CONTENDING FOR MODESTY - PART ONE

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works."  

Hebrews 10:24

Temperatures are rising with the summer heat, and we tend to seek relief by dressing in cooler fashions. If our standards have drifted a little toward what is permitted by our worldly friends, we may allow ourselves a little more nakedness than we used to. We have been desensitized by what we see everywhere, but God's thinking has not changed. Now don't get defensive. We need to constantly school ourselves in what the Bible calls "the fear of God." Let's refresh our memories on the teachings of the divine oracles that guide us on dress.

As much as I enjoy the summer break from the burdens of home education, it is such a relief to anticipate the cooler weather of Fall because everyone will have a reason to put away the skimpy summer clothing and start covering the shame of their nakedness.  Seriously, can we not give a little more thought to the way we clothe our God-given bodies?  The Lord has written that our bodies are the Temple of God!  What does our temple look like to the world?

Modesty is definitely a controversial subject regardless of how one approaches it.  So often, when one embarks on this subject, one has to do it with caution since it is always costly and challenging for him to speak against it.  It is unavoidable.  There is nothing that provokes a head-on collision more than this thorny issue of modesty. However, my desire is not controversy but rather to stimulate us as Christians to love and good works for the glory of God.  My goal is edification through God's Truth.  

Frankly, immodesty is a very common concern in the Lord's church today.  Many Christians hesitate to say anything about it because they are afraid to appear immodest by the very words that they use. Others are willing to speak against it but are unable to approach it from a Biblical point of view.  It is undeniable that modesty is a lost virtue.  We have good reason to be concerned.   Consider the reasons for this concern.

I.  REASONS TO BE CONCERNED

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."  (Matthew 5:8)

We live in a culture where nudity or the “clothing-optional” lifestyle is becoming big business. Nobody is blushing anymore.  There was a time when our people would be embarrassed by public indecency.  A culture that worships nature and sensuality is prone to dress immodestly.  Likewise, those who make idolatry out of material possessions often fall prey to foppish and vain enslavement to high fashion.  However, a culture that embraces true Christianity will seek holiness as its standard for personal dress (covering).  The godly dress code will emphasize biblical principles such as distinction, functionality, and modesty.  How we dress (cover) our bodies is not a morally neutral question.  

Moreover, dress standards and dress codes are unavoidable and inevitable.  Why?  Because we all follow a dress code either by design or by default.  (In other words, you have examined and considered moral and philosophical implications for your dress code or that you have allowed others to do the thinking for you and have, in fact, accepted their judgment).  The reality is that you will have a dress code.

• Fashion Reigns

Most Christians have well understood that dress standards are inevitable.  That is, until the 20th century.  Unfortunately, we have seen three trends in thinking:  

1. The rise of antinomianism (the rejection of God as Lawgiver).
2. The resurgence of Gnosticism (the belief that God is not concerned with physical or material things).
3. And the general acceptance of neutrality (the notion that the Lordship of Christ only applies to human action in "spiritual" matters).  

Many Christians have been carried away by the course of this world, surrendering to the prince of darkness rather than God, walking in pure disobedience.  They would rather be taken captive by our culture's inclinations, rather than obey the admonition to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.   As Christians, who obey their Lord, we must honor the rules of our Lawmaker concerning our clothing.  Otherwise, we are refusing the Lordship of Jesus.  Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we are, in reality, saying:  "My dress standard is a neutral zone.  Jesus does not speak to this issue."  So, who is the Lawgiver?  Man or God?  When someone claims to be a Christian in word and deed, he must discern how to reverence wisely the Lordship of Christ and apply all His revealed principles to our standards of dress.  

You can be absolutely assured that the revealed Word of God is sufficient for us as to how we ought to dress in a Christ-honoring manner concerning our gender and our situation in life.  Therefore, we must apply the unchanging principles, precepts, and normative patterns of Scriptures to every changing fact of our cultural circumstances.  One of these vital issues is nakedness.  The revealed Word of God has much to say about this matter.  

Alas, today, more and more professing Christians have come to think of nakedness as normal and acceptable, even preferable.  Somehow, they believe they have permission to remove the "restraints" of modest dress following the trendy pagan fashions that are physically revealing.  As a terrible consequence of all this, otherwise, sober-minded people have been publicly undressed.  NO! As professing Christians, we must speak the Truth against this modern trend toward nakedness and its consequences.  We must start raising sons and daughters to remain morally pure in an idolatrous culture that worships the flesh.

