Modesty is something that has taken on such different meanings these days. Images that come to mind often include floor length denim skirts, turtlenecks, head coverings, and simply no style at all. Others come from not fashion, but personalities. Of those who refuse to watch seductive images, kiss someone, or even show interest in the opposite sex. Often images of religious extremes are what define the role of “modesty” in today’s culture. Something that every woman does not do, or even should do, but what only prevails in those women who are “crazy” enough to follow such religious rules and regulations.
But what if the idea of modesty was really vastly different than that? What if the idea of modesty was really about something more?
What if as women in today’s society there were a few ladies that decided to step outside of the norm, and adhere to biblical truths about what it looks like to be modest? Modesty is more than simply refusing to wear ridiculously short skirts or low cut skirts. It’s more than refusing to kiss a boy until your wedding day. It’s about a way of being. It’s about focusing on the inward beauty rather than on the outward appearance. About cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit, serving others, listening when others speak, being hospitable, gracious, and forgiving.
Modesty is freedom from vanity. There is nothing wrong with dressing pretty. There is nothing wrong with being fashionable, trendy, and down right cute when it comes to how you you dress. But there is always a way to approach modesty for your body in dressing. For some this may mean high necklines and long skirts. For others, it may mean ensuring all clothing covers the “essentials” leaving a little to the imagination. The important thing is that our clothing is meant to reflect who we are internally, so that image should be Christ if we are following after him – not one of showy extravagance.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. – 1 Peter 3:3-4
Modesty is about being decent. There is more to modesty than simply dress. Being modest in ones actions is something that biblically we are called to as well. To adorn ourselves with good deeds. That our lips and our hands should profess Christ equally.
I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. – 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Modesty is about being simple. To be simple is to be unassuming. To be seemingly effortlessness in elegance by being minimal. By using and having only that which is needed. By saying only that which is needed. By leading a simple lifestyle without showy extravagance that points others to His name.
Again, back to Rachel Held Evan & a Year of Biblical Womanhood for her Modesty Month. I’m telling y’all, read her book. Seriously, go do it. Anyhow, one of the things I enjoyed most of this chapter on modesty was how judgmental we really get as people, and especially women, solely based on how people are dressed. And how completely incorrect we can be. Modesty for me may look very different than it does for you. Someone else may have an entirely different view on modesty. As a Christian, my sense of modesty will vastly differ from that of an unbeliever, a Muslim, a Jew, and so on. I think as women, this is where we all too often fall short and immediately judge our fellow sisters on this earth. I challenge us all to step back, and love first. Get to know those women we can’t understand simply by their dress. You might just be surprised.
Great quote by Emma Watson as well. Less is more. Wonder is a great thing. The focus should be our hearts, not our bodies. When we allow our hearts to speak, we can shine Christ’s love even more.
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Lauren // Simply Free
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This is a conversation starter, so if you have a lot to say on the topic – run with it! 🙂
This is a conversation starter, so if you have a lot to say on the topic – run with it! 🙂
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THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
How would you describe modesty for the modern woman & why is (or isn’t) it important in today’s world?
And so you can start thinking & writing about the next conversation piece, here’s the question for next week for you to ponder –
NEXT QUESTION (2 Weeks):
What’s the meaning behind your blog title and why? Do you believe you’ve upheld the meaning’s purpose?
I LOVED the post of yours! And that quote by Emma Watson is so stunning…what a great things to stand for as a celebrity! love it!! love Katie
Your post was very uplifting and I enjoyed the quote from Emma Watson. I agree that being judgmental is not the way to bring us as women together.
Sophia