Shopping with Modesty in Mind
It's that time again! With spring here and summer approaching it's becoming harder and harder to find clothing that properly covers us, or clothing that is just appropriate to wear period. Modesty really is a beautiful thing, because it pleases God. We must make a commitment to honor God in the clothing we choose to wear.
Proverbs 31:30 - Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD shall be praised.
I think the question I must ask myself is, what is my ultimate goal while shopping? It should be to honor God with the clothes that I choose to wear. But often times my goals change to other things such as... getting something cute to wear, to please other people, to buy something that I just feel good in and so on and so on. Yes, we can buy "cute" modest clothing, and yes, "people can compliment us" on our choice of modest clothing, and of course we can "feel good" in modest clothing. But if these things are my ultimate goals while shopping I will run into big problems, COMPROMISE. When I begin to compromise with the way I dress I choose to take God off His throne and put my wants on the highest pedestal. God being glorified is way more important than me getting a cute outfit.
Here are a couple of guidelines for "Shopping With Modesty in Mind":
~ How low is too low?
~ What is too short?
~ What is too high?
~ How tight is too tight?
I don't believe that there are specific guidelines on "what is too high or too low". God has given us, as Christians, the Holy Spirit to dwell inside of us to show us what is right and wrong. We all are in different stages of our life, and God works on all of us in different ways at different times. Seek His guidance to know what pleases Him in the way you dress.
2) Decide what "looks" are appropriate and what is not. Modesty isn't just about proper length and coverage. It is also about what "look" you are portraying with what you choose to where.
a) We can where a outfit that meets our length guidelines but looks worldly. We should not fashion ourselves after the world. When people see us they should Christ through us not last seasons hottest fashion trend. Romans 12:2 says: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
b) Our clothing should not make us look like a guy. Guys clothing can very easily fit the guidelines of length and fit and may very well be comfortable, but the Bible clearly speaks against woman wearing men's clothing. Deuteronomy 22:5 says: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God." When people see us they should never have to think twice about what our gender is or question whether or not we want to be another gender.
c) Modest clothing is also appropriate clothing. We must make sure that our clothing is appropriate for the activities we are participating in. If we are going on jog or a walk, athletic clothing would be proper to wear. If your going to work day or working in the garden wearing heels or your nice skirt would be inappropriate. We must consider what we'll be doing in our clothing and make sure that what we choose to wear is suitable.
3) The way we dress affects the way we act. If we dress like a lady we'll act like a lady. If we dress like a athlete we'll act like a athlete. If we dress like a loose woman we will act like one. If we dress like a guy we will act like a guy. Not only will we act how we dress but others will treat us like the way we dress. Dress how you want to be treated, because the way we dress affects the way we act.
4) Talk to your father about your modesty decisions. Share with him why you have chosen these standards. Don't be discouraged if he does not agree with some of your decisions. Remember that he is a man and although we may not think there is something wrong with what we have chosen, he really does know. Proverbs 4:1 says: "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." Although it may be frustrating and disappointing at times, remember that your father is trying to protect you with your choices of clothing. When it comes to modesty mama knows, but daddy knows BEST!
5) Do not COMPROMISE! I know it's hard when you've been out shopping all day and come home empty handed. Because that dress was 2 inches too short, or the shirt was too snug. But no matter how discouraging or stressful your shopping trip becomes, DO NOT COMPROMISE! Before you decide on very strict modesty standards for the way you dress think about whether or not you will be able to participate in certain activities. Such as football, swimming, bike riding, riding roller coasters...etc. We cannot make rules then make exceptions for certain things that we want to do, either follow the rules all the way or don't make the rule in the first place. Remember, that there was a reason why you chose each of your modesty standards. We want to please God in the way that we dress and sometimes that means coming home empty-handed. If we begin to compromise in the way we dress, our modesty line will get pushed back farther and farther. Psalms 37:4 says: Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Don't become discouraged, trust God that He will allow you to find modest clothing that fit your standards.
a) We can where a outfit that meets our length guidelines but looks worldly. We should not fashion ourselves after the world. When people see us they should Christ through us not last seasons hottest fashion trend. Romans 12:2 says: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
b) Our clothing should not make us look like a guy. Guys clothing can very easily fit the guidelines of length and fit and may very well be comfortable, but the Bible clearly speaks against woman wearing men's clothing. Deuteronomy 22:5 says: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God." When people see us they should never have to think twice about what our gender is or question whether or not we want to be another gender.
c) Modest clothing is also appropriate clothing. We must make sure that our clothing is appropriate for the activities we are participating in. If we are going on jog or a walk, athletic clothing would be proper to wear. If your going to work day or working in the garden wearing heels or your nice skirt would be inappropriate. We must consider what we'll be doing in our clothing and make sure that what we choose to wear is suitable.
3) The way we dress affects the way we act. If we dress like a lady we'll act like a lady. If we dress like a athlete we'll act like a athlete. If we dress like a loose woman we will act like one. If we dress like a guy we will act like a guy. Not only will we act how we dress but others will treat us like the way we dress. Dress how you want to be treated, because the way we dress affects the way we act.
4) Talk to your father about your modesty decisions. Share with him why you have chosen these standards. Don't be discouraged if he does not agree with some of your decisions. Remember that he is a man and although we may not think there is something wrong with what we have chosen, he really does know. Proverbs 4:1 says: "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." Although it may be frustrating and disappointing at times, remember that your father is trying to protect you with your choices of clothing. When it comes to modesty mama knows, but daddy knows BEST!
5) Do not COMPROMISE! I know it's hard when you've been out shopping all day and come home empty handed. Because that dress was 2 inches too short, or the shirt was too snug. But no matter how discouraging or stressful your shopping trip becomes, DO NOT COMPROMISE! Before you decide on very strict modesty standards for the way you dress think about whether or not you will be able to participate in certain activities. Such as football, swimming, bike riding, riding roller coasters...etc. We cannot make rules then make exceptions for certain things that we want to do, either follow the rules all the way or don't make the rule in the first place. Remember, that there was a reason why you chose each of your modesty standards. We want to please God in the way that we dress and sometimes that means coming home empty-handed. If we begin to compromise in the way we dress, our modesty line will get pushed back farther and farther. Psalms 37:4 says: Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Don't become discouraged, trust God that He will allow you to find modest clothing that fit your standards.
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