WELCOME TO THE WARDROBE
To those of you who are saying, 'What is modesty? What's so big about modesty? God's Word says nothing about modesty!' this little study is for you. Even if you are not included in saying the above, this still is for you as this is an important subject for women of all ages.
Before we get started we need to know these two things. First, the definition of modesty. Webster's 1828 Dictionary describes as such:
"In females, modesty has the like characters in males; but the word is used also as synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle. Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellance, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor." (If you are wondering about the word ignominy, it basically means public disgrace)
The second thing we need to know is made clear in this important statement by Jeff Pollard, 'Modesty is not first an issue of clothing, it is an issue of the heart.' You see, what flows from our heart spills into our lives and drenches our character with the content of our thoughts and beliefs. What we believe will show in our clothing choices, in how we act, and how we live.
Some common lies about modesty (and living according to God's standards) are: 'Well as long as my heart is right, it doesn't matter what I wear' and 'All that matters is that it looks right.' Both are false statements. Your heart and clothing need to speak the same message. 'Our hearts should make the same profession we do.' -Jeff Pollard
Do You Think You're Modest?
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves," 2nd Corinthians. 13:5
Many fashions today are very immodest. They are often made to be pleasing to the lusting eye, very sensual and ungodly. Yet many Christians chose to wear immodest clothing and allow it in their homes. It is depressing to see professing Christians falling for the lie: "As long as my heart is right, nothing else matters." How is one able to tell the difference between a non-Christian and a Christian today? Certainly not by their clothing choices!
Back in biblical times there was a difference. "God's people covered their bodies in public while pagans were publically undressed." -Jeff Pollard. In the beginning God covered Adam and Eve. "The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." It was shameful to be uncovered and exposed.
In Mr. Pollard's book, The Public Undressing of America, he explains the clothing back in biblical times was usually from the neck, to the wrist, and, at least, the knees. That was probably the design of clothing God gave Adam and Eve. The majority of God's people probably wore modest clothing. As moral and Biblical knowledge disappears from a nation, so does modesty and the shame of having too much skin exposed. On the other hand, it has been said when tribal people learn about Jesus and and God begins works on their heart, they have an urge to 'cover up' their nakedness. What would you say about God's people today?
Here is a test from the book Raising Maidens of Virtue (modified slightly) to see if you how modest you are. You might be surprised!
1. Ask your mother to stand behind you and watch you walk. Ask her if she thinks you swing your hips or swagger.
2. When you walk up a flight of stairs, what would people behind you see?
3. Do you wear skirts that have slits higher then your strandard?
4. Ask your mother to stand behind you while you bend over to pick up a book. Now do the same thing but have your mother stand in the front. What does she say? What would you father say?
5. Raise your hands above your head. Does your tummy show?
6. How low is your neckline? Look in the mirror while holding your knees. Do you see cleavage? If so, everyone else does too! Another good test for the right height for a collar of a shirt or blouse, put three fingers underneath your collarbone.
Why Should I be Modest?
'And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30
'But among you there must not be any hint of..any kind of impurity...because these are improper for God's holy people.' Ephesians 5:3
'Therefore, get rid of all the moral flith and evil that is so prevalent...' James 1:20
'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world...' Romans 12:2
'For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.' 1 Thessolonians 4:7
You ask, 'Should I be modest?' Yes, yes, yes!! God wants you to be modest!
'Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have recieved from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body.' 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Dressing modestly is the what the Father asks us to do. He also commands that we be modest in all areas of our lives. Be modest spiritually (in our beliefs) and physically (in our clothing and actions). Chosing to dress modestly is a hard choice and often a lonely road, but it is the most rewarding and a way to glorify God.
God calls us to be different from the world and its ways.
'Listen O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house. The king is enthralled with your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.' Psalm 45:10-11
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' 1 Peter 3:5
Here's a list of more Bible verses for the question, 'Should I be modest?':
I encourage you to get your Bible and search out more verses that support modesty, and just for debate, seek out ones that speak against modesty and for living according to the world.
What Is Modest Clothing?
'I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,'
1 Timothy 2:9
Today we have a wide variety of immodest clothing from low-cut shirts to short skirts. You have quite a selection to chose from, that is if you want to wear inappropriate clothes. Modest clothing choices are not quite that numerous.
Some examples of modest clothing are skirts that are knee length or longer; shirts that do not have low-cut collars; pants that are not skin tight; articles of clothing that do not have lewd sayings displayed on them; shirts that are free from un-Godly and demonic symbols...the list can go on!
It is "okay" to be nice looking and stylish as long it as draws the eye to the face, not the body, and glorifies God.
To be modest, a girl does not have to wear a sack. For example, a household with whom my family used to be acquainted was convicted about their lack of modesty. When they claimed modesty for themselves, we noticed a change in their clothing styles. The females in the family started wearing "bags"-unattractive dresses that had absolutely no form and were rather ugly. When they forsook ungodly clothing choices, they also threw aside any sort of style. Throwing out attractive and presentable clothing in the name of modesty is the other extreme. Now this family has lost all of their godly beliefs about modesty and is totally concerned about "fashion."
