Then you get the crazy montage of itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, polka dot bikinis, the super low tank tops and the short shorts that might as well be non-existent, all in preparation for summer. (That was sarcasm. By all means, continue to wear pants)
As this new season is upon us, so began the chaos of attempting to find a swimsuit that not only covers myself fully, but is also somewhat comfortable, practical, and fashionable. (Haha yeah... what a joke huh?) I had been cringing as I remembered last years struggles, filled with tears, major self-depreciation, and a pitiful attempt at trying to lose weight. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper when I tried on last years suit only to find I didn't fit into it anymore. As Mom and I got in the car to go shopping, I found myself beginning a discussion that would continue to make me think over the next few weeks.
What is modesty?
Is it merely the clothes that we put (or don't put) on? Or is there something greater at work, something about the way that we view ourselves, others, and God? Could it have something to do with our attitudes? After much thinking, talking to both girl and guy friends, my parents, and God, I finally came to this conclusion.
Is it merely the clothes that we put (or don't put) on? Or is there something greater at work, something about the way that we view ourselves, others, and God? Could it have something to do with our attitudes? After much thinking, talking to both girl and guy friends, my parents, and God, I finally came to this conclusion.
It is possible to be 'modest' without being modest.
Slightly weird, I know. Bear with me here for a minute while I unload my thought process.
1. Modesty is a great thing. But where did we get the idea that it was all to do with clothes? Maybe somewhere along the lines of 1 Timothy 2:9-10 where Paul is telling Timothy that he wants women to "dress modestly, with decency and propriety..." Those are both good things- but what if we have a twisted view of modesty? It changes the verse. I decided to do a word search on that word modesty and ended up finding it had an interesting meaning. The other verse containing that word modesty (aidos in greek) had it translated as 'reverence'. This other verse, Hebrews 12:28, has nothing to do with clothing. In fact, Thayer's definition of that word is ' A sense of shame or honour, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect.' It appears that modesty is not so much the clothes that we put on, but the attitude behind it.
This makes sense- 1 Samuel 16:7 and Galatians 2:6 speak of how God is focused on our hearts. Never has the focus been on our actions, for we are saved by grace through faith. Our salvation is not based on works, 'so that none may boast'. If modesty were a purely outward thing, it would be boast-able!
So modesty can be immodest when the focus is on covering ourselves up instead of living for Christ and giving the glory to Him. It doesn't matter how covered up you are- if you're doing it for your own glory or attention (because yes, you can get attention wearing 'modest' clothing- a lot of it!), it doesn't matter. It's immodest.
I thought that maybe I had figured it out, when the second part of 1 Timothy 2:9-10 got to me. After Paul talks about how he wants women to dress modestly he goes on to say "...not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." (Bold and italics mine for emphasis) Sometimes I think we can get a little messed up in our thinking and say that God doesn't want us to look fashionable (from the first part of the verse). I think where the focus of the verse should be is in the contrast, speaking of good deeds and maybe even our actions in general. What are we known for? The way we dress (whether good or bad) or what we do for Christ's glory? What we look like or the way that we serve? It can be quite a tough question when you think about it.
So where does this all fit into our modern sense of modesty- you know, the one that goes along with what we wear? The answer appears to be pretty simple- will the way you dress attract attention or will it cause you to disappear into the crowd, so that your actions done on the strength provided by Christ, may attract attention, causing you to be a shining light to this dark world?
This can apply to guys too. Although the verse is not specifically written to you, it is still possible to attract ungodly attention because of some 'sweet abs' or hipbones. I'm not saying to cover them up- I'm asking to rethink your attitude. Do you want girls to look at you and go "Wow." or are you focused on bringing glory to God? This is for everyone, too. Are you wearing what you're wearing to flaunt what you've been blessed with? Take a quick attitude check as this new (and wonderful!) season of summer begins.
Back to my swimsuit fiasco story, I ended up finding the perfect suit (Thank you, Jesus!)- one that fit, covered me where I needed to be covered, and made me look like a teenage girl. A swimsuit that wouldn't make me jump out in a crowd, either because of the amount of skin I was showing or the amount of skin that I wasn't. (I've found that wearing a swimsuit that goes down to my knees and cover my shoulders can attract just as much attention as that bikini. In fact, in a world of bikini's, the 'modest', super covering suit draws the eyes of others even more.)
I don't have modesty down perfect yet. By no means think that I do- I have a lot yet to learn! These are just some of my thoughts from personal Bible study and prayer. Let me know your thoughts!
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