Modesty...this subject can and has causes many conflicts. I know that everyone that reads my blog may not have the same views as I do concerning this, but I read an article this morning on ninetyandnine.com that pointed out some interesting things. And I thought I would add my two-cents worth in on the subject.
In 1 Timothy 2:9, the Apostle Paul wrote, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness". I know I have wrote articles on this subject before, but I think it bears repeating. The fashion magazine are sporting styles that are short, tight and revealing. And more often than it should, those styles can seep into the church. I think that some do not realize the effect those styles have on others in the church, especially the men. It is a known fact that men are more visual than emotional. Women are emotional and tend to want dress in a way that makes them look and feel good. But, as women, we need to remember to dress modestly with shamefacedness. Shamefacedness has to do with purity. The commentary from the Life in the Spirit Bible says, "(1) Modesty involves dressing in such a way as not to draw attention to the body or to cross the boundaries of proper reserve. The source of modesty is one's heart of inner character; i.e., modesty is the outward manifestation of an inward purity. (2) Dressing is such a way as to stimulate impure thoughts or desires in others is a s wrong as the lust it provokes. No activity or circumstance justifies the wearing of immodest attire that would expose the body in such a way as to stimulate lust in someone else. (3)...In a day of sexual permissiveness, the church should act and dress differently from a corrupt society that throws aside and ridicules the Spirit's desire for modest, purity and godly restraint."
I have heard the excuse that you cannot find clothes that are both modest and classy. But, I have done a Google search on 'modest apparel'. I know some sites have styles that are a little more plain than others. But there are sites that have clothing that are classy and modest.
I was raised an Apostolic Pentecostal, so I have heard modesty preached all my life. Growing up in North Dakota, I remember Brother Walters preaching modesty often. One thing that has stuck with me was his view on slits in skirts. He used to say, "Sew it up, pin it up or hang it up". I was raised that the standards of holiness and modest attire were there to protect you. And as I look around the world today, I believe it now more than ever. The Entertainment world pushes for women to freely express themselves in their clothing choices. But those choices can leave them prey to sexual predators.
I am thankful for the Word of God and the guidelines it lays out for women to dress modestly with purity in mind. Also, I am thankful that my husband feels as strongly about this subject as I do. I have used the Kingdom Kids Series books by Ruth Harvey to teach my kids. The books take the scriptures on issues like modesty and lays it out on a kids level for them to understand. They are very helpful. You know, the Word of God says to train up a child in the way he/she should go. I would much rather my children learn the Word of God and hide it in their hearts now than for them to struggle with Biblical principles later on down the road.
But, for now, I will step down from my soapbox and got about my daily routine here at home...homeschooling, laundry, cleaning, etc. I hope each and every one of you have a blessed "GOD" day!
In 1 Timothy 2:9, the Apostle Paul wrote, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness". I know I have wrote articles on this subject before, but I think it bears repeating. The fashion magazine are sporting styles that are short, tight and revealing. And more often than it should, those styles can seep into the church. I think that some do not realize the effect those styles have on others in the church, especially the men. It is a known fact that men are more visual than emotional. Women are emotional and tend to want dress in a way that makes them look and feel good. But, as women, we need to remember to dress modestly with shamefacedness. Shamefacedness has to do with purity. The commentary from the Life in the Spirit Bible says, "(1) Modesty involves dressing in such a way as not to draw attention to the body or to cross the boundaries of proper reserve. The source of modesty is one's heart of inner character; i.e., modesty is the outward manifestation of an inward purity. (2) Dressing is such a way as to stimulate impure thoughts or desires in others is a s wrong as the lust it provokes. No activity or circumstance justifies the wearing of immodest attire that would expose the body in such a way as to stimulate lust in someone else. (3)...In a day of sexual permissiveness, the church should act and dress differently from a corrupt society that throws aside and ridicules the Spirit's desire for modest, purity and godly restraint."
I have heard the excuse that you cannot find clothes that are both modest and classy. But, I have done a Google search on 'modest apparel'. I know some sites have styles that are a little more plain than others. But there are sites that have clothing that are classy and modest.
I was raised an Apostolic Pentecostal, so I have heard modesty preached all my life. Growing up in North Dakota, I remember Brother Walters preaching modesty often. One thing that has stuck with me was his view on slits in skirts. He used to say, "Sew it up, pin it up or hang it up". I was raised that the standards of holiness and modest attire were there to protect you. And as I look around the world today, I believe it now more than ever. The Entertainment world pushes for women to freely express themselves in their clothing choices. But those choices can leave them prey to sexual predators.
I am thankful for the Word of God and the guidelines it lays out for women to dress modestly with purity in mind. Also, I am thankful that my husband feels as strongly about this subject as I do. I have used the Kingdom Kids Series books by Ruth Harvey to teach my kids. The books take the scriptures on issues like modesty and lays it out on a kids level for them to understand. They are very helpful. You know, the Word of God says to train up a child in the way he/she should go. I would much rather my children learn the Word of God and hide it in their hearts now than for them to struggle with Biblical principles later on down the road.
But, for now, I will step down from my soapbox and got about my daily routine here at home...homeschooling, laundry, cleaning, etc. I hope each and every one of you have a blessed "GOD" day!
1 comment:
I know what Rebekah means about modesty. I also grew up in an Apostolic Pentecostal home and dealt with the issue of modesty. It is so good to see someone making a stand for holiness and modesty on our Internet with everything else out there. Why do people think that "modesty" equates to "plain" or "ugly"? Modesty, simply put, is dressing and acting differently than our world, and dressing in such a way as to leave those things that cause impure thoughts and actions to the imagination.
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