Modesty
Copied from original author Haley B. But it explains perfectly why I choose to dress modestly. #modesty #jesusfollower #summerbod #Lemon8 #modestchristian
I hate this question. I don’t hate it because of the curiosity that encourages it, but because of the implication it carries.
I do not HAVE to wear a skirt, I choose to wear a skirt.
Now that we have that straightened out I will answer this question instead, Why do I choose to wear a skirt?
I guess I’ll start with the easy stuff first. In Deuteronomy 22:5 the Bible says, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.”
Pants are, and originally were men’s clothing. Now before you jump on me saying,”Well in Bible times they all wore robes/dresses” men’s and women’s robes were distinguished by color, so even from a distance men could be told apart from women. If you’re thinking,
“These are obviously women’s pants, they’re cut to fit a woman’s body” then go ahead and keep reading because there’s a section on modesty for you down below.
Second, 1 Corinthians 8:9 says ”But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
We’re about to get pretty in depth with this and it might come as a shock to some of you, but... men are attracted to women. God intended men to be attracted to women and women to be attracted to men.
If your pants are so tight that I (along with everyone else) can see the shape of everything between your thighs, you could potentially be causing someone to stumble. Again, before you jump on me, I’m not talking about abusers or rapists. A rapist is a rapist no matter what clothing you’re wearing.
I’m talking about the men you go to church with, the men you work with, the men you walk by in town. They can’t help being attracted to women and if you’re dressing in a way that makes a man that’s not your husband lust after you it’s wrong. Period. There are some things that only your husband should see. The same is true in reverse. Men shouldn’t be running around in jeans so tight that their future children are in danger. Or showing their whole bodies to women they aren’t married to. When your heart is right with God your focus will change from attracting people to you, to attracting people to Him.
Third, and this one has been thrown around a lot lately, modesty. I keep hearing people say that modesty isn’t about what you wear it’s about how you act, but that’s not entirely true. Modesty: behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency.
When someone says to you ”You’re just being modest” that person is saying that you’re not “announcing” the good qualities about yourself that they are bragging on you about.
Same principle applies to clothing. That’s why we use the same word to describe dressing in a way that doesn’t “announce” your body.
Just as it’s good to be modest and not tell everyone your best personality traits, behaviors, or accomplishments it’s good to be modest and not show everyone every detail of your body. Even if it’s your best “accomplishment”. 1 Timothy 2:9 says “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”.
Last, but certainly not least I choose to wear a skirt because I have a relationship with God. That relationship makes me want to glorify Him. In my dress, in my behavior, in all my ways. I want to be able to walk through a crowd of people and, without even speaking, those people know that I’m different. I want them to know that I’m not like this world, to know that I’m God’s child because this world is not my home and impressing the people of this world with “me” is not on my agenda.
HaleyB
*edit: I am completely blown away by the response this post has received! I’m still getting comments and shares! Thank you so much for the love and support! -HaleyB
Modesty is a concept that transcends clothing choices, centering on one's beliefs and relations with God. Many individuals see modest dress as a testimony of their faith and values, promoting a sense of dignity and respect. In today's world, where fashion trends often lead to provocative styles, the decision to wear modest clothing can serve as a countercultural stance, one that emphasizes inner beauty over external allure. Historically, outfits like skirts have been elements of femininity across various cultures, often linked with nurturing character traits and virtue. This relationship between attire and identity creates a powerful narrative where clothing becomes a means of expressing devotion and commitment to one’s beliefs. Furthermore, choosing modest fashion can garner conversations about faith and the intent behind one's clothing choices, potentially inviting curiosity and deeper discussions about spirituality. In the realm of Christian teachings, modesty is often discussed in terms of moral conduct, signaling that how one dresses can embody the principles of humility and restraint taught in scriptures. As fashion continually evolves, it is crucial for individuals interested in modesty to find styles that reflect both their values and aesthetic preferences while remaining aligned with their faith. Embracing modesty, therefore, isn't merely about adhering to a set of rules but championing a lifestyle that advocates for respect, dignity, and a personal connection to God.
