Modesty is the Best Policy

Our society does not like to acknowledge any differences between the sexes, and many feel that women should be allowed to do, and wear what a man does. The Bible states that men and women have different roles. Differences between genders should be seen within how we carry ourselves, how we speak, roles, and in how we dress. He calls Christians to be peculiar people, different from popular culture and how they conduct themselves. These points can be found in Titus 2:14, 1 peter 2:9, and Matthew 5:16. 1 peter 2:11 says that Christians are to regard themselves as "strangers and pilgrims", not loving the world, nor the things in the world, 1 John 2:15. Women and girls should remain in dresses or skirts, which are distinctly feminine. God distinguished male and female. Pants were originally for men. In respecting your future husband or husband, it is a polite reminder of who wears the pants in the family. Deuteronomy 22:5 says" A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment; for all that do so are an abomination unto the Lord". Many people would disagree or say that this no longer applies, but God does not change. What was an abomination to him then still is today. Much of women's clothing is almost indistinguishable from a man's, and the Bible calls any cross dressing an abomination. Another reason why it is important for females to wear dresses is so that they do not tempt men. If a lady wears pants, tight, clothing showing too much skin, a man's eyes are drawn to very intimate parts of her body when they should not be. specifically, pants cling to the body, and are closer fitting. Even if you bought loosely fitting jeans, they still fit snug in some areas, and baggy clothes cause you to appear more masculine, and less put together. Contrary to the belief that you can't do as much in a dress as you can in pants, there are those of us who have proven otherwise, no matter what the occasion, including to exercise. They are much more comfortable, and there is plenty of room to maneuver, while modestly doing so.

Modesty: The word is defined as a mode of dress and deportment intended not to encourage sexual attraction in others. It is freedom from vanity, regard for decency, an attitude of humility in behavior, speech, dress, and in life. It is unpretentious, sexual reserve, and simplicity. Modesty is important for many reasons. It shows character, it effects how others respond to you, it distinguishes you from others, and can contribute to keeping you in good health. It also shows who you worship and who you serve. Modesty is shown to be one of the character traits that marks God's people. It is akin to discretion, purity, and self control, it is a state of mind or disposition. It reflects the heart, who you are as a person on the inside. In 1st Corinthians 8: 9-13 we as people are told not to be a stumbling block to others. We are our the keepers of our brothers, (and sisters). Modesty is often discussed only when it pertains to females, but men and boys can be modest as well. They should also keep themselves covered, and their pants pulled up, wearing nothing too tight or loose. When you are deciding what to wear are you thinking about how to gain the attention of others, causing them to lust or envy you, or are you thinking about protecting people from such feelings? Are you thinking about serving, helping, and loving others or are you trying to compete and prove that you are better than others? Do you genuinely respect and care for yourself, or are you putting on fake confidence and need the approval of others to make you feel good? Are you wearing certain clothing to keep up with fashions and fit in with the majority, or are you taking a stand, and finding comfort within who you are as a person outside of what you wear? Your wardrobe is an outward statement of your personal and private beliefs or motivations.

Clothing that emphasizes cleavage, is too tight or short, shows too much skin, or too much leg is immodest. Society encourages us to "let it all hang out", "express ourselves", and be sexy, however this does effect how we are perceived. The word sexy comes from the word sex, which is what you advertise with certain pieces of clothing. Many women find fault with a man for lusting, but it is our job to help them maintain self control. This also helps keep us from worldly dangers, such as abuse, rape, and violent slurs spoken against us. For those of you who are married, you must remember that your bodies are not your own. Respect what belongs to your husband, or future husband if you are not yet married. 1st peter 3-4 says: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold,or of putting on of apparel;But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price". You should also be an example to the children. People seem to take you seriously, show more respect, and are more willing to help you when you take care of yourself.

Modest dress promotes good health. We have been taught to believe that less clothing aids in keeping us cool, however,the opposite is actually true. Keeping your limbs and skin covered regulates blood flow, and protects from the sun. Regular circulation allows your body to be at a balance all the way through and keep you from overheating, headaches, colds, and other forms of sickness. Skirts, dresses and other modest well fitting clothes allow enough room for air flow as a cooling agent, and sweat which helps keep the body cool also works well. Depending on where you live it can get very windy and extremely cold, but it doesn't mean that you can't stay warm and cozy while remaining modest in your long skirts and dresses. During these harsh months some of the items that you can use are leggings, leg warmers, tights, or stockings, socks, thermals and tall boots. There are many different types of these materials, and a variety of choices. What about belts, corsets, or shoes, like heels? Do these effect our health? The answer is yes. Tight belts, and corsets don't allow the muscles to freely move, can effect bowel movements, and cause pressure within the lungs, making it hard to breathe. These things also hinder digestion. your choice of shoes also draw attention, changing the way you walk and can be hazardous to your health. Multiple studies have proven this fact. Heels contribute to negative effects on the muscles, tendons, back, knees, bones, and posture. Heels can be painful as well, and yet we feed into the whole beauty is pain idea, and displease God, who does not want us to put ourselves through pain. Some of the studies articles, and books have been compiled by the American Osteopathic Association, the Huffington Post, the New York Times, Business Insider, and Shape. Some people make the argument that finding modest clothing can be a hassle, however, respectable clothing can be found at thrift stores for really cheap, even at just 2 dollars sometimes.

Marriage is the one relationship where we can stand before God, and ourselves and be naked and unashamed. While there are a few exceptions, nakedness in the bible often suggests weakness, need, and humiliation (Deuteronomy 28:48, Job 1:21, and Isaiah 58:7). in Genesis, our first parents, Adam and Eve were originally clothed with light. After they disobeyed God, they realized their nakedness, and tried to clothe themselves. This was the first experience of guilt expressed.God considered their nakedness to be a shame.Their clothing, or the way we sometimes think to cloth ourselves wasn't sufficient. They had to be re-clothed according to His standards. The clothes He made were warm and strong, but also coarse, and very plain. When we show our nakedness, we are saying that we don't mind being shameful. We constantly remind God of our sin.

We are told in 1st Corinthians that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost. God needs a clean place to dwell Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman, and says her price is far above rubies. We are God's treasures, and he wants us to honor, and protect ourselves. We cover other things that we find precious; a car in a garage, jewelry in a box, clothes in garment protectors, money in a bank, sage, or purse, and the same should be for our bodies when we realize how valuable we are to him. We should have restraint for he purpose of exalting God, and not ourselves.We can still be cute, look attractive, smile sweetly, and dress modestly.