Mr. Burnett’s comments have merit, although I would disagree with the statement that Christ’s actions caused others to continue to sin. In line with that, this entire question has larger implications to me.

Christ reached out, and helped/healed/saved all who came to him authentically and believed. He did not, however, enable, coerce or force anything. Had this man spoken (even with a female chaparone) to the woman directly – stated he would be more comfortable if she dressed differently or openly admitted his weakness and hope for help – I can see a point. His wife requesting this has no affect on the sinner. We all choose to sin or not each and every time the situation arises. No one causes us to do anything- period.

Clothing does not make the Christian. Whether people or society views you as proper or righteous does not make it so. Only the relationship with Christ has any bearing. While a relationship does usually affect our demeanor, dress and habits, other aspects are involved as well.

We cannot protect people from themselves. The very act of trying can stunt them from ever addressing the problem directly to have their heart changed through Christ.

As a rule though, I think that if somebody is telling you that your clothes aren’t appropriate, you should really consider whether they might be right before you determine that they are just too conservative. It is a touchy and sensitive issue, but if you assume in the first place that there’s nothing wrong with the clothes you’re wearing, how can you accept someone else’s opinion? You won’t be able to take correction this way. You should ask someone else you trust about the piece of clothing in question.

As a side note, it is well documented that men are generally aroused visually while women are generally not. Because of this, it’s really best if you ask your husband or father or other male friend than another woman because arousal does not register with women the same way it does as men.

That said, I don’t think there is a hard and fast line between supporting the weaker brother and maintaining your freedom in Christ. At a certain level you have to ask the Holy Spirit and see where He leads you. It’s also important to talk about the issue with the weaker brother so that they know where you’re coming from and they don’t assume that you’re behaving in a way that you think is ungodly.

Additionally, make sure that your behavior around the weaker brother is not enabling their weakness. When Paul discussed the weaker brother scenario, he was saying not to eat meat sacrificed to idols with those who have a conscience issue against it. I think that his point was to be open with them about your disagreement of what is approved by God, but practice something that is compatible with their beliefs when with them. This way you are not encouraging them to be weak (by feigning agreement) but rather encouraging them to be strong while also being sensitive to their conscience. I bet the woman who was asked to change her blouse would feel a lot better about changing clothes if she had an open avenue to tell the wife that she thought what she was wearing was totally appropriate.

This wife should realise that the problem is not in the dress her fellow christian was wearing, the problem is in the mind of the husband. She would do well to talk honestly and openly with him about his problem and be willing to begin to look so nice in her own home and in the eyes of her own husband that he wouldn’t have eyes for others outside. The fact is if a man wants to lust no amount of clothing is going to stop him

Of course we have a responsibility to our neighbour, but we should not believe that the mere stopping of an act is going to prevent the sin, our bigger responsibility is to get to the root and that resides in the mind of the sinner.