Genesis 3 records the fall of Adam and Eve into sin. It also contains the first prophecy of the coming Messiah to save man from sin. In addition to these two major points, this chapter also has some lessons for us about modesty, particularly as it relates to our apparel.
- Immodesty is shameful – After eating of the forbidden tree and understanding that they were naked, Adam and Eve hid from the Lord (Genesis 3:7-10). Some might say they hid from God because they disobeyed His command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It is possible this entered their minds; however, that is not what the text says. Adam said, “I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10). We should have enough shame to want to avoid showing off our bodies. Sadly, some have lost their sense of shame and no longer “know how to blush” (Jeremiah 6:15). But Christians must live according to a higher standard.
- Being partially clothed is not sufficient – In order to cover themselves, Adam and Eve first made loin coverings for themselves from fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). They were not totally naked anymore; but they were not sufficiently clothed, either. So the Lord made “garments of skin” to adequately cover them. Christians must strive to be fully clothed, not clothed to the extent that the world deems appropriate. (I discussed this point further in a previous article – Modest Apparel.)
- Modest apparel is not just about preventing lust – Some believe that having modest apparel is only important if others might lust after them. So they rationalize their immodest dress (“No one would lust after me.” “I’m dressing like everyone else, so no one will pay attention if my clothes are too low/short/tight/etc.”). But in the Garden, there was not anyone else there to lust after Adam or Eve. There was only the two of them with God and the animals. Yet they needed to be clothed. Just because we think we are in a situation in which no one would lust does not mean immodesty is acceptable. It was not acceptable in the Garden and it is still not today.
After Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they had the understanding that they needed with regard to covering their bodies. They knew it was shameful to be uncovered. They knew that being partially clothed did not suffice. They knew the absence of others who might lust after them did not excuse them.
We must remember these lessons today. Do not conform to the world’s standards. Conform to God’s standard and the true knowledge that comes from His revealed word.
