Today I wanted to talk about how my youth girls dress. These days, the word "modesty" is foreign or used in a negative way. We tend to think those who are modest are old, outdated, and out of touch with reality, or even stuck up. But modesty is a virtue in the Bible because it means that a person is mature, pure in their motives, and has the character of Christ. So, what does the Bible say about how girls should dress? A lot. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 2:8-10 "“I desire…that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.“
1. Modesty isn't anti-pretty. Paul has nothing against make-up, ear rings, and accessories, but he is giving everyone, including guys, the principle and truth about modesty. It's about motive. It's not about whether a girl should or shouldn't adorn themselves, but how they do it. What is going on in your heart when you put that outfit on? Are you aware that it's too short, but that's what you are going for?
2. Modesty is about who you worship. When Paul was writing to the Christians in Ephesus he was speaking into a culture where people went to church dressed in expensive clothes and jewelry head to toe to show everyone how wealthy they were. In short, they made it all about themselves. Instead, Paul wanted Christians to dress modestly, dress in a way that doesn't attract attention to yourself, but to God! Do you seek attention, praise, and worship of self or God?
3. Modesty is about character and attitude, not just clothes. Paul said that women should adorn a lifestyle that pours out good works and that starts in the heart and attitude. Modest women tend to be concerned for others rather than the self. They seek to build up the body of Christ rather than tempt it and deter it. Women are not responsible for men who sin when they lust, but a modest woman, girl, dresses in a way that will help her brother in Christ not to stumble. Again, it's about love, edification, and accountability.
4. Modesty shows sensitivity to sin. We have become a culture where sex, sensuality, and seduction is no longer subtle or behind the scenes, but in our face everyday. We have become desensitized to sex and so we are no longer bashful when too much skin is showing, but we actually flaunt it! A modest woman of God is someone who understands that how she dresses can be a way to reclaim and restore her sensitivity to sensuality and sin.
I want to close by saying one more thing girls. What kind of man do you want to attract? A man that is lustful after your body or falls in love with your heart, your character, and purity? Please be aware of how short your dress/skirt or shorts are. Please be mindful of how low cut your shirt is. And lastly, know that you are beautiful because you are a daughter of God, not because you have guys drooling over you.
A message from your pastor and a father.
1. Modesty isn't anti-pretty. Paul has nothing against make-up, ear rings, and accessories, but he is giving everyone, including guys, the principle and truth about modesty. It's about motive. It's not about whether a girl should or shouldn't adorn themselves, but how they do it. What is going on in your heart when you put that outfit on? Are you aware that it's too short, but that's what you are going for?
2. Modesty is about who you worship. When Paul was writing to the Christians in Ephesus he was speaking into a culture where people went to church dressed in expensive clothes and jewelry head to toe to show everyone how wealthy they were. In short, they made it all about themselves. Instead, Paul wanted Christians to dress modestly, dress in a way that doesn't attract attention to yourself, but to God! Do you seek attention, praise, and worship of self or God?
3. Modesty is about character and attitude, not just clothes. Paul said that women should adorn a lifestyle that pours out good works and that starts in the heart and attitude. Modest women tend to be concerned for others rather than the self. They seek to build up the body of Christ rather than tempt it and deter it. Women are not responsible for men who sin when they lust, but a modest woman, girl, dresses in a way that will help her brother in Christ not to stumble. Again, it's about love, edification, and accountability.
4. Modesty shows sensitivity to sin. We have become a culture where sex, sensuality, and seduction is no longer subtle or behind the scenes, but in our face everyday. We have become desensitized to sex and so we are no longer bashful when too much skin is showing, but we actually flaunt it! A modest woman of God is someone who understands that how she dresses can be a way to reclaim and restore her sensitivity to sensuality and sin.
I want to close by saying one more thing girls. What kind of man do you want to attract? A man that is lustful after your body or falls in love with your heart, your character, and purity? Please be aware of how short your dress/skirt or shorts are. Please be mindful of how low cut your shirt is. And lastly, know that you are beautiful because you are a daughter of God, not because you have guys drooling over you.
A message from your pastor and a father.