You know, America used to be a nation that knew how to dress. Femininity was honored, and the difference between men and women appreciated. Today it is such a rare thing to see that, at times, it causes people to stop in silent awe! There have been a few occasions when I have been sitting in the car, outside of a store, just watching people go by. A lady, well dressed, feminine and modest, catches the attention of everyone. Men quietly watch her until she is out of view. I see the women watch her, struck dumb with a look of anger, jealousy, or wonder. Old men look, smile, and – I am sure – remember when. The reaction of the individuals is, in my opinion, very sad because it speaks to how far our society has fallen. Our culture is all twisted and tangled up now, as we sink deeper into the pit of depravity. One doesn’t have to look too closely to realize the purpose of God’s Word regarding the difference between clean and unclean, holy and unholy, male and female.
We live in a society that praises immodesty both inside and out. Being ladylike is virtually unheard of today as women are crude in their conversation and have no decorum in how they carry themselves. Individuals, skinny or plump, are encouraged to “show some skin.” Clothing is made to fit tighter and more revealing than ever. Our shallow, hedonistic, body worshipping society’s way of doing things can be seen more than ever in the church as hemlines creep up, necklines lower, and outfits for both women and men become more form fitting. I have seen men (including a preacher) and women in church with slacks so tight one could see the outline of their undergarments and dresses so snug the wearer’s form was easily distinguished – rumpled skin and all. We may try to excuse this away, but God’s people are not to fit in with the world’s way. We are to please God, fit in with His Word. Every aspect of a believer’s life is to be lived modestly.
I think believers should all agree that we are not to live life loose, wild and excessive; therefore, I would like to know why the issue of clothing seems to be so hard for today’s believers to understand. Why is it such an arduous thing for professing Christians to dress right?
I have heard the arguments such as God not being concerned with what we wear because He looks on the heart (Prov 21:2; Heb 4:13). I have even heard it said that 1 Timothy 2-9 was not talking about modesty in the sense of how much skin we do or do not show; he only meant for us not to be monetarily excessive in our manner of dress. Others argue that we are not responsible for what others think, feel or do in regards to how we dress (1 Pet 1:22;Rom 14:13;1 Cor 8:13; Matt 18:6-7); um, where have we heard that one before?! And of course, the biggest bone of contention, women in breeches, has received the biggest backlash – bringing forth attitudes that are cause for great concern. My question is, why all the variance?
I submit that, for the believer, argument should not be necessary when it comes to the subject of clothing. We know that we are not to be conformed to this world (Romans 12:1-2). We know that we are not to love the world or the things in it (1 John 2:15-17, James 4:4). We know that, as children of God, we are to live a life of obvious moderation in all things (Phil 4:5). We also know that we are to abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thess 5:22). This means some things we don’t do because of how it looks…we shouldn’t want to be associated with the wrong things; you know, don’t let your good be evil spoken of and all that.
I also submit that this is actually a heart issue (Prov 21:2; Jer 17:10; Heb 4:12; James 4:8). Though we profess to be Christians we have to choose to walk in newness of life. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to work, developing in us a concern for our fellowman and a heart that wants to represent Christ wherever we go. Only then will it become less about what we want and more about what pleases God (1 Cor 6:19-20). Less about a fear of being constrained and more about loving others enough not to trip them up with our so called liberty – even if it means I don’t get to wear the skin tight leggings and T-shirt to choir rehearsal (Phil 2:3; Rom 14:13; Gal 5:13; 1 Cor 8:9,13; Gal 5:16-26).
In addition to this, it is a relationship issue. Where are we in our relationship with God (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:1-2)? Are the things of this world more important than His will? I grew up in the Holiness church and I have witnessed some disturbing attitudes in regards to what we wear. I have heard some say, with certain haughtiness, “Yes I wear it, and I’m STILL saved.” I believe that more important than any particular garment is the attitude and motive behind what we do (Prov 21:2; Gal 1:10), our readiness to obey God, and whether or not we truly have love in our heart for others.
Is our relationship with God true? If He asked us to wear a flour sack dress, no jewelry, only one pair of flats, and a plain hairdo everyday for the next month, would we do it? Would we do it without griping? Or is our will more important than God’s? Is our relationship with God true, or do we have a relationship with a god of our own making? Our answer is so important.
God has always wanted there to be a difference between those who are His and those who are satan’s. In addition to the way we carry ourselves and how we treat others, this difference has to do with our outer appearance – whether we like it or not. Because the church has, for the most part, explained away modesty and relaxed the standards (mainly to appease parishioners) many professing Christians care not for moderation in anything, including appearance. So the church now allows the world to dictate their style and other life choices; however, instead of “bringing sexy back,” believers need to be bringing gentlemanly and ladylike back!
I believe we have a God given desire to look nice, and I realize the influences of the world are indeed strong. I also understand that we don’t want to look like we just hopped out of a time machine from the past. Although every era has its form of immodest dress, we need not return to 19th century for clothing choices or to the apparel of the Bible days in order to be on point. If we keep a few things in mind when choosing what to wear and how we behave, we can please God, look great, encourage fellow believers, be a much needed example in our communities and maintain modesty all at the same time.
I hope you will join me over the next few weeks for a new series entitled “Modest Mondays.”
Until next time,
Juanita Deloris
There are very specific standards for modesty. I don’t know exactly how they were developed, but the authority is the highest. Look up the Mary-like Modesty Standard.
