She adorns herself in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control.” – 1 Timothy 2:9
As I look around, it amazes me to see what girls and women are choosing to clothe themselves in. Young girls are wearing the tiniest shorts that barely cover the necessary areas. Older women are wearing tight clothing that displays more than anyone would care to see. All different shapes, sizes, and ages of women seem to be putting it all out there for anyone and everyone to take notice of.
Less is More
The philosophy that “less is more” is taking over everyday fashion, and it’s a disturbing trend. In schools, at churches, at the gym, in grocery stores, you name it … women are showing it all there. Driving to the grocery store I saw two teenage girls wearing next to nothing going running. At church on Sunday, I saw an older woman in skin-tight pants and a low-cut shirt. It is unavoidable and shocking.
Time and time again I find myself blushing at the things I see while out and about. It is very uncomfortable as a married woman going places with my husband and worrying about what he might inadvertently be exposed to. Thankfully, my husband is a cautious man of God that goes the extra mile to safeguard his eyes and mind, but at times it seems unavoidable. Despite his best efforts, I know it can’t be easy for him to block it all out between television, movies, and now everyday women wearing less and less. It is frustrating and saddening to me that this is even something either of us have to think about.
The Lure of Attention
Why are women exposing themselves so needlessly? Growing up my parents were pretty strict about what my two sisters and I wore. They were very generous when it came to creative liberties with our attire, perhaps a little too generous, in fact. They have the pictures to prove it, unfortunately. But when it came to modesty and clothing, they held the line. To be honest though, I never thought twice about it. It didn’t feel like I was missing out; I had respect for my body and the fact that it is a temple of God. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
For many women, I think the bottom line is that wearing less means more immediate attention. You may get whistled at or “checked out.” Guys might even flock to you and tout on how attractive you are. Attention feels good, and I believe this is the main reason why so many women are compromising their clothing choices.
Ladies, the attention you might get from a low-cut shirt, short skirt, or tight pants may feel flattering, but it is not the kind of attention you want to be commanding. Most of my friends growing up were guys, and as girls would strut their stuff past the guys, they would go all googly-eyed. You could tell the girls thought they were hot stuff. But after the moment passed by, the guys would begin their chatter, and it was inappropriate and disrespectful. You see, my guy friends saw those girls as mere objects for them to lust after. They had zero respect for those girls. It taught me how important it was to have enough self-respect to command the right kind of attention and attract the right kind of guys.
Beautifully Confident
You don’t need a sideways glance to tell you that you are beautiful. Confidence and beauty come from within, and the kind of attention you want to be attracting is the genuine, respectful kind. Don’t sell yourself short from what you deserve, which is the best, just for a momentary high you get from being “checked out.” Take pride in the fact that you are God’s perfect creation. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece.” Talk about a reason to feel good about yourself: you were hand-crafted by God, and He loves and adores you!
While the world may tell you that less is more, God tells you to adorn yourself in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control. That doesn’t mean you have to hide your body in frumpy, out-of-date clothing, but it does mean that you should be thoughtful and careful with what you decide to wear. In an interview I had with Mary Kassian, author of Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild, Mary gave a great tip to help girls know if what they are wearing is appropriate or not. She said, “If you want to be modest and stylish/beautiful at the same time, you might want to ask the men in your life for some advice. Ask your father, your brothers, cousins, or your husband—a man who is interested that you present yourself in way that doesn’t attract inappropriate attention.”
Honor God with your body and dress appropriately. Attract quality guys who are interested in your inner beauty as much as your outer beauty. Have confidence and take pride in the fact that you are God’s wonderful creation. When in doubt, know that modesty is definitely the best policy.
