Modesty is
having a moderate estimate of one’s importance. Modesty is free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or showy extravagance. Modesty has regard for the decencies of behavior, speech or dress. Modesty and beauty
should go together. Modesty is also about behavior and self-perception. A lack
of it leaves the door wide open for worry and anxiety.
There
are Christian women who feel they must wear plain clothes to be modest. We
don’t find this anywhere in the Bible. The Proverbs 31 woman was dressed
beautifully in “fine linen and purple.” God was the first clothes designer. What
is His plan? He wants women to dress holy. God wants women to look glorious and
beautiful. He clothes His animal creation, trees, and flowers with splendor and
color. Aren’t women His most interesting and unique creation?
I
am troubled by the immodesty among God’s women today. It’s nearly impossible to
go into the doors of a church without confronting cleavage. Sometimes the
cleavage is bold, and in others it is border line. God’s people should never be
border line. Never compromise. James 4:4 clearly states that if we are friends
with the world we are an enemy of God. We should always lift the standard high.
“Women's modesty generally increases with their beauty.” (Friedrich
Nietzsche)
I
am saddened by many Christian women who publish pictures of themselves on
social media dressed immodestly. Other Christian women love to see fellow
saints showing themselves off, too. Do they have no godly standard at all, or
are they so conditioned to immodesty that they don’t even notice it? When we like
something on Facebook, we affirm that
we agree with it. I think we sometimes let
the graveness of modesty in attire outshine the importance of a modest
attitude.
I
am saddened by many Christian movies that bring a wonderful message of truth
and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and yet some of the actors are often dressed
immodestly. It makes a double standard. We each have a responsibility to keep
each other in line, don’t we? Women, dress for glory and beauty. This doesn’t
mean you can’t wear expensive clothes. You can make any piece of clothing
beautiful. Here are five ways for females to promote modesty in all areas of
their life:
1. Avoid vanity-“Charm can be deceptive and physical
beauty will not last, but a woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others.” (Proverbs 31:30, VOICE) Did you know that one of the
definitions for vain is “foolish”? Nobody wants to be labeled as a fool. So
don’t be conceited. Be graceful, show a sense of courage and its okay to have
confidence, but prove your humble roots. There’s nothing more beautiful than a
female who’s confident and strong within herself, and doesn’t need to prove it
to anybody.
2. Be humble-“You who are younger in the faith: do as your elders and leaders ask. All of you should
treat each other with humility, for as
it says in Proverbs, God opposes the proud but offers grace to the humble.” (1
Peter 5:5, VOICE) Being humble is one of the most important attributes of a Christian.
I read something recently that said “The quickest way to taint attractiveness
is with a bad attitude.” Let the Lord prove you before people. Being proud
within yourself only promotes arrogance.
3. Be teachable-“A person who turns from correction faces
poverty and shame, but one who regards constructive
criticism is well respected.”
(Proverbs 13:18, VOICE) Being teachable shows that you
don’t know it all and you don’t have it all figured out. It proves that you’re
willing to learn, you’re able to listen, and you respect the adviser.
4. Behave correctly-“And remind them of this: respect the rulers
and the courts. Obey them. Be ready to do what is good and honorable.”(Titus
3:1, VOICE) Rules are put in place for a reason and you’re there to obey them. They
aren’t meant to be broken- unless you’re talking about fashion. Being
a rule follower shows that you respect authority, and yourself. It shows that
you are responsible and a good person. You’re actions speak louder than your
words. Act like it matters, and prove that it matters.
5. Speak correctly-“Listen, open
your ears, harness your desire to speak, and don’t get worked up into a rage so
easily, my brothers and sisters.” (James 1:19, VOICE) As a young person, I learned
this the hard way. I was always ready to speak up, share my opinion, defend my
opinion, openly debate, even at the cost of losing my cool. What kind of
witness is that? I had to learn that sometimes, you just keep your mouth shut.
When someone always has an answer, or a comment, people begin to lose
confidence in the words that they speak. Whether they are right, or wrong,
their words hold no merit because they fall on non-listening ears. Let your
words be led by the God, and not so much yourself.
“Don’t allow modesty to
become a just rule of thumb, but allow Christ to use it to shape your life
through His leading. Use that teachable spirit to be humble to His direction.
Let modesty become a lifestyle not a standard.”
(Brooke)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 Ways to Promote Modesty, Other Than Your
Clothing” by Brooke
·
“7 Scripture Verses Your Daughter Needs to Hear
about Modesty” by Megs
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