It is acceptable to be stylish and to look presentable while being modest. We ladies just need to examine our motives for wearing what we are wearing.
Modesty and the Church
'...and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.'
Eph. 5:25-27
'Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.' Matt. 7:20
'You are the salt of the earth.' Matt. 5:13
'"Let light shine out of darkness."' 2 Cor. 4:6
'...so that you become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...' Phil. 2:15
A very important issue that I need to bring up is modesty and the Church. I have noticed that the Church is the worst example a non-Christian could have when it comes to modesty. Let's say Sally, a brand-new believer, has been struggling with her choice of clothing. She comes to church the next Sunday, knowing she will find the best example for Christian living in the place where Christians are. Sally feels relieved as she looks around at the other Christian women and says to herself, " I guess I don't need a change of clothes. If they are wearing the latest fashions with the low collars and short skirts, I can too! What a relief; I thought I could have been sinning." So Sally still appears the same on the outside, like before she was a Christian, to her old friends who see her.
What you wear speaks loudly and makes an impression on those who see you. Do you want your clothing to send messages like this: "Hey, look at that girl! Do you suppose she wants to go out?" "Don't be around that girl over there ; she's a bad influence!"?
When I go to church, I sometimes have a hard time discerning who is a true, God-glorifing Christian and who is not. It seems young ladies are out for gaining attention from young men and other girls. They seem to think church is either a time for a beauty show, a time to attract boyfriends, or they are not concerned that they are in God's holy house. This may not be correct assumption, but their clothing tells me this message and I get this impression.
We Christians are examples to the world. We are not supposed to conform to the ways of this world. But truth to be told, many Christians are conforming to the world's ways. I believe the Church, the true body of Christ, needs to be the best example of modesty, for we are the light of the world.
"You are the light of the world. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14,16
Believe me, you make an impact on people you meet or on those who see you. Almost every single time our family goes to an outing or event, complete strangers walk up to us and comment on how nice of a family we are, how behaved we children are, how nice we dress, etc. One time, I asked a woman to explain what drew her to us and what she saw in us. The woman had just commented on what a nice family we were. She replied, "I see the love of Jesus shining in your faces. You dress so nicely. Your family is together and not seperated." That blessed my heart. Did she say, "Oh, because you have the perfect family"? No. She saw Jesus through us, through our clothing choices, and through our family.
When a child is a part of his family, he will (of course) look like his parents and adopt many of the same attitudes and actions he has seen displayed in his family. When we spend time with Jesus in His Word and prayer, we will eventually look and act like Him more and more every day. This has been shown to us many times over, as told in the above story. So let your light shine through everything you do and say. Let your conduct glorify and point to God. Let your clothing choices be a testimony of how God as changed the outlook of your life as you seek to follow His best plan for you and others. Shine the right light.
Modesty and Fashion: Is there a problem?
I have heard many young ladies comment about the subject of modesty and fashion. Perhaps you have heard or even said some of these statements below:
"It's okay to be modest and be in style."
"Fashion doesn't have to end where modesty begins."
"Everyone else is trendy and I'm so out of place."
"Why can't I fit in?"
I can relate to these comments as I myself have definately pondered over the style vs. modesty/modesty and fashion debate. Now, I finally understand something. I ask you:
What is the focus?
Focus; the word applies to every single area of our lives as Christians.
What is the focus?
In my opinion, the above comments are twisted by the devil to sound appeatizing to us easily-swayed women. The goal of these lies is to get our focus off the Lord.
How do we lose our focus through thoughts and comments like these?
We begin to lose our focus on the Lord when we start turning our focus toward the world and its fashions. When being "fashionable" and "stylish" becomes our focus, it becomes a sin and stumbling block in our faith walk. When this has become a focal point in a girl's life, all she can talk about is fashion and seems to be constantly defending it. Trust me, I've had experience.
It becomes dangerous when we allow something to override our godly focus. Why? Once we allow some of the world's lies and ways in our lives, it becomes easier next time to allow more deceptions and ungodly ways in. Be on your guard continually against polluting influences; they will master you if you allow them (Genesis 4:7). The devil's ways are very subtle; stay alert and examine everything under the light of the Word. Constantly focus on the Lord and study His Word diligently to seek His ways. Please Him, not yourself or the world.
Focus!
Miss Taylor is a 16 year old daughter; sister; homemaker, wife, and mother-in training. She lives in Minne'snow'ta with her family of nine on their Triple F Ranch (i.e. Faith, Fun, and Fellowhip). She owns and operates the website www.GodlyGirlhood.org , a outreach of her family's ministry, Great Adventure Family Ministeries®. Miss Taylor is dedicated to serve and encourage other young ladies on the path of Godly girlhood. Miss Taylor hopes you are encouraged by this article; you may contact her at godlygirlhood@localnet.com
___________________
Modesty is not first
an issue of clothing,
it is an issue of the
heart
____________________________
___________________
Chosing to be modest
is a hard desicion
and often a lonely
road, but it is the
most rewarding
and a way to glorify
God.
___________________
__________________
When they forsook
ungodly clothing
choices, they also
threw aside any
sort of style.
__________________
_______________________
We Christians are
examples to the world.
We are not supposed
to conform to the ways
of this world.
_______________________