Nude by design
Ultimately we are "Nude by design." Man is the one who chooses to "hide" the beautiful and wonderful creation of God and hinder the more intimate relationships we could have (Genesis 3). Man is also the one who views the nude body as unpresentable, inappropriate and shameful.
Many well-intentioned people teach us to clothe ourselves for the sake of dignity (worth) and morality. These ideas have altered our view of the nude body and the body in general. Think of the time, money, and energy we all spend on our body and our appearance, and just to uphold our image. The truth is, material possessions do not enhance our worth, and clothing does not improve morality. In my opinion, quite contrary. People are immoral whether clothed or not, and I believe immorality increases when nudity is associated with only sex or lewdness.
In a clothing optional environment, like nudism, the nude body is natural, and therefore nudity does not equal sex. In fact, true nudists tend to frown upon overt sexual behavior. Nudists see clothing as a necessity, but like other necessities, such as food, we don't need them all of the time and too much is bad. Nudists recognize that unnecessary, prolonged or excessive use of clothing is unhealthy for you. It even affects the way you see others and yourself.
The truth is, your whole being benefits when you use your body correctly, as God designed. Unfortunately, many do not realize that nudity is better than clothing (since that is how the body was designed to work), and thus the use of clothing is often a misuse. Even more unfortunate is the fact that you cannot fully understand this or take advantage of the other benefits unless you personally experience a truly nude or clothing optional environment.
Ultimately, we find true worth and uphold true morality through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (see Romans 3). Therefore honor God with your body by putting on Christ, the full armor of God. Of course, if you look closely at nudism's ideals and how you benefit from it, you see that it actually promotes Christ's teachings. He teaches us to judge or accept others based on their character, not their image or appearance, and He teaches us not to give too much attention to the body, your own or others. Furthermore, misuse of nudity (and of clothing) is what makes it shameful and sinful. Nudity in the proper setting, with the proper attitude, as found in nudism, glorifies God.
Being clothed in Jesus is very important. By being clothed in Him, others recognize us as a children of God, and ambassadors of the Lord. For instance, when you "put on Christ," the demons see Jesus and flee, the angels see Jesus and rejoice, people see Jesus and repent, and are healed. Most of all, God sees Jesus and gives us access to Heaven. Think about it this way... You recognize a policeman or someone in the military by their uniform, a king or priest by their fancy robes, a doctor or nurse by their coats and gowns, etc. Although each of these hold places of authority, you wouldn't easily recognize them without the proper attire.
So, while being physically naked has many benefits, spiritual nakedness leaves us helpless and powerless. Being "clothed in Christ," "the amor of God," helps others easily recognize us, and gives us access to heaven.
Know The Truth
The nude body is not a "sex object"! It is not shameful. It is not a sin. It is not unacceptable. It is not perverted. It is none of the negative things "the world" claims, and being forced to wear clothes at (almost) all times propagates these negative views and more. We will be free from such confusion when we understand the truth.
The nude body is our natural (or normal) state. IT IS THE CREATION OF GOD and therefore good. It is made in His image, for His glory, as His temple. Learning to see our bodies the way God sees them helps us to really accept others and ourselves in spite of appearances. That is, we learn to judge others based on their character, not their image or appearance.
To live in the state that God created us is acceptable, honorable and glorious. It requires true humility. Most importantly, if Jesus Christ clothes us, then we are never naked, because true nakedness is being without Christ. "If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than... 'the Good News that Jesus is the Christ,' (Acts 5:42) ...let him be eternally condemned." (Galatians 1:9)
And Jesus said, "I am The Truth..." and "...you will know The Truth [Jesus] and The Truth [Jesus] will set you free. ...So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."(John 8:32, 36)
All scriptures NIV unless otherwise noted.
Written: 1997