You are not your own...

This morning I was listening to the radio and I was disturbed by this overhwhelming message: perceptions of sexuality based on how a young girl dresses/acts. Now, as a youth leader and older sister of a (almost) teenage sister, this is something that really concerns me. Everywhere you turn in society, you see examples of immodest clothing and girls begging for the attention of young men. Today, it was Miley Cyrus and her extreme lack of essential clothing, Jessica Sanchez dressing too sexy for a 16 year old, and the song "Brokenhearted" by Karmin boasting the line "Honest baby I'll do/Anything you want to/So can we finish what we started/Don't you leave me broken hearted tonight." Modesty, defined as a.)f reedom from conceit or vanity and b.)propriety in dress, speech, or conduct, is something that is very much missing in this society but is something that is required of us as Christians.


There are two points I want to make about modesty.
1. The Bible is very clear about how we are to behave and appear as believers. 1 Corinthians 6:18, 20 says, "...You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." We are, first and foremost, to seek the approval of the Lord....not of men. (John 5:41-44) Young ones...stop begging for a guy's attention! Do you know what Proverbs 31 says? "A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds...her husband joins in with words of praise: 'Many women have done wonderful things,  but you've outclassed them all!' Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God" Now, I realize this scripture is talking about a husband/wife but the point is this: a good woman is HARD TO FIND. She is rare. One in a million. She is found attractive, not by outward beauty or begging for attention, but by her classiness and devotion to God. That doesn't mean that a woman shouldn't take care of herself or can't be attractive on the outside, but when we are modest, in our appearance and our actions, it allows people to see our inner faith rather than what is on the outside, which is far more captivating. We must set ourselves apart in that fashion so that we can come before the Lord, acceptable as a "living and holy sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). I know, you're probably thinking "What does she know? She's married." But ask my husband how I won him over and he won't tell you it's because I chased him down. When you take the time to  walk in obedience, focusing on God and what He requires from you....everything else falls into place.

2. Not only are we to be modest for ourselves and how we appear before God, but we must be modest so that we don't cause others to stumble. Matthew 5:28 is very clear about this. It says, "But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." When we dress/act in an unmodest way, we attract undesirable attention and are responsible for causing others to sin. What can we do about that?  "...Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall." Romans 14:13. Pray about what your standards for modesty are. When you dress, see how your clothing fits you and what impression it gives. Bend over, sit down, wave your arms around. Think of it this way: you are someone's future wife and all of the guy's out there are someone's future husband. Be sure the way you dress doesn't entice others or provoke others to openly view the
gift you are to reserve only for your future husband. (Hebrews 13:4)  Not sure about it? Ask a parent, female youth leader, someone you trust, etc. if what you're wearing conveys the wrong message.

I realize that today's fashions make it difficult at times to dress modestly. But modesty doesn't have to equal boring and you can still dress fun while keeping in mind that you are a representative of Christ. And remember, modesty isn't just about clothes. Your appearance, words, and actions should all be reflecetions of what is pleasing to God. You are a treasure...treat yourselves as so!



I came across a really good article that expands more on why modesty is so important. You can check it out here. http://www.cbn.com/family/youth/What-Guys-See.aspx

"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." 1 Peter 2:12

" Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.  You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God" 1 Peter 3:3-4