Modesty

    What is the proper way for a Godly woman to dress? This is a question that causes much debate among Christian people everywhere; some say we should be plain and always wear long dresses, some say it’s okay for us to wear pants. Some say we should never adorn ourselves with ornaments such as necklaces or earrings, others believe it doesn’t matter. Ask anyone, and you are bound to get many different thoughts and musings on the topic.
    In my opinion, the clothing we wear are not of great significance, for in the end they will not determine whether we go to Heaven or go to Hell, but there is one particular fashion factor the Bible considers most important of all: modesty. The world nowadays is full of women and girls who are falsely led to believe that immodest ways of dressing are attractive and that beauty is the only thing that matters. They will wear whatever is considered fashionable, no matter how revealing it may be. In fact, it's becoming more and more common to find women who wear such vain clothing even to their church's worship services.
    If you're wondering where the Bible mentions anything about clothing, consider this verse: "And they that use this world, as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away." (I Corinthians 7:31) To state the obvious, this means that since the world's standards for beauty are always changing, we shouldn't be dressing to please man, but rather, God. We Christian girls are to wear clothing that covers our bodies properly, protecting the men and boys who surround us from unnecessary, sinful thoughts. We should never expose our bodies in innappropriate manners, especially not in God’s House. 1 Timothy 2:9 states, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, nor gold, nor pearls, nor costly array."
    Alas, pride plays a great role in the sin of wearing vain clothing to church. Many women take much pleasure in their apparel and fail to see that church is not a fashion show; it is a place of worship! We go there to praise Him; not strut around with undesirable pride! Fashion is just one of the many things that will be worthless once we're in Heaven. Why allow ourselves to become so hypnotized by its uselessness when we have Him? I admit, this can be a difficult thing to remember—even I often struggle with my love for worldly things, whether it be clothes or jewelry that likely isn't what would be called "modest." It's only natural for any girl. However, like anything else, I believe that through prayer it can be overcome. Try asking yourself next time you wear your favorite outfit: "Why am I wearing this? Am I trying to impress someone? Who am I trying to please by wearing this? God, or man?" The answers to these questions will surely assist you in making the right choice.
    My fellow Christian friends, I hope you know God does not judge us by our outward appearance, and He sees no true value in our clothing. Modesty, on the other hand, IS valuable, whether it be in fashion, speech, or attitudes. These are the first three features non-believers will see when we witness to them, and if immodesty is what they view, we will quickly be labeled as hypocrites. Remember this, and you will be respected by others, by self, and by God. May you be forever blessed.

                                                                    Danielle Forrester