaleō)
Meaning: a calling, invitation, divine summons
Used in Romans 11:29:

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

What Does It Mean to Be “Set Apart”?

To be “set apart” means to be consecrated, sanctified, or designated for holy use. It’s a biblical way of saying:

“This one belongs to the Lord’s work—body, soul, and purpose.”

Being set apart includes:

Lifestyle holiness
Spiritual discipline
Obedience to God’s will
Not conforming to worldly patterns

+ Biblical Support for Being Set Apart

Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV):

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV):

“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed… that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
2 Timothy 2:21 (KJV):

“If a man therefore purge himself… he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

+ Hebrew & Greek Insights

Hebrew – קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh)
Meaning: holy, sacred, set apart for God
Example: The priesthood and tabernacle items were “qadosh”
Greek – ἁγιάζω (hagiazō) / ἅγιος (hagios)
Meaning: to sanctify, dedicate, make holy
Used for saints (“holy ones”) and for Jesus’ own consecration (John 17:17–19)

Summary

Term	Meaning	Key Verse	Language
Called	Invited or summoned by God for purpose	Romans 8:28–30	Greek: kaleō
Set Apart	Consecrated and made holy for divine use	Jeremiah 1:5	Hebrew: qadosh

A Prophetic Call to Today’s Leaders, Pastors, Authorities, Including Parents

“I sought for a man… to stand in the gap before me…”
— Ezekiel 22:30 (KJV)

God seeks leaders who will:

Tremble at His word (Isaiah 66:2)
Weep in intercession
Clothe themselves in humility, not ego
Serve without pleasing men (or self!)
It has been said EGO stands for EDGING GOD OUT

Let’s shed the cloak of performance and wear the garment of holiness again.

Holy Attire

“PERSONAL STYLE AND DRESS IS A MATTER THE INDIVIDUAL’S OWN PRIDE, EGO, SELFLESSNESS & MATURITY

ALSO A MEASURE OF ONE’S READINESS OR CALL TO MINISTRY. AND IF ON STAGE MINISTRY IT IS A TEST OF THEIR HEART READINESS, EMOTIONAL MATURITY AND SHOULD BE REGARDED AS SIGN OF SPIRITUAL DEPTH, OF COMMITMENT TO THE LORD

AND OUGHT TO BE ASSESSED PRIOR TO THEIR MINISTRY BEFORE THE PEOPLE
AS IT’S SIGN OF WALKING IT OUT PERSONAL CHARACTER, MATURITY, OVER ALL HUMILITY”

Yet the most IMPORTANT to dress for it THE LORD HIMSELF. Yet if there is no depth in the pastor, overseer, staff then this let’s ANYBODY and ANYONE and ANY OUTFIT on God’s Stage.

CONCLUSION: Who Will Stand?

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good… to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
— Micah 6:8 (KJV)

Leadership is not about how we look, how many follow us, or how gifted we are. God is measuring our heart, our humility, and our fear of Him.

Let us return between the porch and the altar.
Let us dress in the beauty of holiness.
Let us fear God—not man.