Today, nudism packages itself as cutting edge leisure and entertainment.  It coincides with the trend in fashion toward nakedness.  Our fashion designers seem to be stuck on the idea that less is more, forcefully promoting styles that uncover more skin.  Successful designers market the concept that what is sensual and revealing is actually the modern trend.  Their marketing is most attractive and persuasive among our teens and young women.  It is all about wearing what is attractive and fashionable regardless of whether it is a suitable fit or style for the one who is wearing it.  It is not a surprise to me that our culture accepts these styles, but it is unsettling to see our sisters in Christ join in.  

"Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged."  (I Cor. 2:14)  

Is anyone actually listening to the Holy Spirit’s inspired words?  What is troublesome for me is that so many professing Christians are willing to bow the knee to the delusive enticements of provocative fashions as if to say:  "What I wear is my business."

When one dares to speak of modesty or the standards of modesty today, it is risky.  Why?  Because one is marking oneself as naive, impractical, out-of-date, old-fashioned, a prude, and even worse a meddler!  Whether we accept it or not, the principles of modesty are woven convincingly throughout the Scriptures.  One of the character traits that marks God's people is modesty.  Modesty is related to the godly character traits of humility, discretion, purity, and self-control.  Yet, it is a subject that remains largely ignored and neglected in our divine instruction and admonition.  Let us consider the following points that we find in the Bible’s teaching.

1. Modesty is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments as being vital to understand the holiness of God.
2. Biblical modesty is not a matter of law but rather a state of mind or disposition that fundamentally reflects the "hidden man of the heart."
3. A careful thought of modesty should be given to control how Christians speak, behave, and adorn themselves, especially in public and mixed company situations.
4. Parents who are prone to be indifferent to their boys’ and girls’ desires to dress in many of today's fashions are putting their children at risk both spiritually and socially.

Christians must take heed to the teachings of the Bible correctly that they may live by the divine standard, which is the highest standard of purity and holiness. 

"And be ye holy; for I am holy."  (Lev. 11:44; I Peter 1:16)  

"Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children."  (Eph. 5:1)  

Let these sobering words sink deep into our hearts.  They bear serious biblical significance that connects us distinctively to our Creator.

God's ultimate intent for His children is that they be different, set apart from the world, set apart from our modern culture, in the way they think, speak, and conduct themselves. 

"Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."  (Matt. 5:16) 

1. We are to be a "peculiar people."  (Titus 2:14; I Peter 2:9)  We see this Truth in the earliest pages of Genesis.  The Bible proclaims God's righteous standards and defines limits to our liberty.  
2. As Christians, we are to regard ourselves as "strangers and pilgrims." (I Peter 2:11)  
3. We are not to love the world nor the things of this world (I John 2:15).  
4. We are not to conform to this world but be transformed, regenerated (Romans 12:1-2). 
5. We are not just a subculture on cruise control, but a counterculture that cautiously marches to the beat of a different drummer, our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Modesty:  A Small Word With a Big Meaning

So what is modesty?  The mid-16th-century view of modesty, defined by its parts gives us a helpful perspective:

1. Humility:  Unwillingness to draw attention to your own achievements or abilities.
2. Sexual reserve: Reserve about nudity or sexual matters, mainly a preference for clothes that keep much the body covered.
3. Shyness:  Lack of confidence when speaking to others or stating opinions, and the tendency to be uneasy or embarrassed in company.
4. Simplicity:  Lack of grandeur or ostentation
5. Moderation:  Moderation in size, scale, or extent.

A Modern Dictionary defines the word "modesty" as:

1. Placing a moderate or low estimate on one's own merits; not forward or boastful.
2. Evincing, or arising from lack of boldness, presumption, display, etc.; moderate, unpretentious.
3. Observing the properties of sex; chaste; decent.

Formal definitions of modesty have remained relatively unchanged.  Noah Webster adds, 

"In females, modesty has the like character as in males; but the word is also used as synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners.  In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle.  Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor."

So, according to the definitions mentioned above, modesty is a broad concept not limited to sexual connotation.  It is a state of mind or the disposition to express a humble evaluation or examination of one's self before God.  Modesty, like humility, is then the opposite of arrogance.  It does not seek to draw attention to itself (show off).  Chastity is linked to modesty (moral purity in thought and conduct).  Both moral purity and humility do not exhibit sensuality any more than ostentation.

