By: Toni Crawford

“She wears pants — she’s not a Christian.”

That’s the mindset I used to have a long time ago.

I was raised in a Pentecostal church. I’m not downplaying it — I’m simply sharing my story. In my home church, we believed women should only wear skirts. So whenever I saw a woman wearing pants, I automatically assumed she wasn’t a true believer.

That’s sad. I know.

But I no longer think that way — and let me tell you why.

One day at work, I saw a woman I worked with wearing pants. As I looked at her, it was as if the Holy Spirit was giving me discernment. I remember thinking, She knows God. She’s different. That’s God’s daughter.

I’m not even sure how our conversation started, but I was right. The Holy Spirit — who is never wrong — confirmed it. This woman, in pants, had a heart for God.

We became close and built a beautiful friendship. She was the friend and sister in Christ I needed. We hung out, went to Christian events, talked about godly relationships, and encouraged one another. When I would slip into negativity, she wouldn’t respond harshly. Instead, she responded with love and wisdom, helping me see the brighter side of things.

I’ll admit it — I can be a “Negative Nancy” sometimes.

Through that friendship, I learned something powerful:

Wearing a skirt doesn’t make a woman more godly. Wearing pants doesn’t make her less godly.

God used that friendship to shift my mindset.

When we truly seek God, He will speak and reveal truth in His timing. It may be through a dream, a vision, or even a person. For me, it was through a sister in Christ wearing pants.

Now you may ask: Do I wear pants now?

No, I don’t wear pants outdoors — only in the comfort of my home. And not because I think I’m holier than anyone else. Not because I believe it’s the standard for salvation. I simply feel more comfortable and feminine in dresses and skirts.

Keyword: I.

This is personal conviction — not a universal command.

The Bible says:

In 1 Timothy 2:9–10:

“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with good works.

When you read this scripture, what did you get from it?

When reading Scripture, we have to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding so that we don’t lean on our own understanding. We also have to take the time to truly dissect the Word.

We should ask:

• Who said this?

• Who were they speaking to?

• Was Jesus speaking?

• Was it one of His followers?

• Was it the enemy?

• Or was it someone speaking from their own limited understanding?

Sometimes we read one verse and run with it, not realizing there are other scriptures that connect and bring balance to what we just read.

I’ve been guilty of that.

Furthermore, what I’ve learned is this:

Modesty isn’t just about what we wear — it’s about the heart.

Now, what am I saying?

I’m not saying, “Go ahead, sis, throw on whatever you want and satisfy yourself.”

And I’m not saying, “Only wear skirts and dresses because that’s the only way to prove you’re a godly woman.”

When I was sinning and doing my own thing — while still claiming to be a Christian — I wore skirts and dresses. I didn’t say, “Oh, let me go grab a pair of pants so I can sin.” No. I sinned with a skirt and dress on.

Listen carefully:

What’s in the heart will reveal itself outwardly.

No outfit can truly hide someone who is living in sin. God sees all and knows all. The Lord has a standard for His daughters and His sons — but that standard begins in the heart.

Go to Him about your wardrobe and modesty. Ask Him to reveal what you need to know and any changes you may need to make — if any at all.

Lastly, the beautiful thing about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is this: we don’t have to wait for a church service to seek Him. We can seek Him wherever we are.

Don’t put off deliverance or a conversation you need to have with the Lord because you think church is only for Sundays.

No — church is every day.

Church isn’t just a building. When you said yes to the Lord, you became part of the Church. We are the Church, and the Lord deeply cares for His Church.

The Bible says in James 1:5:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

We serve a God of wisdom.

Amen. 💛