Both in Dress and of the Heart
I have been thinking this week modesty, both in dress and of the heart. It is important to make sure that modesty flows from the inside out. It starts when we first accept Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are to become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” We can have on the most modest outfit, and a contrite heart and still not be producing the fruit God wants us to.
Modesty Both In Dress and Of The Heart.
We accept Christ through faith alone. The Bible says to come to Christ, just as you are. Now I hear this argument all the time on how really any kind of clothing should be able to be acceptable, but what that verse means, is to come to Christ, just as you are, in heart. With all your sins, all your baggage, all your junk and lay it at his feet and accept Christ and choose to follow him. The terms COME AS YOU ARE, technically is NOT in the Bible. So I am not sure where so many today get that, to use as a justification to dress however they want, feel comfortable, etc.
In research I came across the following on GotQuestions.org “Come as you are” is sometimes misunderstood and misapplied in today’s church. Those churches which are identified with the Emerging/Emergent Church or Hipster movements, among others, sometimes take the grace of God and turn it into licentiousness (Jude 4) by teaching that it makes no difference how you live, as long as you believe. If you come to Christ in an illicit relationship, they say Christ will accept you just as you are and sanctify that relationship. If you come to Christ as someone who enjoys the nightlife, you can continue those things, and use them to “reach others for Christ.” This may be a popular message, but it directly contradicts Scripture which clearly says that these things from our past lives should be left behind and that our former friends will think us strange for doing so (1 Peter 4:3-4). Romans 13:13 commands us to walk honestly, or decently, no longer participating in the licentious lifestyle of the world. Galatians 5:13 says that we are called to liberty, but that we cannot use liberty “for an occasion to the flesh,” excusing our continued sins.
God is amazing, gracious, loving, and forgiving. He calls us to salvation, even though we don’t deserve it. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), making it possible for us to receive forgiveness. He requires us to confess and forsake our sins when we come to Him, but He receives us just as we are, then begins to change us as we submit to Him in obedience.
Once we come to Jesus and lay our dirt and filth at his feet and decide to take up the cross and follow him, we learn how to live by reading in the Bible, going to church, listening to leaders who can guide us, as a woman, finding a Titus 2 mentor who will help guide us is also speak to us in Christian love about such things as our clothing choices. Fellowship with other like-minded Christian ladies is also a huge blessing and a great way to have accountability!
What does the Bible say about both Modesty both in dress and of the heart?
Through His Word, God gives us a simple and precise instruction. Timothy 2:9: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel…” The word “modest” is defined in Collin’s English Dictionary as:
- having or expressing a humble opinion of oneself or one’s accomplishments or abilities;
- reserved or shy;
- not ostentatious or pretentious;
- not extreme or excessive, moderate;
- decorous or decent. Therefore, God expects a woman to dress in a proper, well-mannered fashion—certainly not in a provocative, outlandish or excessive way. Christians are to be examples to those around them, living the pages of the Bible for those who never read them. Their appearance and actions should exude stability and good judgment.
Some say that worrying about how women should dress becomes legalism, pointing others to the cross is not legalism. Encouraging others to dress in modest apparel is not legalism. We are saved by the grace of God. For those who have chosen to follow him, once we are saved we will still sin. We will all will make mistakes. However, we should try to produce good fruit and try our best to follow Christ as closely as possible. Part of doing this is being careful in how we dress, how we present ourselves, not just in dress but our attitude as well. Are we dressed modest but have a bitter heart? Are we dressed modest but doing things we know are wrong?
What type of fruit are you yielding? Are you modest in both dress & of the heart?
Do not get discouraged if you have not been adorning yourself in a modest way. Because of Gods grace we can start again. We can ask forgiveness for our attitude or our dress or anything that displeases God and to turn and flee from it. If your clothing choices are not modest, there are many ways to start again with that. Find a mentor who will help you go through your clothes, only keep that which is modest. Go to goodwill or go to a thrift shop to see if you can find some modest clothing. I have bought several brand new items from Goodwill, including shoes! Also, watch for sales, most stores have significant sales several times a year. Another thing that you can do is borrow clothes until you can get some more. Don’t keep wearing immodest dress until you can afford more, try your best to walk away from it now, continuing when you know it is wrong. It will only keep you in the pit longer and make it harder to walk away because justifying the wrong will become easier and easier as time passes.
If your heart is not modest, talk to God and ask him to help you have a heart like his. Ask him to forgive you and give you a meek and quiet spirit. Trust in his guiding hand and seek his word. He will give you the strength, ALL things can be done through Christ.
The other day I had to run errands around town…here is what I wore:
Headband: Claire’s
White undershirt: Halftees I wore this as the while top was a bit loose at the top
White Shirt: Not sure brand this is, I have had it a while
Skirt: Bought at Burlington Coat Factory on clearance….they have a GREAT selection of long skirts!
Shoes: Bear Trap bought at the Exchange on clearance
This outfit first and foremost is so comfortable! It was cloudy this day and a bit of a chill in the air. The sweater, although short sleeved did the trick. I was comfortable everywhere I went. I continued to wear this doing chores around the house that day as well. I probably have $30 in the whole outfit including the shoes.
In Awe,
Laura
