Have you ever stopped to consider why you do what you do? From clothing to the music that we find appealing, our personal preferences are influenced by outside factors, such as societal fads, instead of God’s ideals.
To truly impact others, we must set the trends rather than following them. How you present yourself—what you say and how you act—often speaks louder than the number of scriptures you can quote. Because our fashion sense is usually the first thing people notice, it is important to evaluate our choices regarding what we wear.
I see many teen boys and young adult men adopting the “thug” image that is so prevalent today. Music videos, movies, entertainers and athletes glorify the “bad boy” image. As a result, many people—most of whom don’t know any better—emulate them, thinking that their style is “cool.”
But is identifying with this image really “cool?” I don’t think so.
Did you know that certain forms of rhyme, rap, tattoos and dress have prison origins? The practice known as “sagging”—where young men allow their pants to sag, exposing their underwear—is a prime example.
Originating from prison policies that deny inmates the use of belts (because they could be used as a weapon or as a means to commit suicide), the meaning of this mode of dress became twisted. The understanding within prison walls is that someone wearing sagging pants is available for sex.
Outside of prison, it is indicative of gang membership. In 1995, the trend became a part of the Hip-Hop culture. It’s astounding how often people adopt styles of dress and personal presentation without any idea of the messages that they are really sending or the origins of the fashions they support.
As Christians, we are called to exemplify the love of God and the behavior that befits kings and priests. He has labeled us a royal priesthood and a holy nation. We have been called out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9).
That means that we aren’t to adopt as our own the negative images and behaviors the world says are so appealing, whether in our behavior or our mode of dress. It’s time to walk as the light in our conversation and our presentation.
Don’t leave any room for the world to mistake you for one of theirs; instead, allow God’s love and His ways to shine through your countenance, demeanor and adornments in order to bring the lost into His kingdom.
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Creflo Dollar is the founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI). He is a highly sought-after speaker ministering the Gospel at conferences worldwide. His works, in the form of books, CDs, and DVDs are available in many countries around the world. Known for his prolific insights and charismatic style, he helps thousands improve their lives by teaching the Gospel of Grace that empowers change in their day-to-day experiences.