The problem with modesty is that there has almost certainly (I have read this.) been a conspiratorial program towards increasing immodesty.
There are two parts to this. One was simply a matter of convincing people that it is no big deal. This wasn’t very difficult because the effects of immodesty are typically hidden (e.g. “bodily changes”) or are difficult to discover. I believe that immodesty activates in men (e.g. like myself) the desire to pursue women for immoral purposes. I know that research has found that a woman with concealing clothes is considered more of a marriage prospect by men. This particular bit of research has probably not been considered by legislators.
The other reason why it wasn’t difficult to convince others is that people were purposefully “taught” errors regarding the morality of dress. It was murderer Cain who was the first to say that he wasn’t his brother’s keeper. The fact is that any purposeful consent to carnal pleasure associated with the reproductive functions of one’s body outside of marriage amounts to a sin which merits HELL. That and the fact that in this respect one can’t control one’s own body is the reason why modesty is so important.
The second part was to convince clothing manufacturers to create immodest clothing and to increasingly “push the envelope.” I don’t know exactly how this was done, but the process was demonically subtle and gradual. Partly it wasn’t difficult to do this because the standard that I have mentioned above doesn’t appear to have been widely publicized. This was probably purposeful.
I see what you’re saying but how about the new era and women empowerment and equality? Some women feel empowered by modesty, while others feel more empowered freeing their nipple. Who’s to say one is the right one?
Hello Rosy,
Thanks so much for taking time to read the post and share your thoughts; I appreciate it. In answer to your question, there are some things we must consider.
God has given every individual the right to choose which way he/she will go, and I do not withhold anyone’s right to their own opinion; however, true followers of Christ cannot live by the tenets of the “new era,” which I submit is not really new if we take a look back in history. One must be careful with buzz words constantly repeated throughout the media. The world makes self-empowerment sound real good, but do we ever wonder why it’s usually empowerment to strengthen the flesh and lose one’s inhibitions? Empowerment to “do you” stems from a post-modernistic view that says truth is relative, there are no absolutes, “it’s your thang do what you want to do;” if you want to walk down the street naked no one has the right to stop you; you are empowered.
Followers of The Way live by the Word of God which lets us know to deny ungodliness and worldly desires (Tit 2:12). It also explains that strengthening the flesh is not a good thing – a truth clearly evident in our society today. True believers do not live for the rush of excitement from rebellious deeds. We are also careful not to allow the way of the world, this “new era,” to dictate our views and beliefs; therefore, modesty, for the true follower of Christ, is not a matter of choice. Modesty is about obedience to God, not letting our flesh rule, having respect for ourselves and others, etc. It is not about self-empowerment.
Gal 5:19-21,24
Col 3:5
Gal 2:20
Eph 4:22-24
Tit 2:11-12
Eph 2:2-3
Romans 12:1-2
1 John 2:15-17
Romans 8:7
1 Cor 6:19-20
Thanks again for commenting.
God bless you!
It’s so hard to teach modesty when trends show differently but it’s soo important to value yourself enough to be modest in your dress and actions. I’m in awe how often a fine dressed man or woman are truly stunning… in modest clothing. It’s wonderful!
Hello Rebecca!
Your comment took my mind back to when I was a kid. I am 44 years old, but I remember when what we were taught at home was reinforced at school and at church. Today, sadly, it is not that way. It makes it harder to raise sons and daughters that understand the importance of a life of modesty when so many influences around them (including in church) teach differently. Believers, however, must prayerfully forge ahead.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
God bless you.
Very well said. It’s sad that modesty is no longer the norm. I love the point that you made about how we are called to be different. I think that’s a great place to start when trying to help someone understand its importance.
Hello Lindsay,
Thanks for reading the post and sharing your thoughts.
I agree with you; it is sad that modesty is not the norm these days. I also think it is sad now many proessing believers don’t understand that we are to be different from the world. The push these days is to embrace the world, but we cannot have our cake and eat it too. God said put a difference, and that’s what we must do. If we get that understanding then things like modesty won’t be hard to grasp.
God bless you!
Thank you for writing on this topic. It’s a strong personal one for me as well, coming from one who used to dress immodestly.
I agree that many women especially are compromising the modesty level. I will often see skin tight dresses at church. I do notice a modestly covered woman and have come to appreciate it. It’s an area of personal growth for myself. When you allow the Holy Spirit to change you in this area, it’s so freeing.
Hello Alicia,
Thank you for reading the post and sharing your thoughts.
I too have noticed the way individuals dress at church. It is evidence of church folk embracing the world, which is sad. It is important to allow God free rein in our lives, He can bring about lasting change for the better when we let Him. Tit 2:11-12
God bless you!
It seems that nowadays people don’t understand the point of modesty. You’re told to just look away if you don’t like what you see. It’s a hard concept to explain. 🙁 I love watching old movies and shows like Mad Man just to see how classy everyone looked!
Hello Laura! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I am not sure if people don’t understand modesty or if its that they no longer have modest hearts. I am more inclined to believe the latter. Sad human condition we are witnessing these days. I too love classic movies. Everyone was so elegant, so manly an ladylike. I tend to prefer the style of the 30s, 40s, and 50s as well because of the femininity of the fashion from those eras. I could talk about this all day long 🙂 Thanks again for taking time to read this week’s blog.
Blessings to you!