by Sarah Jane Reeves
Have you ever heard someone say, “Well, looks aren’t that important? I’m interested in what is on the inside”? That sounds very noble, but deep down it really isn’t true. We do care what people look like, and we do judge people by their appearance, probably more often than we care to admit. Perhaps this isn’t fair, but it is very true. Someone’s appearance creates their first impression on you. But it works the other way around too. Your appearance creates a first impression on others.
The KJV translation of 1 Timothy 3:9 uses a not so popular word to describe a Christian lady’s appearance, the word is “modest”. Not only is this a not so popular word but it is also a not so popular idea. The word modest basically means “not excessive, arrogant or indecent.” In Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary he describes modesty as “the sweetest charm of female excellence.” There are two types of modesty: modesty of appearance and modesty of attitude. First let’s look at modesty of appearance.
Like Mr. Webster, most of us use the words modest or immodest when describing a female. The reason is because the female body is usually admired for its physical appearance and shape, whereas the male body is admired for its strength. That’s not my opinion, that’s just biology. So if biologically men pay closer attention to a lady’s body, than a lady would a man, it makes sense that a lady must pay extra special attention to how she presents herself, so that she does not become “indecent” in her appearance. Just the fact that you are female has placed you under a microscope. The “male microscope” is set to immediately notice two things: skin and curves. Remember, this isn’t sin, this is just biology, and men are made that way. Biology becomes sin, though, when a lady, knowingly manipulates her appearance and clothing so that she will GET more attention for her skin and curves!
Now, I’m sure there are ladies who have dressed a certain way for so long that it’s just their habit and they have no conscious motive of being immodest or being a distraction to men. However, if you have been unconsciously doing something wrong and then the Lord turns on the light for you and shows you Biblically how it’s wrong, then you have a Christian obligation to change.
So how do you change from immodest to modest in your appearance? Do I have to become Amish or something? No! Think about it! If the “male microscope” is set to skin and curves then the trick to modesty would be to cover the skin in loose enough clothing! Simple.
The not so simple side to modesty is modesty of attitude. This is more complicated because it’s about our character, not our clothing. Part of the definition of modesty is “not excessive or arrogant”. If modesty in appearance is about not drawing too much attention to our skin and curves, then modesty of attitude is about not drawing too much attention to any of our other qualities. Modesty does not seek to constantly be the center of attention. Modesty does not brag on its accomplishments. Modesty does not always have to be in charge.
People who lack this trait very rarely see it in themselves because they’ve learned to use other terms for their lack of character. Examine some of these code terms to check yourself for a lack of modesty:
“I’m just really outgoing” code for “I need to always be the center of attention”.
“I’m just really confident” code for “I’m the best at everything so sit and listen to me tell you all about it.”
“I’m just a natural born leader” code for “I have to be in charge or I’m not participating at all!”
Modesty of attitude is painful to correct, but not impossible. Sincerely ask the Lord if you have this flaw. If so, begin to consciously put yourself last in some things. Stop talking about yourself all the time. Try to have an entire conversation with a friend in which you don’t mention one thing about yourself, but keep the entire conversation focused on your friend and their day or their accomplishments or their troubles. Suggest for someone else to be in charge of things, ask others their opinions and this just listen. People with a lack of modesty of attitude also usually talk a lot. Just spend a day being quiet, listening to others and focusing on others.
I suppose when Noah Webster said, “Modesty is the sweetest charm of female perfection” he was imagining a lady with a combination of modesty of appearance and modesty of attitude. Her appearance is not a distraction to those around her and her attitude encourages and includes others. That would be a lovely lady indeed. Let us all strive to be such ladies
by Sarah Jane Reeves
Original article can be found at http://reevessarah40.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/why-modesty-matters/
Excellent article. Very well put!!!
Modesty is also in how one dresses. We manufacture modest swimwear and modest casualwear for women. http://www.MarSeaModest.com
Modesty is important I do believe. But I don’t think wearing a skirt at all times is important. You said being covered. That is key being covered. Does it really make a difference if you are covered in pants or a skirt? And I not talking about skinny jeans or hip-huggers. I am talking about nice dress slacks. How is wearing a pair of dress slacks immodest? Please tell me…
Charity,
After many years of hearing the defense that “it is okay for Christian women to wear dress slacks as long as they don’t wear skinny jeans”; it has been my observation that this argument is just an excuse to step on the slippery slope which eventually leads to the very jeans that it claims are not modest. If not with the actual women, then it happens with their teenage daughters. Just as marijuana has been labeled a ” gateway” drug for more narcotics addicton, this has been a “gateway” argument for blurring the gender issue and dropping any kind of clothing standards to embrace worldliness. I believe that the Bible is very clear about modesty AND “gender distinction” clothing between males and females. Why not draw the line at a higher, clearer standard of dress?
When women wear pants (any kind) it frames and shapes their bottoms, which men’s eyes and attention are naturally drawn to our bottom and a Christian man has to overt his eyes. There are some skirts that are also worn too tight in the same way, but wearing a Skirt in a modest way takes away the temptation for the eyes to go to the bottom.
Read Deuteronomy 22:5 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10….????