Modesty:
The word is defined as a mode of dress and deportment
intended not to encourage sexual attraction in others. It is freedom
from vanity, regard for decency, an attitude of humility in behavior,
speech, dress, and in life. It is unpretentious, sexual reserve, and
simplicity. Modesty is important for many reasons. It shows character,
it effects how others respond to you, it distinguishes you from others,
and can contribute to keeping you in good health.
It also shows who you worship and who you serve. Modesty is shown to be
one of the character traits that marks God's people. It is akin to
discretion, purity, and self control, it is a state of mind or
disposition. It reflects the heart, who you are as a person on the
inside. In 1st Corinthians 8: 9-13 we as people are told not to be a
stumbling block to others. We are our the keepers of our brothers, (and
sisters). Modesty is often discussed only when it pertains to females,
but men and boys can be modest as well. They should also keep themselves
covered, and their pants pulled up, wearing nothing too tight or loose.
When you are deciding what to wear are you thinking about how to gain
the attention of others, causing them to lust or envy you, or are you
thinking about protecting people from such feelings? Are you thinking
about serving, helping, and loving others or are you trying to compete
and prove that you are better than others? Do you genuinely respect and
care for yourself, or are you putting on fake confidence and need the
approval of others to make you feel good? Are you wearing certain
clothing to keep up with fashions and fit in with the majority, or are
you taking a stand, and finding comfort within who you are as a person
outside of what you wear? Your wardrobe is an outward statement of your
personal and private beliefs or motivations.
Clothing that emphasizes cleavage, is too tight or short, shows too
much skin, or too much leg is immodest. Society encourages us to "let it
all hang out", "express ourselves", and be sexy, however this does
effect how we are perceived. The word sexy comes from the word sex,
which is what you advertise with certain pieces of clothing. Many women
find fault with a man for lusting, but it is our job to help them
maintain self control. This also helps keep us from worldly dangers,
such as abuse, rape, and violent slurs spoken against us. For those of
you who are married, you must remember that your bodies are not your
own. Respect what belongs to your husband, or future husband if you are
not yet married. 1st peter 3-4 says: "Whose adorning let it not be that
outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold,or of
putting on of apparel;But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that
which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
which is in the sight of God of great price". You should also be an
example to the children. People seem to take you seriously, show more
respect, and are more willing to help you when you take care of
yourself.
What about Health?
Modest
dress promotes good health. We have been taught to believe that less
clothing aids in keeping us cool, however,the opposite is actually true.
Keeping your limbs and skin covered regulates blood flow, and protects
from the sun. Regular circulation allows your body to be at a balance
all the way through and keep you from overheating, headaches, colds, and
other forms of sickness. Skirts, dresses and other modest well fitting
clothes allow enough room for air flow as a cooling agent, and sweat
which helps keep the body cool also works well. Depending on where you
live it can get very windy and extremely cold, but it doesn't mean that
you cant stay warm and cozy while remaining modest in your long skirts
and dresses. During these harsh months some of the items that you can
use are leggings, leg warmers, tights, or stockings, socks, thermals and
tall boots. There are many different types of these materials, and a
variety of choices. What about belts, corsets, or shoes, like heels? Do
these effect our health? The answer is yes. Tight belts, and corsets
don't allow the muscles to freely move, can effect bowel movements, and
cause pressure within the lungs, making it hard to breathe. These things
also hinder digestion. your choice of shoes also draw attention,
changing the way you walk and can be hazardous to your health. Multiple
studies have proven this fact. Heels contribute to negative effects on
the muscles, tendons, back, knees, bones, and posture. Heels can be
painful as well, and yet we feed into the whole beauty is pain idea, and
displease God, who does not want us to put ourselves through pain. Some
of the studies articles, and books have been compiled by the American
Osteopathic Association, the Huffington Post, the New York Times,
Business Insider, and Shape. Some people make the argument that finding
modest clothing can be a hassle, however, respectable clothing can be
found at thrift stores for really cheap, even at just 2 dollars
sometimes.
The Meaning of Nakedness
Marriage
is the one relationship where we can stand before God, and ourselves
and be naked and unashamed. While there are a few exceptions, nakedness
in the bible often suggests weakness, need, and humiliation (Deuteronomy
28:48, Job 1:21, and Isaiah 58:7). in Genesis, our first parents, Adam
and Eve were originally clothed with light. After they disobeyed God,
they realized their nakedness, and tried to clothe themselves. This was
the first experience of guilt expressed.God considered their nakedness
to be a shame.Their clothing, or the way we sometimes think to cloth
ourselves wasn't sufficient. They had to be re-clothed according to His
standards. The clothes He made were warm and strong, but also coarse,
and very plain. When we show our nakedness, we are saying that we don't
mind being shameful. We constantly remind God of our sin.
Priced Far Above Rubies
We
are told in 1st Corinthians that our bodies are the temples of the Holy
Ghost. God needs a clean place to dwell Proverbs 31 describes a
virtuous woman, and says her price is far above rubies. We are God's
treasures, and he wants us to honor, and protect ourselves. We cover
other things that we find precious; a car in a garage, jewelry in a box,
clothes in garment protectors, money in a bank, sage, or purse, and the
same should be for our bodies when we realize how valuable we are to
him. We should have restraint for he purpose of exalting God, and not
ourselves.We can still be cute, look attractive, smile sweetly, and
dress modestly.
