Let's dive into a juicy topic that might ruffle some feathers—modesty! This blog is for all women, Christian or not.
I used to be the kind of woman who loved skin-tight outfits, flaunted cleavage I didn't even have, strutted around in super short skirts, and sometimes went braless (yes, in public!). Now, maybe you're not as extreme as that, but perhaps you love those curve-hugging dresses, or you wear those V-cut shirts. No biggie, right?
Well, for my Christian sisters out there, it is a big deal. Why? Because it's a big deal to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Himself. Let me give it to you straight from His word ‘I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God’ (1 Timothy 2:9-10). I’m not being legalistic here or trying to be judgey-mcjudgerson, and I know that 1 Timothy is specifically talking about how we are to conduct ourselves within the worshiping community (the church), but shouldn’t our entire life be a reflection of our worship of God?
Let’s be real though, it took some time for me to feel the tug in my heart about how I dressed, at first, I couldn't wrap my head around it. It wasn’t until I started soaking up the Word of God, and specifically what He says about how we are now His representatives/ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) that it hit me like a ton of bricks. We are also called to not be a “stumbling block” in our brother’s and sister’s way (Romans 14:13). Our choices in clothing can influence our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and potentially lead them astray or cause them to stumble. That's when I realized my wardrobe wasn't just about me; it carried a responsibility toward others.
But wait, this isn't just for Christian gals, if you’re not a Christian, listen up here as well.
Let's take a moment to ponder why we're drawn to those revealing outfits. Maybe it's the craving for attention, being a woman with ‘power’, the fear of losing your femininity , or just wanting to keep up with the fashion scene. Trust me, I get it!
But here's the truth, not all attention is good attention. Beyond the possibility of causing someone to stumble, when we wear revealing clothes, we are inviting creepy looks as well as inappropriate DMs or approaches from guys who only see us as objects for their personal pleasure. When it comes to feeling more powerful, It's time to question the notion that showing off our bodies somehow grants us power. Embracing modesty not only shields us from unwanted attention but also opens doors to greater respect and empowerment. Remember, true beauty lies in the way we carry ourselves and the qualities that define us, rather than the amount of skin we reveal. Let's break free from society's expectations and redefine what it means to be a confident and respected woman.
Now, my Christian sisters. If you're feeling combative about what’s being said here, let's take a closer look at where your identity lies. Is it in yourself, the world or is it in the Lord? If you claim to root your identity in Jesus but keep rocking those provocative clothes, you're actually hurting your heavenly Father by disregarding His commandments ‘Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body’ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
If you're feeling convicted about your clothing choices or just want to start your modesty journey, here are some suggestions:
For my curvy ladies, you don't have to change your body; just be mindful. If you've got a little extra in the back, rock a cute shirt that covers it without hugging it too tightly. You can still be fashionable and show off your style without revealing everything. If you have a little extra in front, you don’t need to wear a turtleneck but consider shirts and tops that aren’t V-cut. Look into cute dresses and skirts that are at about knee length, the ones that are classy, elegant and fashionably relevant. If you’re a gym goer and wear leggings, wear a longer t-shirt, or bring a sweater or long sleeve t-shirt to wrap around your waist. There are so many options, you don’t have to wear granny outfits (lol), you can keep it modest AND cute.
To wrap it all up, modesty is a relevant topic for all women. By dressing modestly, we avoid unnecessary attention, honor God, and show respect to ourselves and others. So let's embrace our inner beauty, rock our confidence, and make fashion choices that reflect our personal style while keeping it classy. It's time to unleash the beauty of modesty and let it shine!