Modesty - What is and What isn't?

Modesty has become a rather hot topic in the blog world. I have seen several blogs that address the topic, and a couple of blogs that ran a series on it. The confusing part is that each person has their own definition of what is modest and what isn't. So how do we know?

Well, like many other bloggers, I have my own definition of modesty. I am going to "stick my neck out" and let you know where I stand. You may or may not agree with me on certain aspects, but I hope what you read here will give you something to think about, and that you will be open to what standard God places on your heart. I am not posting this to start a debate, or to offend anyone, just stating where I stand - where I have stood for years.

First off, the most important fact about modesty, is that it must come from the heart. If you click the modesty label, you will see that I have spent several posts on this. If you are modest because that is the way people want you to dress, whether it be your parents or your church rules or the crowd you hang out with, your standards may be subject to change. Our standards on anything should be convictions based on God's Word. While you are young, study and ask those in authority or those you trust, to help you learn how to be modest. The important thing is to pray for God to reveal His standard. Those of us that are older, should really do the same thing! There is always room for more learning.

So here are some of my basic guidelines for modesty:

1. Modesty for all
Biblical Principal: In Genesis 3, we read the story of the fall and the entrance of sin to mankind. As a result of sin, man realized that he was immodest. He made an attempt at modesty, but his attempt wasn't good enough. Adam only made an apron, God made them garments or coats of skins.
Application: God's principals of modesty apply to both men and women. God's design of modesty is for the body to be covered. Man's definition of modesty isn't good enough. This is why it is important to ask God's help in setting your standard of modesty.2. The torso is to be covered
Biblical Principal: Back to Genesis 3. What does an apron cover? Not much. But the coat that God made for Adam and Eve can be defined as a tunic or long shirt-like garment. (reference) The same word for coat used in Gen. 3:21 is also used in Job 30:18.
Application: God commands that our torso be covered. This principal deals with the part of the body from the waist to the neckline. Though God's principal applies to both men and women, it is more difficult for women for obvious reasons, and thus it is important to women to take particular care in this area. Clothing that is to tight and shows the form is not concealing the torso and therefore can't be modest. Personally, to aid in covering my torso, I wear sleeves that are long enough so that when I raise my arms or move about, I am not uncovering my torso. A top that is too low is revealing the torso. If when you bend over your torso is uncovered, you need to consider adding another layer or wearing another top.

3. The thigh is to be covered
Biblical Principal: Exodus 28:42 The Old Testament priests were given standards of modesty. This verse tells of the breeches that they would wear that covered their "nakedness" - from the hips to the knees.
Application: God's principal of modesty is that our thighs should be covered. This doesn't just mean when we are standing in front of a bedroom or fitting room mirror. Modesty means in whatever position you are in - standing or sitting, running or walking.

4. Men dress as men, Women dress as women.
Biblical Principal: Deuteronomy 22:5 This verse states that men are to wear men's clothing and women to wear women's clothing.
Application: There is much debate over what consists of women's clothing. (Funny, everyone generally seems to agree on what is men's clothing.) Of course, this is defined by culture. Although cultures have their own styles of dress, there is always a difference in the styles worn by women and men. I have always lived in a western culture, as many of you have, I'm sure. In our culture, you don't have to go far to figure out what defines women's clothing. As a woman, I am going to pick the public restroom with a dress on the door. It has only been in the past 60 to 70 years that women have chosen to wear pants publically as a norm. (I won't go into the history here, but pants did't used to be the norm for women.) Just because most women wear pants, doesn't mean I should dress any less femine to simply "fit in." This is why I choose to wear dresses and skirts for clothing. To me, it is just that straightforward.

The purpose of clothing is to conceal, not to draw attention to our body. Just like all other areas of life, we should choose to honor God in the way we dress. As a woman, I want to dress modestly to honor God, and also to respect my husband. I do not wish to be a stumbling block for others, or to draw undue attention to myself by dressing outlandishly or immodestly. I hope this post has been helpful for someone. If you don't agree with me, that is fine. I am not posting to condemn anyone, or to be controversial. This is something I have felt I needed to address for some time, and it has been a more difficult post to construct. My prayer is that it will lead you to ask God what His standard is for you.

Many blessings!

Charity
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For more information on Biblical Modesty, you may want to read the series of notes linked to on this website. The information shared there is written by Dr. Phillip Brown II, an instructor at God's Bible School and College.

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