Warm weather approaches!!!!!
I will be sorry to see the last of the snow melt and to have no more clear, frosty nights. There's something so cozy about Winter. Not to mention, it is a lot easier to find modest clothing when it's cold out!
In anticipation of the fast-approaching warm weather, Women By Design will be doing a few posts on modesty.
Probably nothing will be said that we all haven't heard before. Our desire is to simply bring to remembrance and reinforce Biblical principles you already know in fresh new ways.
So you're probably waiting for a list of 'don't wear this' and 'avoid this.' Well, the reason why conversations on modesty often quickly race toward the issue of clothing is because, well, clothing says a lot about a person. In other words, we can't see what is in a woman's heart, but we can see what is on her outside.
There are helpful guides, such as TFC's modesty handout and Sovereign Grace Ministries' modesty checklist. There are also good books, sermons, and lectures on the subject.
God grant us the grace and the sensitivity to detect any immodesty in our hearts, in our appearance, and in our manner. If there are no places left in our society where modesty is valued or practiced, let the church stand firm. We must "draw others to imitate [us] in good," as Richard Baxter says in his Christian Directory (Soli Deo Gloria Publications, pg. 393).
We have a responsibility toward the world--we must not ease their consciences' regarding their wickedness.
We ought to love our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord--not tempting our sisters to "envy and to imitate" and our brothers to "lust and wantonness." (Ibid.)
Most of all, we are to obey our heavenly Father, joyfully. The 'want to,' not the 'have to.' The "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16) kind of living.
There is the danger of outwardly complying, yet inwardly rebelling. There's that thinking, "I can't believe she's wearing that! I would never wear that!!!" Secretly, in your heart, you wish your mom would let you wear that fashion or you wish you were thinner so you could 'pull it off' or you desire the envy of women and the attention of men. God is not mocked; He is not fooled by outward appearances.
There is no limit to the grace God showers upon His children. We can strive for a truly modest spirit because our Father gives us the ability to do what He commands us to do. Has the Lord given you victory in this area? What means of grace did God provide you with to grow in modesty (people, resources, etc.)?
Monday, March 08, 2010
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5 comments:
From a man's point of view, the coming of Spring is always a time of greater temptation as women of the world dress to show their stuff. Many who dress scantily, do so thoughtlessly to be in "style", or to be like everyone else. Ladies of TFC, thanks for making our worship service a safe place for men. You dress modestly not only to obey god but to help your brothers. Thanks Robin for this timely reminder.
I'm excited as I read this blog and know that more is to come.
In the near future I need to address modesty to a group of women and the #1 thing the Lord God has placed on my mind and heart is to move beyond the "to-do" and the "do-not" list and address the heart.
I love this one phrase from your entry Robin:
"God grant us the grace and the sensitivity to detect any immodesty in our hearts, in our appearance, and in our manner."
Therein is the cruxt of it. Pursuing God and a desire for holiness will produce a heart deep sensitivity to want to honor God in appearance, mannerism, etc...
One thing you wrote that I tend to disagree with is the difficulty in finding modest clothes in summer. While there are more clothes on the racks with less fabric to them, there is always a plenty for a daughter of God to fashionably (or not), cover the physical frame she has been blessed with...be it large or small.
I've been a believer for a few decades now and it has never been the clothing that I needed to guard or wrestle with. For me, it was more often than not mannerisms and attitudes that could be used and/or misunderstood.
For example, I am a friendly and loving person and yet, if I am not careful I am aware that the way I may greet a brother may be perceived as TOO friendly and therfore potenially offensive, even though the thought and intent of my heart is far from it.
I was recently speaking with a group of friends and the conversation turned to modesty and it was interesting how easily we digressed to being critical and judgmental based on what we observed to be immodesty dress. We had to end the conversation and repent because none of us knew the up-to-date situation in that young persons life to pass judgement.
I'd venture a guess that in that moment we'd be more an offense to God than the one wearing less than modest clothing.
I've rambled enough...
It's so good to have these opportunities to read and interact with the blogs.
Great post... really looking forward to reading your thoughts! As a woman, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a mother to four beautiful girls, this is a HUGE issue for me.
Your thoughts were beautifully stated, Robin. How good to be a part of a church whose women want to "provoke" each other to be right before God in our hearts as well as in the way we present ourselves to and interact with others. Our attire can be beautiful as well as modest, and it begins in our hearts.
Thanks, Robin!
Thanks Robin,
I agree with what you said about being modest in our hearts as well as modest in our dress. If inwardly we are looking to please God then we will also please Him outwardly in our motives,actions and our dress. It does begin in our hearts and may we be seeking God to change us not only in the things seen by others but in the things seen only by God!
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