The Truth About {Modesty}Part 1

(via Google)

     What is modesty? Most people would think of an old, cranky lady, wearing something of a burlap sack, and nit-picking every item of clothing that wasn't like hers. That is not modesty. Modesty is a way that we, as daughters of the most high God AND the spouse/future spouse of a wonderful gentleman, can attract attention away from our figures, and towards our awesome God!
   Immodest clothing is a problem with women, and especially teenagers. Low-cut shirts, skin-tight shirts, and see-through shirts are becoming more and more accepted by the average female. Even mature women continue to try to dress this way even with God’s dislike of
immodest clothes. Song of Solomon 8:4 says, “Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” When women wear a shirt that is too tight, or a skirt that is too short, they are arousing things in the men who see them that should still be sleeping. When something is cooking, and you take it out of the oven before the time it is supposed to, you can create a disaster! It will not be nearly as good as it would have been if you had left it in the oven or, “asleep,” until the right time.
     When a woman decides to wear immodest clothing, they are not only exposing themselves to EVERYONE in the world, they are also causing their brother in Christ to stumble. Of course, Christian men should have self-control, but as ladies, we can make it so difficult to maintain.  Imagine this scenario:
 You are on a diet, which you started less than a week ago; you really felt this diet would be a great thing for you. So far, you have done well, and you have not eaten anything except salad. Then your friend calls, “Want to go out to lunch?” You agree, and you suggest saladtopia. Your pal says that nothing is wrong with saladtopia, but he thinks it would be fun to go to McDonalds; since it had many choices including salad. You hesitantly agree, and the date is set. When you get to McDonalds, you quickly order a salad. As you sit down, your friend walks over to the table with a Big Mac, a large fry, a large sweet tea, and an apple pie. You sit twirling your salad pretending the slimy green leaves were French fries…it is not working. Your friend asks, “Wanna fry? I have plenty!” Just one, you think to yourself. Before you know it, you have consumed the entire box.
     As ladies, we have the ability to make or break a guy, and the above scenario shows us the degree of difficulty a guy can have when fighting the temptation of lust. So, what clothing is modest? While there is not a specific modesty code for everyone, the two basic guidelines I use are:

·         No skin-tight clothes. The best type of clothing is not to the point where you can see every curve. I tend to lean on the side of wearing small tents, but that is totally a matter of opinionJ.  The saying I have always heard is this, “Clothes should be fitted enough to show that you are a woman, but loose enough to show you are a lady.” If you aren’t sure, ask your brother or father if they think the shirt/skirt/pants/dress is too tight.

·         None of the three “B”s. You should not be showing the skin of your belly, bottom, or breasts. If any of these are showing, then the outfit is most likely{ In fact, really likely} immodest. 

No skirts above the knee, no shorts more than a couple of inches above the knee, no see through shirts, no undergarments showing, etc.

For more opinions on modesty, check out the modesty survey here.

    Modesty does not mean "unfashionable." There are  so many ways to remain modest, all the while remaining with fashionable clothing. While it may take more effort in a clothing store, it is possible! With today's accessory obsession, there are scarves, shoes and jewelry that add many dimensions to any outfit, and a smile adds more natural beauty to an outfit then any miniskirt ever could!
     In all, I hope that God reveals his standard of modesty to you as his perfect plan for our life.
Sincerely,
Libbi H.

Romans 12: 2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

 

For further reading, please check out:

Secret Keeper by Dannah Gresh

The Beauty of Modesty by David and Diane Vaughan

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris