"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Modesty is one of the hardest topics teenage girls have to face daily, especially in the summer time. If someone from the 1800's magically transported to today, they would be appalled at the sight of how women dress today. With each year, there seem to be shorter shorts, tighter fitting dresses, and skimpier bikinis. Society pushes harder and harder against the walls of modesty.. and since everyone else is doing it, why shouldn't you...right?
Of course, the less clothing you wear, the more eyes are on you. But do you really want that kind of attention? If Jesus came to visit you, is that really what you would be wearing? Of course, it is summer and God does know how hot it is. But being modest doesn't mean you have to wear ugly, old clothes. It's not some far-away idea that means you have to go against fashion. God created modesty to be fashionable! The true meaning of modesty means appreciating yourself and your body that God gave you, and using them in the right way.
My parish priest came and visited my religion class to talk about the topic of marriage, chastity, and so on. He briefly touched on modesty, but what he did say was "remember the swim suit rule." As a child, I remember watching those scratchy old videos that said "Anything that your swimsuit covers shouldn't be touched by anyone other than your parents, doctors.." yada yada. But that old video does have a point. Never, ever should anything that your swim-suit covers be shown, even the tiniest bit. It really is a simple rule.
I don't know about you, but where I live it can get pretty hot. Not like 80 degrees hot, but more like 100 degrees on a bad day. That is the biggest temptation to just wear the shortest pair of shorts you have and a camisole. But what are you showing to others? Are your protecting your dignity?
YOU WERE MADE IN GOD'S IMAGE
"So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them. "
-Genesis 1:27
At the very beginning of time, God created us in His image. And you know what? When he was done with us, he said "It is very good." Not just "good" like he said for the sky, and the moon, and the animals, but very good. He created us in His image so we could glorify Him through our bodies. Are you glorifying God through your clothes?
" Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven."
- 1 Corinthians 15:49
Here, Paul is saying just like we resemble Adam and Eve, we also resemble God. If a person who has never heard of Jesus heard that, and looked at an immodest Christian, what would he/she think? Believe it or not, we are evangelizing through our bodies and what we wear, along with what we do, say and act. You want people to notice your Christian values through how you dress, as well as other qualities.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Don't get too caught up in numbers. "Shorts have to be 4 inches above the knee," Or "The lowest cut can be two inches from your collar bone." Just follow these simple rules.
You can start out on your trip to being modest at the store. First off, don't buy anything immodest. Don't taunt yourself with a fitting dress or see through blouse. Buy shorts that are approaching your knee, not your behind. Make rational choices but also have fun! Modest is fashion. Just as fashion should be modest. The whole point of clothes in the first place was to cover up your body.
Second off, add a short-sleeved cardigan or sweater to any spaghetti strap or strapless top. Even a scarf that you could wrap around your bare shoulders would do. Another good tip is buy white colored camisoles to put under muscle tanks. Personally, I don't get what is fashionable about tanks where the arm holes go all the way down to the bottom of the shirt, but hey! There are some cute ones out there. Same for crop tops, just add a cami and you're good to go!
Layering is key. If the shirt goes too low, add a necklace or a scarf. If your skirt or dress is too short, add some capri leggings. Have a strapless top or dress? Add a jean jacket, cardigan, or vest to spice it up and make it modest. In the winter time, add boot warmers to tightfitting leggings. Add a skirt, as well!
See, modesty isn't that hard!
SO... WHAT ABOUT BIKINIS?
First off, let me start you with this wonderful video from Life Teen's Jackie Francois.
(For some weird reason, the video wouldn't show up so here is the link.)
Before you go out shopping for bikinis, think about these questions.
What are you trying to tell other people by wearing this?
Do you want people to notice you because of your body
or because of your heart?
What kind of attention do you want to get?
What attention do you think you will get by wearing a bikini?
How is wearing a bikini different then wearing a bra and panties?
The last question gets most people. Really, how is it different? Oh I know, a swimsuit is waterproof. That is pretty much wear the differences end. Ladies, bikini tops and bras are one and the same, minus the waterproof part. Do you really want to show others that? Your body is a gift from God that should be protected and honored. Real men will respect that. You want people to love you for who you are, not how you look. When I say real, I mean men who will love you and respect you for who you are. They will be the spirit of true love throughout your life because they looked at your heart, not your body.
What would you be rather called... hot or beautiful? Sexy or gorgeous? It all depends on what attention you want. And I am guessing most of you would rather want guys to notice your sparkling personality and pure heart rather than just your outwardly appearance.
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT MODESTY?
"Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God's sight." - 1 Peter 3: 3-4
"Also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided or with gold, pearls or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God."- 1 Timothy 2: 9-10
"Yet she will be saved...provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty."
-1 Timothy 2:15
" But the Lord said to Samuel, '...For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.' " - 1 Samuel 15:7
WHAT DO OTHERS SAY?
"...and the great charm of all power is modesty." - Lousia May Alcott
"I truly, truly believe that beauty is something that comes from within." - Emma Watson
"Modesty is my best quality." - Jack Benny
"Your clothes should be tight enough to show you're a woman, but loose enough to show you're a lady." -Marilyn Monroe
"Truth is all I really want is/someone who knows who they are/ beauty found inside her heart/I want her to be modest/that kind of girl is hottest/a lady living for the Lord/ just so you know/ that's what I'm looking for." - Anthem Lights, "That's What I'm Looking For"
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Ladies, if you stay pure and cover up, I promise you people will admire you for that. It takes guts some times, especially when our peers make fun of us. But you know what? It's worth it in the end because you are following what God wanted you to do. And it's one step closer to seeing Him in Heaven. :)
All through Christ,
All through Christ,
Maddie
Works Cited:
Thomas Nelson, "Fashioned by Faith Interview with Author Rachel Lee Carter." Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube. 9 January 2012. Web. Accessed 29 June 2014.
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