Friday, June 24, 2011

Biblical Modesty for the Christian Woman

First we must ask, why do we need to be modest? The answer should always come back, because it is pleasing to the Lord. Not causing men to lust is secondary. We must always do everything through the filter of pleasing the Lord. He bought us, we are not our own. So when you put on any clothes you look into the mirror and ask "Is this representative of the Gospel?", "If Jesus were standing right here next to me, would he be please with what I put on?" Personal preferences are wonderful they express how God made us individuals but never to the expense of representing Christ. If you are flashy and bold and demand attention when you walk into a room does that go along with this verse:

1Ti 2:9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,
1Ti 2:10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works.
1Ti 2:11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.

So what should biblical modesty look like? Some would like to place a bunch of rules on you, like no pants, no make up etc. I think it all is about the heart to begin with, ask the Lord to give you insight and wisdom, place your own likes aside if they tug at your conscience. There are some simple guidelines of course, like you clothes should not fit in such a way that everyone who sees you knows every curve of your body. That is reserved for your husband. Don't wear plunging necklines or short skirts, while I stressed at the beginning our primary focus is our Lord, we must still consider our brothers. I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all approach. Seek the Lord, desire to please Him above EVERYTHING, and you will begin to notice what needs to be changed.

In my personal experience, as I read the scripture and studied what was fitting for a modest godly woman, I discovered I was more concerned about what I thought looked cute and flattering than pleasing to the Lord, so I made some changes, I try to be feminine yet chaste in how I present myself.

So study scripture, listen to wise older women, listen to your husband, he knows what is too attractive and he is your leader.

1Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

5 comments:

  1. Thank you. This was a beautiful comment. I like it that you did not make it to be all rules and legalism but about the heart, finally our heart and our treasure must be in the same place. Do we know each other, yet?

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  2. Excellent. First and foremost is to glorify God. If we have a heart that is alive to Christ because He has saved us, we are able to apply the gospel and modesty begins at the heart.

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  3. Thank you both for your kind words

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  4. Love to see you took me up on my words and created this blog. It surely is needed, especially for a woman like me who doesn't have a husband to consult. I tend to wear clothing that hides me, as I'm obese...but it doesn't stop at that.

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  5. Alondra, I was searching the internet for something to help a teach a young lady more about modesty and came across your site. Good on you, you have put the modesty issue beautifully.
    thank you for posting this.
    God bless you in your efforts.
    Nell

    ReplyDelete

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