As a
Christian, dressing and behaving modestly is such an important part of my life.
It is important because it matters-it matters to me, but most of all, it
matters to God. I believe there is a Biblical standard of modesty that God
wants His children to follow, which is laid out in His word. From the very
beginning of inspired scripture, we see God laying out His standard of modesty
and what He deems to be considered nakedness. Genesis 3:7 says, “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were
naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.” Here,
we see that once sin entered the world, Adam and Eve both realized their
nakedness and knew that they needed to be covered. However, what exactly did
their “fig leaves” cover on their body? Well, whatever it covered really isn’t
the issue, because we see later in verse 21 that, “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and
clothed them.” Apparently, God was not pleased with their covering and decided
to clothe them according to what was pleasing to Him. The term in this verse
“tunics of skin” basically means that their covering came from their shoulders
to their knees. If this is what God wanted covered in the beginning, then why
wouldn’t He want the same thing covered today? Obviously, we don’t have to wear
a tunic, but it’s the principle that applies. As Christians, we are to be a
representation of Christ. God wants us to be a picture of Christ and not a
picture of the world. God’s standard for modesty applies everywhere we go: the
beach, the ballpark, worship, summer activities, etc. Now, you are probably
thinking to yourself, “But Alexandra, I don’t want to look like an old lady at the
beach and during the summer. I want to be fashionable and cute!” Trust me, I
totally understand the struggle of finding cute AND modest clothing. It can be
hard at times, but let me tell you, it IS possible! Even though it might not be
convenient, don’t you think it’s worth the very small sacrifice on our part if
it will be pleasing to our loving and sacrificial God? Here are a few
guidelines I go by when I am shopping for clothes:
1. Does it come to my knee? When I sit down, is it still to my knee? If not, no thanks.
2. Are those jeans too tight?
3. Is that shirt too low? Is cleavage being shown?
4. Does the item of clothing hug every curve of your body so tightly that
it looks like it is about to rip?
5. Is it sheer? Does it leave nothing to the imagination?
6. Is it becoming of a Christian woman who is trying to be a picture of
Christ and not a picture of the world?
Obviously, there is a lot to
look for when trying on clothes (and don’t you just hate those dreadful
dressing room mirrors??). A few of my favorite stores to shop at are…. T.J.
Maxx, Ross, Loft (on sale), Old Navy, and consignment shops! I love getting
good deals and trying to get as much as I can for my money! Clothes matter.
What we put on our body matters. By our clothing, we tell a story of who we are
and whose we are. Let us glorify God and make a conscious effort to adorn
ourselves in clothing AND in behavior that will help us be that godly woman
that I know we all want to strive to become!