At the turn of the 20th century, modesty was taken seriously, being at the heart of the Christian concept of "decent" clothing.  The first swimming suits for women consisted of black stockings and bloomers, which covered them from their necks to their ankles.  Alas, styles continued to change, giving us the bikini and reducing the practice of modesty for nakedness without shame.

Excess and sensuality bear on modesty.  It is imperative for the Christian woman to consciously control her heart and passions instead of being carried away by elaborate, expensive, and sensual fashions.  If her heart is pure and modest, she will have no room to draw attention to herself in a way that is not holy and righteous.  Her clothing will not send the message:  sex, pride, or money but rather "purity, humility, and moderation."

Ladies, as Christian women who profess godliness, let us not forget that the church is "the pillar and ground of the Truth" (I Tim. 3:15).  Therefore, let us allow those divine principles taught by the revealed Word of God guide our daily living to glorify God.  Let us not forget that we must dress modestly and discreetly in the presence of men and God.  When the heart is right with God, it will govern itself in purity and humility, expressing itself modestly.  Christian modesty will at no cost expose itself publicly in sinful nakedness.

• God the Originator and Designer of Clothing

It is an undeniable reality that clothes came in with sin.  As those who profess to be born of God's Spirit agree that we must not conform to sinful nakedness but rather reject it by practicing modesty. Does the Bible offer an objective standard for each?  Definitely, YES!  The truth is that modesty rests firmly in God's nature, His grace, and His will.  The Word of God describes God as the Creator of all things as well as the Originator and Designer of clothing.  We see this in the Biblical account of the origin of clothing, and its later examples of dress revealed as a principle or rule of conduct.  

When there were no clothes, 

"And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed."  

It is essential to understand that in the beginning, before Adam and Eve disobeyed God, nakedness was not shameful.  In fact, "God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." (Gen. 1:31)  

Even though Adam and Eve were naked, they felt no public disgrace.  God created them that way without the need for clothing.  You see, nakedness was good until both Adam and Eve rebelled (sinned) against God.  When they both recognized that they were naked, they were afraid and tried to hide from God.  They were ashamed and tried to cover themselves by sewing fig leaves together, making aprons to cover them, but that still was not enough.  

"And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig-leaves together, and made themselves aprons...  And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself... And Jehovah God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins, and clothed them."  (Genesis 3:7, 10, 21)  

As a result of their disobedience to God, God covered Adam and Eve's nakedness.  The knowledge of their sin changed what was "good," nakedness, into humiliating shame.  Therefore, blushing and disgraced, they entered history.  In His great mercy, God provided a gracious covering.  He covered both Adam and Eve, providing coats of skin to graciously "cover" both, even though they tried to cover themselves with "aprons" made out of fig leaves.  This wonderful kindness of God's mercy (grace) was later fulfilled in the propitiatory sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

God replaced Adam and Even's loincloths with "tunics of skin."  Even though Adam and Eve tried to cover their loins, it was not acceptable to God.  God had to cover them from their neck to their knees.  God covered their bodies completely with coats (a tunic-like garment).  In Genesis, the Hebrew word for "coats" is "kuttonet," meaning to cover.  The "kuttonet" was the garment worn by man and woman, as seen in the tunics of skin.  The vital thing to acknowledge is that this was God's design for covering Adam and Eve's nakedness and shame.  Strictly speaking, God did not give Eve a fur bikini to cover her but a full-body covering.

Some argue that since the word "modest" does not appear in Genesis, any principle of modesty cannot be drawn from it.  What they don't want to accept is that biblical principles and biblical truths are often revealed and demonstrated through literal events.  When God covered Adam and Eve, He established a moral principle that was reinforced throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, this moral principle is to be our moderating pattern, standard, regardless of cultural trends or changing times.

When God ordained the priests to their holy office, He designed their holy clothes as well.  He said to Moses, 

"And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to sanctify him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat (kuttonet) of checker work, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office... For Aaron's sons you shall make coats and sashes and caps. You shall make them for glory and beauty. 41 And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. 42 You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs; 43 and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him."  (Exodus 28:3-4, 40-43)  

Here we see God, the Original Designer of Clothing, covering their bodies as He had done with Adam and Eve before.

