Rappers, Rock Stars, and Ruffians

Is it just me or do many of the clothes in stores look like a tiger has clawed through them after having been drug on the back of a truck across America?

What is with the new wave of putting seven-years-olds not in bows and sparkles, but rather in studded hot pants and strappy mini dresses? Let's talk about the wave of fashion from rappers, rock stars, and ruffians. We have been taking fashion advice from this group and other celebrities for decades. There is something so alluring about the way they dress and act. The attitude is, "I don't care what you think. I am going to be myself!" This is the problem... 

Sisters, the last thing I want is to "be myself." "Myself" is a sinful, self-centered wretch that will eat me alive. Christ has saved me from myself and now my life is renewed in Him!

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.  In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.  Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (bolding mine)

Colossians 3:5-11

 And so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled,pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

Titus 2:4-6

So my question is: If rock stars and rappers dress in a certain way to express their worldview of following one's self, then should we desire to dress like them?

Well, it goes back to the question of how you want to be perceived. People are looking at you and summing you up as soon as you walk out of the door by how you dress. Grungy rock star or tight and flashy pop star clothing will send out a message that you want to be like them.

"And behold, the woman meets him dressed as a prostitute..."

Proverbs 7:10

The Proverbs 7 woman is an example in the Bible of a bad girl. She is after sin and lustful ambitions. This verse tells us how she dressed, because her appearance told men she was open to their affections. In biblical times, there was strong distinction of dress. Virgins dressed differently than married women. Sometimes in today's society, it can be hard to tell what a girl is trying to show through her attire... but maybe it's not so hard.

Oftentimes, we dress for acceptance and this is okay, but first think about the crowd you long to be accepted by before jumping into the way they dress and act. Ask yourself if their attitudes and lifestyles are ones that are aligned with scripture and for the glory of the Lord. This will help you determine if you should desire to dress like them or if you should run from their fashion statements.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and not the things of this world; He will help you make wise choices as daughters of the Highest King! We are not lost daughters of the earth, doomed to empty goals, following our own selves to death. So let's pass over the items in the store that are inspired by Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Madonna, and Miley Cyrus. Their paths are set in darkness, and we have the privilege of showing light!