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7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wear Expensive Clothes

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I wrote three years ago about how absurd it is that Christians often are expected to “dress up” as they attend church meetings, wearing clothing that’s more expensive and “proper” than what they normally wear. The reason this is absurd is that the Bible never commands it – on the contrary, it prohibits Christians to wear expensive clothes at all times, not just on church meetings. I’ve made a video when I discuss this:

The New Testament particularly addresses Christian women, telling them to not wear jewelry or expensive clothing:

“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” (1 Tim 2:9-10)

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.” (1 Peter 3:3)

Now, many will say that this is patriarchy; telling women what to wear reflects the culture of that time. And while I definitely think that Paul’s command a few verses later in 1 Timothy 2 about women being silent in the church is culturally bound, I don’t think these are. See, the problem with expensive clothing, make-up and jewelry are the same as the problems with wealth in general, they kill the poor and suffocate one’s relationship with God.

For this reason I am convinced that the command not to wear expensive clothing was a command for men as well; the reason that women are adressed here is most likely that they wore it more often (just as women to this day more often wear jewelry and elaborate hairstyles). Paul later teaches in 1 Timothy that we shouldn’t want to be rich but be content with simplicity and generously give away our wealth (6:5-19).

There are other reasons expensive clothes suck, as I explain in the video above. It’s really time Christians start waging war against the fashion industry. It destroys the lives of the poor and of many young people with its crazy beauty standards and environmental destruction. Only buy clothes second hand and refuse to comply with the beauty standards of this world. That’s the proper way of discipleship.


7 Comments

  1. Shadrack says:

    Dear MICAEL GRENHOLM I so agree and disagree with you. It clear that we don’t need to wear expensive clothes but we not to be slaves of the world by wearing second hand clothes.

    • Hi! What do you mean with slaves of the world? Of course one can sow clothes oneself, or buying Fairtrade ones on rare occasions. But surely there’s nothing wrong with second hand clothes.

      • Shadrack says:

        Well if christians don’t buy new clothes that means they have to wear second clothes from non-christians. We meant to flourish, I am not believer of prosperity message but I believe that the father is gracious and love us.
        Well certainly nothing wrong with second hand clothes but do refer to Salomon and also the proverbs women.

  2. […] Austin says, that you don’t wear expensive clothes or flashy jewelry for South Africa. Don’t flash cash really at any time in the country or […]

  3. Monica Pedigo says:

    Hi! I really love this! I do however still like to dress nice to church and just anywhere I go but sometimes I feel like people think that just because you dress nice means your shirt is $20 and up lol… I actually buy everything at clearance for $5 and up 😂😂! I also know that even though some church don’t dress up in a more formal attire but even when they dress casually those cloth pieces can still be $39 and up for a simple shirt and jeans… it’s crazy today… but I do believe in dressing modestly:) just hope people don’t think modest is expensive! It’s not! Actually most of the women who dress more formal I know for a fact love a good cheaper price for clothes too lol… but I really loved this anyways! I get so sick of women buying 109 dollar dresses… I think one reasoning for this verse was because again it separates people and can make Th em feel like they are in a certain class.. kinda like what you said about being poor or rich..

  4. Teresa Simpson says:

    Everything seems expensive today! No matter the brand, the cost or where the clothes were purchased or gifted. If Jesus were to come back today, are you dressed in a manner that honors him?

  5. Michelle_hanley38@hotmail.com says:

    You got this scripture twisted. The bible didn’t say not to wear jewelry and expensive clothes and make your look nice. However, it must be done with modesty. A lot of pastors misinterpret apparel for pants. I agree that women must not wear pants. What Paul was actually saying , it is not the outward appearance to look good to people but God is looking at our hearts, conversations and conducts. The bible also talked about a person coming into the church well dress with a gold ring and fancy clothes. Church leaders want to treat them good, putting them in the front seat and treat others differently. I’ve seen ignorant, jealousy, envy, people in church thinking that they are so righteousness because someone else dresses better than them. The devil is a liar!

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Micael Grenholm, a Swedish charismactivist, apologist and author.

Micael Grenholm, a Swedish charismactivist, apologist and author.

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