• Modesty in Action

While the word "modest" appears only once in the King James Bible, different words related to modesty are often used.    How it is used concerning modesty is seen in their Greek meanings: Consider, for example, the words "kosmios," "kosmos," and "kosmeo."  The word "modesty" comes from "kosmios," which means orderly, proper, decent, modest, respectable.  The root word "kosmos" from which the words "kosmios and kosmeó" are derived, refers to order, adornment, decoration.  It also applies to the world, or the universe, as that which is divinely arranged (Matt. 13:35; John 3:16; I John 2:15; James 1:27).  We see these terms used in both the epistles of Paul and Peter.  Consider them.

"In like manner, that women adorn (kosmeó) themselves in modest (kosmios) apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works."  (I Timothy 2:9-10)

The word "shamefastness" in the above verse gives us the idea of an innate moral quality that causes blushing or a sense of embarrassment, shame concerning that which is dishonorable (nakedness, immodesty).

"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour (kosmios), given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil."  (I Timothy 3:1-6)

Here, Paul is reminding those who desire to lead in the church to be mature in Christ that they may portray the high standards or qualities as men of God so that they may not be judged strictly.  It is hard not to note modesty principles.  "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment."  (James 3:1)

Although Paul is speaking mainly to the church leaders, Christian men, he is telling them that those qualities that make a man of God strong must be evident and increasing (growth) in every Christian man, though his culture idolizes the kind of man who is independent, bold, daring, seductive and alluring. 

"In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives; beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear.  Whose adorning (kosmos) let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."  (I Peter 3:1-4)

The apostle Peter is exhorting Christian women, i.e., wives, to be modest in the way they dress and in their demeanor.  He is also emphasizing that what is really important in a woman's adorning (kosmos) is her inner heart, her life, the "hidden man of the heart."  It is the character of the inner life that is portrayed in the way we speak, our demeanor, and our clothing preferences.  In other words, the way we speak is an indicator of the condition of our conscience and our good works toward God.  

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"  (Hebrews 9:14; I Peter 2:19)

• Contending With Moral Indifference

Today, we are living in times of moral confusion.  Our culture appears to be indifferent to everything moral, and it is obviously being reflected in the way they dress.  Likewise, we are also living in a pornographic society that is drowning in the ecstasy of a debauched sensual culture.  To say the least, many leaders, among them preachers and elders, contemplate an endless parade of sensuality, concluding that swimsuits, short skirts, tube tops, tanks, sheer blouses, low rise jeans, dresses with low cut fronts and backs and skirts and dresses with side slits and so on are not so bad after all.  That they all are okay.  Among these leaders (including the so-called "youth ministers") in the church, some dare to encourage our women (especially the young) in their congregations to wear "modest, one-piece" swimsuits before they go to the beach.  It is undeniable that our modern one-piece suits are but a masterpiece of sensual camouflage.  Why?  Simply because most women's bodies just cannot quench the public's thirst for the perfect figure.  A one-piece is mainly designed to make the best of  "what a woman has."  Nevertheless, the children of God are called to purity and holiness.

We, Christians, have the responsibility to be concerned that many of today's styles, fashions, especially for women, are harlot-like and promote public undress.  Both the cut and the fabric extremely expose and emphasize certain areas of the body.  These fashions or styles have but one purpose for the wearer, to arouse an unholy interest, mainly lust, in the minds of male onlookers…instead of being valued for her well-ordered taste, chaste and feminine beauty, her "adorning."

Today, it is disgusting and discouraging to see this problem permeating the Lord's church, which He purchased with His blood.  So many times, I have to shake my head when I see older women not being good examples in the way they dress and in their demeanor.  I have seen this problem among the wives and daughters of our preachers and elders.  Many of these leaders dare to post pictures of themselves with their women dressed (or undressed) with indecent clothing (they themselves in shorts and shirtless) in the public arenas such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, and so on.  I refuse to hit "like" on such messages!  

1. Where are our godly men, our leaders in the Lord's church?  
2. What are you men doing with the Lord's church?  
3. Are you destroying the work of God, or are you building it for future generations?  
4. Aren't you afraid of the wrath of God?  
5. And you Christian women, why do you behave in such a worthless manner?  
6. Don't you know, Christian woman, that "your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid."  
7. Don't you know "that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own."  
8. Don't you know "you were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body."  

So, as Christian men and women, let us stop being like the Pharisees of Jesus' time and start bearing good fruits that you may not be strictly judged by the Greatest Judge of all.  "Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?"  I sincerely hope I am not!

