Faith, Fashion, and a Word on True Freedom

In 1st Peter 2, the writer gives some instruction on how we can relate to culture, communicating our love for Christ:
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--
16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

We are called to be free in Jesus Christ, and the apostle Paul cautions against using our Christian freedom to not cause others to stumble.  Legalism can certainly sap the life out of a joyful Christian experience, but self-control - Biblical restraint - can keep us right with God.  We can be challenged to live with a sense of dependence on the Holy Spirit to the extent that He gives us the capability to walk free from legalism, but in a manner that pleases God.

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The apostle Paul addresses the concept of Christian sensitivity in 1st Corinthians 10. He writes in verses 23 and 24:
23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.

Later in the chapter, he writes:
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

I think it is so important to seek to live out the Christian life and attempt to be an influence for Christ in the occupations to which we are called.  You may not be in a vocational "ministry" position, but your position can provide you with a platform for ministry.

Such is the case, I believe, of Mayra Gomez, the co-founder of Christian Fashion Week (CFW). A Real Clear Religion piece called, "Faith on the Runway," opens by saying: "It's an understatement to say that Mayra Gomez is passionate about the intersection of faith and fashion." She is quoted as saying, "It was kind of like a shock coming to the Christian realm, coming from that fashion industry," adding, "I tried every single job you can imagine in the church and I was not happy. Why? Because that wasn't me."

In response, Mayra then began Model4Jesus, a traveling ministry that raised funds for hurting women via the runway.  The article points out that for Gomez, to combine faith and fashion is not to live out her Christian faith through what she wears. It's about displaying ethical practices, integrity, wisdom, and "an inch more of fabric."

And, to her, this includes a concept called, "contextual modesty." She relates, ""In all reality modesty is contextual. It all depends where you're from, where you live, and where you were raised," adding, "I don't think it was meant to be one rule for every single person." She does say that Christians must be prudent in determining what is proper, comparing people's talk of "modesty" with the Word of God.

The website for Christian Fashion Week states: "...We believe in scripture and moderation, not tradition or legalism."  It also says, "Christian Fashion Week is more than just a collection of fashion shows - it's a true movement fueled by a passion for modest clothing and for building an industry around its consumers."

The site also says, "Part of our mission is to promote the concept of contextual modesty and help those within the Christian church break free from legalism and imaginary dress codes while developing a more grounded and disciplined perspective of what modesty truly means."

I understand this organization's perspective, and agree that we should not be bound in legalism. But, I would add, that as the apostle Paul says that all things are lawful, but all things are not profitable, some discretion should be used in the selection of clothing, so that does not become a stumbling block.  

I would submit that Mayra's story is a great example for us of someone who is allowing her devotion to Christ to shape the way she approaches her occupation.  She is attempting to inject a Biblical perspective into her craft, and according to the site, she is also allowing that activity to promote affordable clothing and sustainable fashion for those who do not have the resources to buy clothing for themselves and their children.   

So, there are three elements to which I want to call attention:  one is the idea of injecting your Biblical worldview into your craft.  Another is the concept of taking things perhaps a step or two further and developing ministry from business.  In other words, if through your career, there may be a way to reach out and create ministry opportunities - for example, devoting resources to help those less fortunate, or perhaps organizing a team from the workplace to do charitable work.  There are great examples of companies who have a charitable bent.

And, finally, a further note: I think that the way that you relate to customers can say a lot about your Christian faith.  Your approach to people sends a clear message of how your regard people.  If you develop and live out a servant's attitude, that can communicate the character of Christ.