Modesty.
That word is pretty loaded for us ladies. It makes you think of school dress codes, leggings, frumpy clothes, dressing room struggles, body image, and a host of other things. Modesty is a struggle sometimes. We grow up in our feminist culture believing that modesty was man's idea, and I do mean man. We've seen modesty used for religious pride and subjugation of women. But those negative uses of modesty are perversions of a good thing, not evidence of modesty being bad. I would submit to you that modesty is God's idea, and that he has good reasons for it.
Biblical Reasons for Modesty:
1. Modesty is a picture of the gospel.
In the garden of Eden, we know that man and woman were created without clothing. There was no shame in their nakedness (Gen. 2:25). But after they sinned, they became aware and self-conscious of their nakedness (Gen. 3:10). This newfound shame is a reflection of the true shame of guilt from sin and separation from our Holy God. But, in God's mercy, he killed an animal, shedding blood, to make a covering for them, to cover their shame, just like Jesus shed his blood to ultimately remove our shame (Gen. 3:21). When we cover our bodies, we are putting on display God's mercy in covering our sin in Christ.
2. Modesty shows the true beauty of humility.
Sometimes we can be immodest in genuine ignorance. But I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that we usually find immodesty appetizing because it will make us look better, sexier, en vogue, even more feminine. A little extra leg, cleavage, or curve-accentuating spandex and we feel beautiful.
The problem with that is that it makes you the center of attention, not just in some hypothetical person's mind but more importantly in your own heart. Trying to look hotter for the public or your crush or your ex-boyfriend exposes a heart issue of self-worship. Sister, we are called to God-worship. His glory is what matters, not ours. Modesty says, "I'm laying aside my glory and pride because His has preeminence." And that is true beauty.
"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
(Prov. 31:30, ESV)
"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
(1 Peter 3:4, ESV)
Try as we might, we cannot deny that our bodies are explicitly sexual in certain contexts. Consider lingerie ads: a woman's body is accentuated and highlighted with underwires, lace, and whatever else, all to market a look that will make a woman sexually pleasing. The Bible acknowledges the female form's sexual appeal also. Just read Song of Solomon and you quickly see it. So, this is not necessarily sinful, but the context matters.
Showing much of your form, even in non-sexual contexts, still runs the very real risk of becoming sexual. For both men and women, God has given us a desire for, shall we say, reproduction. He made the means of reproduction pleasurable; thus, we have an instinctive drive toward it. A view of our bodies can awaken that drive.
Your form is beautiful, graceful, fearfully and wonderfully made, and also designed to trigger love from your husband. It is not meant to elicit that kind of response from men who are not your husband. Understanding this, we can honor our future or current husband by reserving the most intimate exposure of our form for his eyes only.
4. Modesty helps guard your brothers' hearts and minds.
After reading #3, you know that our physical forms can (and often do) elicit lust from men. This has always been an opportunity for sin; it is not particular to our place, time, and culture. It is, however, a much more sensitive opportunity for sin now. With the rise of men, and even women, viewing and becoming addicted to pornography combined with the sexual media we see and hear everywhere we go, it's no wonder that sex is rarely far from the surface of men's thoughts.
This is equally true for our brothers in Christ. In a world that worships sexual liberty and bombards their senses with explicit content, with Satan crouching nearby with locked-and-loaded lies and temptations, not to mention their own fleshly desires, the cards can be very much stacked against our brothers. They are in an uphill fight to have pure thoughts and obey God. Sister, be in their corner. Help them fight the good fight. Don't add to their temptations when you have the power to avoid it.
5. Modesty helps keep you above reproach.
The Bible encourages and instructs us to not suggest even a hint of sexual immorality (Eph. 5:3). In order to be obedient to this, we have to ask ourselves, "What is my behavior or dress suggesting?" Based on the previous points, we can see that overly revealing clothes are legitimately suggestive of sexual immorality. Even if you know that your secret conduct is totally pure, it still matters what your presentation of yourself suggests. When you embrace modesty, it leaves no room for suspicion or accusation regarding your character. And that is a good thing.
6. Modesty represents Jesus well.
You are an ambassador for Christ, and with that comes certain responsibilities. For example: When I interned in a public school during my undergrad, I was an ambassador for Auburn University. As such, I had to cover my otherwise visible tattoos and dress professionally. I submitted to this because Auburn, as the organization sending and backing me as an intern, had the right care how I represented them. This is even more true for Christ our King, who you represent.
Non-Christians are watching us. When our dress and conduct are a misrepresentation of the truth of Scripture and the gospel and who God is, then those things are reviled by outsiders. There is a lot more to this than mere modesty, but modesty is part of it. As a representative of Christ, are you dressing in a way that shows you share His values?
7. Modesty is obedience that honors the Lord.
I'm not 100% sure on this, but I'm willing to guess this is the bottom line on this issue. We've explored the biblical heart behind modesty and the benefits of it, but what it comes down to is obedience vs. disobedience. Please don't read "legalism" here! I am not saying that you have to earn God's favor or supplement Christ's work with your own. But when you are trusting Christ for your hope, righteousness, and guilt-removal, it will result in obedience. This honors the Lord! It is an expression of love for him, trust in his wisdom, sharing his values, and submission to his authority. Rather than look at this is another "rule" you have to follow, I would encourage you to celebrate modesty as another area you can joyfully honor your Savior.
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