Indisputably, this is a problem that is making the Lord’s church bleed.  She is hemorrhaging souls.  It is serious and dangerous because it is sinful, distracting, and compromising the cause of Christ.  The church that remains silent on the issue of modesty and chastity is diminishing the blood of Christ, His cross, and the work of the church.  Moreover, it deprives, cheats, and deceives God's children, leading them into false doctrine and wrongdoing.  Why not correct, instruct, and teach God's righteousness to those who are disobedient and walking disorderly?!  Let us take heed to God's Word!

"Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.  That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work."  (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Do not be deceived.  Modesty is a "God thing."  It is this character trait that aids us as a weapon of defense against various forms of immorality (fornication, adultery).  As those who profess to be followers of Christ, we are responsible to be growing as Christians in our character and virtue.  We are also responsible for rejecting everything that is not in harmony with the Word of God.  The apostle Paul admonishes us saying, "prove all things; hold fast that which is good."  (I Thess. 5:21)

II.   LOVING THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."  (I John 2:15-16)

The Word of God is crystal clear, exhorting us that we are not to love the world nor the things of the world.  As Christians, we ought not to conform to this world (Romans 12:2) but rather be light and salt even though we live in a world that "lies in the power of the evil one (wickedness)."  (I John 5:19)

Though God grants us great freedom through His Son, we are not to love the world and everything in it.  The word "world" in this context is the whole human scheme of things, arranged regarding human wisdom (to achieve a human goal), without reference to God, His Laws, His moral standards, and His ultimate judgment.  The world, by nature, is hostile to God and His everlasting Word.

Ironically, this is the same world in which Jesus wanted to build His church (Matt. 16:18).  The day will come when we as living stones that are being built as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood will come to an end.  Until that day, we are to live steadfastly according to God's Word even though our world, our culture, seems to be more influenced by worldly ideas, standards, or practices.  Of course, this includes the way we dress, what we wear.  Most of today's fashions, including our modern swimwear, are obviously designed to the world's standards, not those of Jesus Christ.  The fashion industry caters to pride, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, but not purity and holiness.  Its primary target is to sensually package or uncover the body instead of covering it.  The world does not deny this.  Should we, Christians, deny this?   It seems to me that the world is more honest about this issue than many Christians who only desire to fill our churches and our pulpits.  Our culture, especially our nation, has moved from a biblical worldview that once claimed, "The devout Puritan maiden found beauty in prayer and self-discipline rather than in the wearing of pretty clothes and jewelry."  To a carnal worldview that says, "It is glamorous and exotic."  Men of God, what then is it about?  Sisters, what is it about?

The consequences of this popular trend in fashion against modesty is the public "nakedness."  This ought to be a primary concern for the Lord's church.  Why?  Because these revealing and provocative styles assail not only every public venue but often strut in the church as well.

Our fashion industry's goal is to be creative, colorful, and dynamic, radiating popularity, and glamor. Our television and Hollywood industry is a stronghold of self-interest and self-expression that has no regard for Christian moral standards, modesty, righteousness, and the fear of God.  Moreover, the fashion industry does not believe, refusing at all costs the principle purpose of covering the body. Their principle motive for clothing is sexual attraction.  This is the opposite of godliness, purity, and holiness or Christian modesty.

Therefore, our women must be cautious and aware of how their clothing impacts men.  Why? Because men are more visually oriented than women.  Sadly many women don't grasp that they are lit candles walking among kegs of gunpowder.  They are stumbling blocks with the way they dress and carry themselves.

• Signs of the Time

The windows and walls of many of our clothing stores leave little to the imagination when they market their fashion displays as explicitly "very sexy, very now" and "fun and flirty."  Take, for example, Victoria's Secret, who has, for a long time, been targeted for boycott by the American Decency Association (ADA) because they "aggressively use eroticism in marketing their product." Another one is Abercrombie and Fitch, who even go further in displaying barely-clad college-age youth in many of their catalogs.  By the way, they are also on the ADA boycott list.

On the ADA's Website, they question the Christian community for their lack of concern.  They ask, "Where is the outcry," "especially from those who claim to be Christians?"  Alas, many times, those in the body of Christ live no differently than those outside, in the world.  The ADA goes further adding this warning:

"The marketing tactics used by Abercrombie & Fitch, are beginning to be followed by other companies.  If A & E continues to its push, with little public outcry, expect a deluge of pornography in the marketplace in the not so distant future."

