modesty

violet

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modesty

.......another thing many preachers back away from preaching.
Isn't this an important issue, to instill proper character and humbleness?

Should God's people stand out somehow in a physical manner?
Should we appear apart from the world's standards of dress and character?
 
Hi Violet- I would be hard pressed to think of a subject I haven't heard preached on but that one ( while I have heard it) is a fairly rare one- the dress code thing I mean- to be Christlike ( humble, loving,etc,)is however a fairly common message in these here parts .
 
Modesty is a very controversial issue. Yes, the bible does require women to dress modestly. However, people's opinion often vary. For example, what my 70 year old grandmother thinks is immodest, I may consider it ok because we grew up in different centuries. But that doesn't mean I don't try to dress modestly, it just means that as of today women are more liberated than they were in the 1950's and culture is constantly changing.
Also, at my cousin's church, the preacher constantly preaches on how girls dress. He thinks girl's cheerleader uniforms are immodest (and at times they can be). But what do his daughters dress up for Halloween? Cheerleaders! Not only that, he often brags about how he was on the wrestling team in high school. I find it ironic how he is always shunning girls for immodesty (cheerleading uniforms etc.) but those wrestling uniforms are a lot more immodest than cheerleading uniforms. At least cheerleaders have a skirt to cover up their area. As for boy's wrestling uniforms, you can see EVERYTHING! sorry to be blunt but it's true! Her preacher sounds like a real hypocrite to me
 
I have noticed a couple females at church, aged 14 to 50's who wear very tight and low cut shirts along with skin tight pants.
I would think this would draw a man's attention to them and that should never be our intent.
Why are the leaders too chicken to confront this issue that in my opinion is against Holy standards?

Why would this not be important enough to preach and teach on when there are so many who might stumble through temptation.
 
Why are the leaders too chicken to confront this issue that in my opinion is against Holy standards?

Why would this not be important enough to preach and teach on when there are so many who might stumble through temptation.

Not to pick on pastors, but I think you're exactly correct that many will not address current issues of the day that are pervasive in the congregations. My own personal opinion is that some issues are too close to home and pastors don't want to "offend" their congregations and lose members.

On the other side of this is that VERY few pastors will discuss men's lustful thoughts and desires. I'm not just talking about pornography, but looking at women lustfully on TV and elsewhere. Again, my own opinion here, but it's much easier to avoid discussing these issues because pastors themselves struggle with these issues. If a pastor does not struggle with, say, homosexuality, it's extremely easy to preach against it. But, if a pastor has trouble controlling his eyes (like every other man that has taken a breath), it's much harder to deliver God's word.

If we can go a few weeks at a church and not have our toes stepped on or feel uncomfortable, we should seek a different church. If pastors will not challenge the worldly standard and preach God's standard, the church is spiritually dead. Too many mega-churches are focused on numbers and "feel good" messages that save few, but go along the broad path.
 
I agree. I think that modesty may not be discussed very often because the pastors may not feel comfortable with talking about how men lust after women. Personally, I also feel that this is an issue where females should teach other females. If a man told me I was dressing immodestly, it would make me feel awkward (probably him too!). For some reason, I would feel better if a woman talked to me about this and i know other teen girls feel the same way.
 
At our church, we recently had a new family join the church.
I think you could describe the family as an African Americans.
I like black people and to see them join our church really was a great blessing.
But they set such a high example in dress code.
Theres the dad, in a suit, shirt and tie, The 3 sons in jeans / trousers with a shirt, normally tucked in, them mother in a dress and the daughter in trousers and a top, (i dont know what type, because i dont follow fashion).
But they come into church amd i think, Wow, they set such a good example.

They joined 3 weeks ago, and i prayed that they would become part of the church and keep attending, so far they been the past 3 weeks which is great.
 
Something many people don't realize but many Pastors are afraid to preach teir hearts because they are afraid to loose their jobs
 
SuszieQ, you brought up an excellent point.
The Bible says the older women are to teach the younger women.
I don't see this happening.
I can almost guess why though.
There is alot of rebelliousness.
If a mother LETS her daughter dress this way, I imagine she might become a little defensive having another woman telling her daughter how to dress.
 
