The Modesty Rant feat. "Modest is Hottest," Protecting our Brothers, etc.

"Modest is Hottest."

I've noticed that slogan pasted over numerous Christian websites and featured in blog posts about modesty. The intention is virtuous. Promoting modesty is important. 

But being modest is not equivalent to being hot.

If being hot means showing as much skin as is socially acceptable, if being hot means skimpy bikinis and cropped tops and shorts as short as underwear, if being hot means weighing under 100 lbs with the largest bra sizes possible and the thinnest waist and thighs imaginable, being modest is not hot. 

Modesty was never about being hot. 
Modesty was never about attempting to attract men by simply being naked or suggestive in the way we dress.
Modesty may never be "hot," in the world's definition of "hot". 

But modesty can be beautiful. 

Beautiful by showing through our outfits that we have been bought with a price and the life we live on earth is not our own but is lived to the glory of our Heavenly Father. Beautiful by being considerate and thoughtful and sensitive in the way we dress, talk, and act. Beautiful by being the bride of Christ in radiance and purity.

Modesty may never be hottest, but that's okay because what really matters is not people's approval, but God's delight in us.

And He is delighted when we value our bodies as temples of the living God and dress appropriately for His glory. Not that others might value or desire our created bodies, but that people may long for the Creator and see God's fingerprint of mercy in our lives. Not to distract men with a revealing blouse or a miniskirt, but that we might point them to the truth of God's Word in the sincerity in which we live our lives according to what we believe.

A lot of people argue over dressing modestly for fear of stumbling our Christian brothers. Some articles I've read promote modesty to protect the eyes of our brothers, and other blog posts denote this idea, saying such attitudes portray men as weak and unable to control themselves at the sight of bare skin.

There are two extremes to the solution here, either living each day in fear and guilt wondering if our clothes are conservative enough or else flaunting our bodies in a "I don't care, it's their own problem" attitude. I have a couple responses.

First of all, as Christians, we know the responsibility of sin lies within each one of us. We can only blame ourselves for our sinful thoughts and actions. On the other hand, the clothes we wear may tempt others, and Christians should work together towards maturity and growth. It's not so much calling men weak, but recognizing that we all stumble, men and women alike. This attitude should carry over into the way we plan our outfits. Clothing choices differ based on personal conviction, but the mentality should be that even though sin is the responsibility of sinner, we would rather our clothing be blameless in the sight of Christ and so help our church family along than distract them over our shorts or shirt. 

Yet, on the other hand, we as daughters in Christ have the freedom to wear what we want, as long as it glorifies and honors God. We don't have to live in constant fear or guilt wondering if our neckline is too low or our skirt seam is too high. God never called us to be nuns, hiding ourselves from the world and from men. We don't have to hide who we are or constantly feel self-conscious because we are made in His image. As long as we have a mentality of God first and others second, as long as we don't seek to distract with our clothing and our hearts are right before God, we have freedom in Him to dress as we see fit.

I know that sounds contradictory. It's one of those things we all have to decide for ourselves and struggle with in our own hearts. It's a balance that differs for each person, knowing that we have freedom in Christ, yet wanting to show thoughtfulness towards the opposite gender in our apparel. 

However, I'd like to point out that heart attitude dictates clothing choices. It's not so much about our clothing, but about the heart attitude. A heart that desires attention from the world will choose clothing that glorifies the body. But a heart that puts God first and desires that He be glorified, a heart that unselfishly longs to help others grow in maturity, will find clothing that demonstrates respect for fellow believers and for God. 

Modesty is not just about clothes but about the heart attitude. A heart that's modest and humble will demonstrate the same modesty and humility in both clothing and actions.

Modesty may not ever be hot. But in God's eyes, modesty is beautiful. 

Philippines Blog

Dear Reader,

If you're interested in learning about my missions trip to the Philippines in two weeks, you can find my other blog here: 

http://missiontothephilippines369.blogspot.com/

I plan to blog daily during, before, and after my trip, so subscribe if you would like to be updated with photos, quick thoughts, or ways to pray for me and my team. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to share God's love with the community there, and I'm excited to see what God will teach me through this trip.

Thank you for your prayers!

In Christ,
Amanda

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power."
{Isaiah 40:28-29}