Although there is a considerable number of fashions and styles that do not honor God, there are still some beautiful, stylish, and complimentary choices that do.   Unfortunately, it is always the daring, on the edge choices that most often tend to capture the public's eyes. 

The attire of a harlot (prostitute) has a peculiar look that is designed mainly to draw attention and stimulate fleshly desire, lust (Proverbs 7:10).  Consider many of today's fashions that succeed in bypassing modesty in many ways, whether it is for street wear or dress-up.  These are constant reminders of the attire of the harlot. 

1. Halter tops
2. Tube tops
3. Tanks, tees, and camis
4. Spaghetti straps
5. Sheer blouses and dresses
6. Low-cut shirts and blouses
7. Mini-skirts
8. Low-rise jeans
9. Short shorts
10. Dresses with low-cut fronts or backs
11. Skirts and dresses with side slits

As Christians, we are commanded to "examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good."  (I Thess. 5:21).  Therefore, we must examine all of our garments and see if there is any problem that should become self-evident, determining everything about its design or use "appeals to the flesh."  Did you know that the camisole, a short negligee jacket for women, was originally an undergarment?  Clearly, as a short and lacy outer garment, it offers an opportunity to look seductive, alluring, and desirable.  Dressing to look alluring, seductive, or desirable is an invitation to lust.  Lust, of course, is a sin that men are cautioned in the Bible to avoid.  "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."  (Matt. 5:28)

Let us take heed as Christian women and not cause our brothers in Christ to stumble because of our immoral way of dressing.  I am aware that some Christian women might object to this by saying, "But I am not trying to be seductive or sensual or tempting to men!"  I hope this is the case.  The truth is that if you expose yourself to the gaze of men wearing provocative and sensual clothing, you are not promoting chastity, no matter how hard you think you are trying.  Our actions speak louder than words.  And in this case, stretchy, skin-tight clothing designed to emphasize or highlight your “assets” speaks much louder than your heart's desire.  The same principle applies to other garments that expose and advertise the body rather than covering it.

The world and its gods of fashion must not be the Christians’ standard of dress (covering), nor do they have any authority in the standards of what is godly beauty.  Let's follow God's standard, rules, and not the world's. Let us carefully examine whatever we wear and our motives as children of the Almighty God.  Paul admonishes us saying, 

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."  (Colossians 3:17).  

We glorify our God by the way we dress and not by "playing up our assets."  Let us examine our hearts, sisters.  Playing up our assets and flattering our figure is more suited to a pornographic, immoral society than the society of God's children.  Let this sink deep into your heart.  Let us not forget that we are living among the spiritually dead and that we as Christians are indeed lit candles walking in a dark world.

• Fashion Extremes and Dangers

Despite the condemnation of "nakedness" in both the Old and the New Testaments, many fashion styles tend to confirm that what is popular is not necessarily stylish.  One example of that is the bare mid-riffs, a combination of the short tee shirt or cami and the low-rise pants that often reveal unflattering tummies, navels, and unbecoming tattoos.  Many of these styles make a myth out of the idea that one style fits all.  Likewise, dyed and bleached jeans may not be revealing, but many of their patterns often accentuate the private areas.  Instead of honoring and respecting the God-given feminine beauty, they expose the wearer's naiveté.

Most of our stores cater to pre-teens, teens, and college-age customers, whose primary goal is to appear "sexy."  Take, for example, Express that features a pant line called the "sexy, low-rise, slim-fit fashion story" as well as "recklessly sexy jeans."  Limited, the store that punctuates its wall décor with artistically scripted slogans such as "smart, modern, sexy," "casual, sexy, cool," "sexy sweater," and "I love sexy pants."  Undoubtedly this kind of marketing has been effective in turning heads and stirring emotions, especially among our youth and young women whose world revolves around Cosmo Girl and many Hollywood celebrities.  Other stores like Rampage, The Gap, and Miller's Outpost market the same styles but seem a bit more restrained in featuring the word "sexy."

Men's fashions are not usually as revealing.  However, some pre-teens to college-age boys have adopted the hip-hop style, insisting on wearing their pants very baggy and low off the hips that one wonders how they can stand up and stay up.  This is mostly prevalent among the inner-city youth. Though they are said to be "cool," they quickly turn to vulgar (in female fashions as well) when they intentionally want to show off their underwear (and something else I refuse to mention) as they lean over or sit down.  This must be of great concern to parents since these fashions cannot be separated easily from the influence of a Hip Hop culture and the explicitly sensual lyrics that permeate many of its stage events and music videos.

