Many in the world, even some of our brethren, view nakedness, or nudity, as "stark nakedness" (without any clothes at all). There are nudist camps, where people prance around wearing not a stitch of clothing. Likewise, there are "nude beaches" (the beaches aren't nude), where the beach goers wear no clothing. Is total nakedness, or nudity, the only definition of nakedness? What is nakedness?
We would be wise to go to the Bible for an answer to this question. The Psalmist David wrote, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1,2) Therefore, to be wise, we must seek the wise counsel of Bible principles and teaching.
We are approaching the summer season when, without a doubt, many will don attire that, to put it mildly, is scant. Even though these to whom we are referring are not "stark naked," are they naked? Many would say NO! Let's examine what the Bible has to say.
In the beginning, after Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings." (Genesis 3:7 NASB) Apparently, in God's eyes, the "loin coverings" made by Adam and Eve were not adequate clothing. In Genesis 3:21, the text says, "And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them." These "garments" or "coats" (KJV) were "generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees" (Gesenius, Hebrew & Chaldee Lexicon, p 420). Hence, in the beginning, God established an important principle of truth; and all mankind, especially Christians, need to heed this principle.
Further, in Genesis 20:26, God commanded saying, "Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon." If we examine Exodus 28:42, we see that God commanded Aaron and his sons (priests) saying, "And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness (their bare flesh-NASB); from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach." We see then that God referred to exposure of the "bare flesh" of the thighs as nakedness.
Those who wear miniskirts, short skirts, swimming attire, short shorts, cheerleading uniforms, and such like, expose the "bare flesh" of their thighs and other parts of the body. Therefore, those who wear clothing that exposes the "bare flesh" of the thigh are naked in God's eyes! Some may say, "the shorts I wear don't expose my thighs, or the dress I wear comes down to my knees."
Question: Do your shorts expose your thighs, and does your dress come to your knees when you are sitting down, or if you cross your legs? Is any portion of your thigh above the knee exposed? If so, your nakedness (bare flesh) is in view of those who are present.
The Bible teaches that women are to "adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly, and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments." (1 Timothy 2:9-NASB) Likewise, this principle would apply to men, even though men are not mentioned. Paul instructed Titus saying, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience." (Titus 1:1,2) Is a man "sober, grave, temperate, and sound in faith" when he publicly wears shorts that expose his thighs or when he goes without a shirt?
True, nakedness refers to nudity; but it also refers to inadequate clothing. James spoke of the brother or sister who was "naked, and destitute of daily food." Naked here would include nudity, but likely refers to inadequate clothing. Vine says, "(b) scantily or poorly clad, Matthew 25:36, 38, 43, 44; Acts 19:16 (with torn garments); James 2:15" (Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p 781).
The apostle Paul wrote, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1,2) Paul did not mean for us to put our bodies on public display! We are to present our bodies as examples of good works according to the teachings of Christ.
You see, the Bible definition of nakedness does not just mean nudity (stark nakedness). As we have mentioned, it includes inadequate clothing. Think on these things; then do the righteous thing--dress in a Godly manner, no matter what kind of weather we are having.
Yes, summer is here and many are tempted to wear less. Brethren have been debating this issue for decades. Over the years, even though the world's styles and fads have frequently changed, God's word and His principles have remained the same. Unfortunately, many of God's own people have forgotten this very crucial point. The world's styles, fads, whims, and dress codes do not determine the definition of indecent dress.
When we were living in the west, this was a year-round problem. This is also true in places such as Florida. Brethren need to be careful not to get caught up in the trends of those around them. When we dress as the world dresses, we are "conforming to the world." Young ladies, the Bible is clear regarding your responsibility to refrain from dressing in any way that could cause men to lust after you. (The same thing is true concerning men and their dress.) How can any Christian honestly say that dressing in short shorts, swimming attire, and other clothing that reveals most of the body is not immodest? Are we seeking to please God or the people around us? (KMG)