Modesty is a good thing!

Introduction

My encouragement through this article might be a bit odd since the Lord has recently been changing my heart on this matter. This topic is known to be controversial and some even define it as a sensitive subject.  My hope is that this brings forth a pressing question to your mind for why modesty is crucial, but in today's society taught otherwise. 

I believe as women, we have been taught some fundamentals on how to be lady-like at some point or another in our lifetime, typically at a younger age. We were taught to sit a certain way, look a certain way, and even act a certain way. Why were we taught this?  Why does it matter?  And why do we have the tendency to rebel against this way of life? 

Society’s  view of modesty;

I’ve had the blessing to grow up in a christain household, it's something I tend to take for granted most days. There's something to be said about growing up with morals and standards that shape a person into whom they were created to be. I came from a conservative family but lived in the inner city of Akron. Needless to say, those were polar opposites from one another. Along with being conservative, my family was heavily involved in a small baptist church. For the longest time, I resented the fact I was told to behave a certain way at church. When I went home I threw those morals right out the window. It made no sense to me, the rules, lectures, and so forth...

I never wanted to look like a trash bag with all of the clothing I wore. Jeans were fine but on church days, I was in dresses and skirts. I wasn't allowed to wear short shorts, not even tube tops! My parents must hate me, with the rules they set. 

I would look in the mirror thinking there must be something wrong with my body because no one wants to see it. Why couldn't I be normal, and with normal parents? 

It wasn't until later in life that I was grateful that my parents weren't so ‘’normal’. 

In Church, I'd hear many scriptures that were quite clear in what a woman of God should be like, and perhaps look like. I remained to fight back on this. 

My perception of this was all wrong. I was bitter at my parents and bitter at God. All I wanted to do was to have some freedom in this area. God was my focus, yes, but my inner ulterior motive behind this wasn't so godly. I wanted to be known but known by the way I looked. I believe this is how our world today would respond. 

The world which we live in as believers but shouldn't get comfy in has a poor view of many things including, femininity.  

Little did I know that I was wrestling with my own fleshly desires, to occupy my lust. I needed to repent. I needed to change my attitude. I needed a different perspective. 

The church's view of modesty;

Now maybe you can relate to this, or maybe you just find the story interesting. I've come to realize the church and more so the Bible has much to say on this topic. 

Feminism back then was a beautiful way of life for women. They knew the power that God created them to have, and they understood the role that He set before them. They were strong, raising children and being a helpmate to their husbands. They went about their day with feminine energy (if you will). Men respected that and encouraged further knowing that was a specific calling.  It was a different culture than what we have now. 

Keeping this perspective in mind,  here are some verses to ponder; 

~1 Timothy 2:9, Proverbs 7:9-10, Isaiah 3:16-19, Mark 7:21-23, 1 Peter 3;3-4, Galatians 5;13, Proverbs 31:30, Proverbs 11:22, 

There are many other verses pertaining to modesty so I'd encourage you to dig deeper! 

Some Christian churches have a standard when it comes to apparel, based upon the bible. Over the years I believe leaders and teachers have forgotten to teach the ‘’why’’ on such matters. You can see how it has become centered around an ideology of rules and man-based thinking rather than the importance of self-respect. { 1 Samuel 16:7 }

There's a balance to the physical aspect of it all, which we have now gone over. Self-respect in who God created you to be is something we toss around like the game of hot potato and that ought not to be. 

If you were a king's daughter would you dress like a prostitute? Would you carry yourself as if you were the servant? My hope is that you answered these questions with a firm “no.”

There is so much to be said on this topic, so, if you like this one…I will give it another go (;

Here are some quotes relating to modesty/femininity;

“Femininity is a combination of both sexuality and reticence, a reticence to entice. Knowing you are a sexual being while guarding it closely until the proper time, which the gift of  marriage.” -Nancy Wilson 

‘’Women, modesty means you have beauty and power. And you use that to teach men how to love you for the right reasons.” - Jason Evert 

“Modesty isn't about hiding ourselves – it's about revealing our dignity.” - Jessica Rey

“Do you want to look like the New Jerusalem, or like the Whore of Babylon?” - Nancy Wilson