I struggle with how to start this blog post. I have been writing and deleting, writing and deleting for about 10 minutes now. So I am just going to come out and say it, regardless of how blunt it sounds.
There is an alarming number of Christian young ladies (and older ones at that) who are dressing immodestly, and in so doing they are showing little concern for their Christian brothers in their daily battle with lust.
There. I said it. I am not claiming to be the first one to say it either. Just listen to our Pastor’s sermon on Song of Solomon (about 18min in). I am just trying to be another voice speaking into the growing problem of sisters in Christ, either deliberately or naively, leading brothers in Christ astray!
There is nothing I can do about those outside the church. I fully expect for the cultural trend to move toward more immodest dress. The world will always act worldly. “You got it, flaunt it” will continue to be the mindset when it comes to woman’s fashion.
But I can encourage my sisters in Christ to consider their actions. This is no small issue. A large chunk of my time is spent with young men who are desperately seeking to walk in holiness and be used of God to make disciples of all nations. And in light of my time with them, and their openness to discuss their struggles/failures, I can assure you this is no small issue.
So, to help encourage/equip you College ladies in this area, I give you two things…
Number One. Know that the answer is not moralism (wear this/don’t wear this). A list of “acceptable” and “non-acceptable” pieces of clothing will not remedy the problem. That is because the problem is much deeper than that. The problem is rooted in sinful hearts and can only be overcome by the power of the Gospel. It is what CJ Maheney says, “Any biblical discussion of modesty begins by addressing the heart, not the hemline.” And that is exactly what Elyse Fitzpatrick said in “Gentle, Jesus, Meek and…Modest“. Read the excerpt below.
Hebrews 4:15 informs me that my Savior has been tempted in “every respect” as I have, yet without sin. Could this possibly mean that Jesus was tempted to immodesty but didn’t sin? Because we don’t usually think in these terms about Jesus, perhaps at this juncture it might be helpful for me to define what I mean by “modesty.” Christian modesty is simply a refusal to show off out of love for God and one’s neighbor. Jesus refused to show off His power. For instance, when tempted by Satan, He refused to show off His ability to turn stones into bread or cast Himself off a high tower (Matt 4:1f). When attacked by His accusers, He “opened not His mouth” (Isa 53:7). When facing the humiliation and excruciating pain of the cross, He refrained from appealing to His Father for legions of angels who were waiting to bring Him deliverance (Matt 26:53). Jesus didn’t show off His power or authority because He loved His neighbor, His bride. Jesus was modest because He loved the church.
Conversely, immodesty flows out of the heart of a show off. Maybe we’ve worked hard at the gym or purchased an expensive new pair of jeans. Maybe we want to prove how free we are to dress in any way we choose, no matter how scandalous. When we show-off we’re failing to love our brother (and sisters) who may be tempted to lust or covetousness or sinful imitation. Showing off is a fruit of pride and love of self. Immodesty demonstrates a cold unconcern for the church.
The beauty of the gospel, however, is that it informs us about who we are and what Jesus has already done. While it convicts us that we’re all unloving show-offs (in some way), it also assures us that we’ve been loved and that we no longer need to show off to get other people’s approval because (here’s the best news of all!) the record of our Modest Redeemer is ours! Our identity isn’t wrapped up in the approval or envy or lust of others. Our identity is found in Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Christ is our life. He loved us and refrained from showing off so that we could be His and freed from the need to prove that we’ve got a great body or wardrobe or … because we’ve been lavished with His love instead.
Number two. Nancy Leigh Demoss wrote an excellent article to help you ladies think through your wardrobe. You might be thinking this is too severe, or down right “homely”. But I trust as you continue to consider how to NOT show off out of love for God and one’s neighbor you will begin to realize the gravity of this situation and desire to embrace modesty in your dress.
• Is there writing (or picture) on my clothing that emphasizes private parts of my body?
• If someone were to look me, where would their eyes naturally go— to my face, eyes, hips, thighs, breasts, etc.?
• Where do I want men looking when I come into view?
• Is the fabric that I’m wearing too sheer?
• Could someone see through it to private parts of my body?
• Am I wearing tight, form-fitting clothes?
• Do my pants fit correctly?
• Are my pants too tight? Do they cling to the hips, thighs, etc.?
• Am I wearing anything provocative?
I am praying that you young ladies will be God-focused in your decisions on what to wear, not only as you come to worship with our faith family at Brook Hills, but also in your every day life. I hope that others will say of our young ladies that they were more concerned with showing off the goodness and greatness of God, rather than showing off themselves.
May you young ladies be content in the approval of God through faith in Christ!