One area where modesty is mostly ignored is the beach attire for women.  The norm for many sun-worshippers, water enthusiasts, and beach athletes is wearing as little as possible.  As I mentioned earlier in Part I of this study, modesty was at the heart of many women at the beginning of the 1900s and was taken seriously.  Women's styles were designed to cover a woman's figure from neck to ankles.  It had a lot to do with the prevailing view of "decency." This is so contrary to today's skimpy attires.

• It is Not Just About Clothes

"Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."  ( 2 Tim. 2:22)

Though nakedness is displayed publicly at the beach or the pool and not just in a programmed or published medium, it is done so in real time.  Yet, Christians want to join happily in looking even though many of them diligently avoid certain movies, television programs, and reading books because of their offensive content.  Someone said,

"Swimwear not only legitimized nakedness but its Siamese twin, voyeurism.  The female form was no longer a fantasy hidden under layers of cloth and petticoats.  It was now a stark, sensual reality for all those who wanted to look."

So, what is a voyeur?  It is one who finds satisfaction in looking at sexual objects, acts or scenes. Voyeurism is most commonly associated with the sexual perversion of "Peeping Toms" who seek to watch through a partially open bedroom window as a woman undresses.  Today through the magic of television cameras, men and women can stare shamelessly into the bedrooms of strangers.  With the shame removed from nakedness, men commonly stop and stare at women walking in the marketplace in various stages of undress.  This voyeurism portrays the antithesis of purity of mind and conscience. A God-fearing Christian will not succumb to such shameless behavior.  Christians ought not to underestimate our inclination toward voyeurism that is provided by constant exposure to all forms of indecency.  Those who engage in impure thoughts, and all forms of impurity will eventually numb their conscience.  Take heed!

Many of our worldwide web, magazines, television programs, movies, books, and so on encourage voyeurism without any boundaries.

• God is Almighty and Over All

In the days of the nation of Israel, God commanded Israel, saying:  

"And now, Israel, what doth Jehovah thy God require of thee, but to fear Jehovah thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve Jehovah thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of Jehovah, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Behold, unto Jehovah thy God belongeth heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein."  (Deut. 10:12-14).

God had ordained Israel as "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."  (Exodus 19:6).  God laid specific standards regarding faith and conduct.  Matters of purity and rites of purification were major issues for His people, the nation of Israel.  In like manner, the apostle Peter reminds us that we bear the stamp of God.  We have a duty and position as priests.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...  Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.  Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." (I Peter 2:9, 11-12).

This being said, moral purity will proclaim itself in forms of modesty.  Purity in thought and modesty interrelate as a way by which one can "abstain from fleshly lusts."  Together they reflect a "heart" that desires to please God alone and be considerate and mindful of others (loving your neighbor).  Modesty is not so much about dress as it is undress (uncover).  Fashions or styles have been a characteristic among pagans or unbelievers.  Christians were often noted for their modesty. Today, it 's hard to see the difference because the distinctions are so blurred.  The Lord's church, to her shame, is imitating the world in matters of purity and modesty.  Although moral purity (virtue) is a personal issue, it is a Biblical issue that must not be open to private interpretation.  "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation."  (2 Peter 1:20).

• Who Are We to Please?

The Word of God is entirely clear about modesty and modern fashion.  Today’s fashions or trends depict an opposing worldview.  Biblical modesty is of God, while popular or trendy fashion is of the world of darkness. God's Precepts are intended to instruct our minds and consciences in righteousness and holiness.  All the principles of modesty embedded throughout the Bible must rule our opinions and preferences.  To us as Christians, everything that involves dress (cover) and undress (uncover) boils down ultimately to the question,

1.  “Whom do we want to please, God or man?”  
2. "Who is the One Who sets the standards by which all Christians are to live, God or man?"  
3. "Who said, 'ye shall be holy; for I am holy,' God or man?'" 

The answers are simple and easy.  Putting them into practice is not.

The apostle Paul warns, 

"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.'"  (I Cor. 15:33)  

Christians are in bad company when they are apathetic or self-satisfied toward all the worldly influences that revolve around them.  Let us take heed to the Psalmist's vital insight which is still essential for us today:

"Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.  With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments.  Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee."  (Psalm 119:9-11)

At this point, we are going to pause our discussion.  In the second part, we will return to the heart of the matter.

Luci