Here is an article that I have on my web site. If preachers preached like this many would be removed because the mass really do not want to hear about holiness.

"How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between
proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The
answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance." John MacArthur

What statement do my clothes make about my heart? In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I
desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others? Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self-control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values? Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of God my standard or is it the latest fashion? Have I solicited the evaluation of other godly individuals regarding my wardrobe?
Does my clothing reveal an allegiance to the gospel or is
there any contradiction between my profession of faith and
my practice of godliness?

So, I’m ready to leave the house, but I still have to do a modesty check. What are some things I should look for as
I stand in front of my mirror?

When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I
see anything when I lean over? If so, I need change my top.

A word on purse straps: How could a purse possibly be a
modesty concern? When you’re wearing the strap across your
chest. Regardless of the shirt you’ve got on this accentuates
your chest and creates a temptation for men.

If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest. If there are, I’ve got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons.

Wearing sleeveless should be ruled out. The reason is that when we move around can others can see my bra?

We should never wear a spaghetti-strap, halter-top or see-through blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these very unhelpful. It’s time to go back to the closet.

Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this
case, seamless bras are a better option.
One final shirt check: Does it reveal any part of my cleavage?

Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head?
Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer is "yes" to any
one of these questions, then I need to change my outfit

Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or
lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are
too low? Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find
a skirt or pants that sit higher.

I also have to turn around to see if what I’m wearing is too
tight around my derriere, or if the outline of my underwear
shows. If so, I know what I have to do!

About shorts – I can’t just check them standing up. They should not draw attention to our sexuality. I suggest that they come to knee length

The "sit-down" check applies to my skirt or dress as well. When I sit down my dress needs to cover my knees.
And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my
knees together when I’m seated.

And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it
reveal too much when I walk? Pins are also helpful here.

Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a "sunlight check." Is
it see-through? If so, I need a slip which is almost always today.

Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my
shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.
And don’t forget – this all applies to formal wear as well.

A note on swimwear There is no such thing as store bought swimwear that is modest. Take a pair of not too tight jeans and cut them off around the knees. For a top wear a shirt that is not exposing the body and yet is comfortable. Under the clothing wear a full length swim suit rather then just underwear. Remember as women we need to take care not to clothe ourselves in a manner that causes our brothers to be tempted or bring dishonor on our Lord. These guys have a big battle to fight. Sometimes we will have to deny selves to follow Christ.

"…Women should adorn themselves in respectable
apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with
braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but
with what is proper for women who profess godliness-
with good works."
1 Timothy 2:9-10

We are our brother's keeper, God bless.
 
freedfromdestruction I agree with that article totally. A man I know once said if you are passionate about winning souls for the Lord, you would want people to concentrate on what you are saying than to concentrate on what you are wearing. Being modest in your appearance tends to make people take you seriously when you speak, especially about the Lord; or maybe in South Africa only.
 
I too agree!
I think modesty is a very important part of being a Christian.
Not only are we representing Christ, it is a commandment in scripture.
 
Don't know how I missed this topic, but I see your questions as separate issues.

Should Christians dress in such a way to stand out? My answer here is sometimes. Actually, I just really like the idea, but there is precidence. Specifically, I'm thinking of things such as the Nazarite Oath. And it has been long-standing traditions in ancient churches for pastors to dress differently than laymen, or wear their hair differently, simply to stand out.

As for modesty in dress, it is of utmost importance to dress in a way as to not encourage another to sin. If a woman (or a man) is dressed in attire that is overtly sexy, then others seeing her (or him), and may be going through troubles with lust or tempation. Because that in itself is irresponsible.

I guess what is important is to decide why you dress the way you do. I know this issue has come up in our church, and while we've never cast anyone out for improper attire, some have been asked to leave the choir if they refused to dress more modestly.
 
I agree that we have to help each other in areas that we all face. We should try to have more respect for the opposite sex as to not draw attention to our bodies and such. We should honor God with our bodies and dress appropriately.
 
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