Monday, March 26, 2012

Modesty

1 Timothy 2: 9-10

In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

1 Peter 3: 3-4

Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Proverbs 9:13

A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple and knows nothing.

Websters 1828 Dictionary

Modesty
1. That lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one's own worth and importance.  This temper when natural, springs in some measure from timidity, and in you inexperienced persons, is allied to bashfulness and diffidence.
2. Modesty is an act or series of acts, consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption, an audacity or impudence.
3. decency
4. In females, modesty has the like character as in males; but the word is used also as synonymous with chastity, or purity of manner - purity of the mind - fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle.  Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the rightest gem in the diadem of their honor.

This isn't about skirts/dresses vs pants/short/capris.  Thats for each family to decide for themselves with the Lords guidance.  But this is about appearing modest in appropriate clothing in public and especially in church.  When did going to church = dressing provocatively, immodestly, in short, short dresses, poured into your clothing, with your body above the waist practically uncovered? When did appearing in church become an opportunity to wear low cut blouses, dresses, spiky high heels, tons of makeup, glittery clothing & jewelry, shorts, or any of that garbage?  And why don't the Moms say NO? Its because some of them are dressing the same way!  What message are you portraying to the congregation, the visitors, the Pastor, and to the Lord. 

Summertime is here in Miss.  The public undressing has begun.  It isn't everyone, but I can pretty accurately predict who will wear the inappropriate clothing.  Its very bad to have to  sit in church and pray the Lord will shield your husband & sons from the temptation to look, when the sights are readily available.  The Lord did call Christians to look differently, to act differently, to exhibit modesty, to have a gently & quiet spirit, and to Praise and Honor Him in all we do or say.

We need dress codes in church the same as in schools.

I fear its going to be a very long summer.

8 comments:

  1. I couldn't agree with you more. My husband and I attended a wedding over the weekend and the way the young girls were dressed was sinful! One particularly tall girl had a strapless dress which barely covered her bottom. When she bent over--it was awful! Wanted to take my cloth napkin over to her to try to cover some of the abundant skin showing! I love spring and summer but hate the clothing you see and all the skin!
    Sad Grandma!

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  2. I totally agree! We visited a church one Sunday and a teenager a couple of rows ahead of us had on a strapless dress. However, with us sitting behind her she looked as if she were naked because you couldn't see any clothing! As my husband said - that is NOT good for a man to see - makes his mind wonder.

    Thanks for your post and for living your conviction!

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  3. I brought up this topic this morning at a study group for young mothers from our church. And was saddened when most of them sort of looked at me oddly when I stated that Christian girls/women have a responsibility to their brothers in Christ to dress modestly.

    We've had unseasonably warm weather for 2 weeks here in NH... back into the 30-40's this week and I'm thankful! *S*

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  4. Great post Mrs Jackson :) Maybe we should move to Alaska... :P No, but I am thankful that there are others out there that think the same way we do about America's nakedness, especially when it is in the Church! Wow! Thanks for your thought provoking reminder on modesty :)

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  5. Great Brytni! But I am sure when we got up to Alaska, we would find they have just as many modesty problems as we do...they are just more used to the cold!

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  6. Lol! You are right, I'm sure ;) Maybe we'll need to go to the moon then where you HAVE to wear a space suit :D Ha ha!

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  7. Totally in agreement with you :o), but you already know that right...*giggle*

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  8. It's nice to hear that I and my family is not alone is this struggle with attending church service with the full intention of worshipping our risen Lord and Saviour only to be distracted by the ever increasing amount of skin catching our attention before we can even be seated. Where has modesty in reverence of God been hidden? I want it back!

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Welcome to the farm ~ we are a blended family with 7 children (3 are married), 4 grandsons, 5 dogs, 3 rabbits, and 15 chickens living on 3 acres in Georgia. I love crafting, sewing, cooking & canning, recipes of all kinds, reading, playing with my little buddies, family time, travel, pinterest and most of all the Lord.