5 Reasons for Modesty

The word ‘modest’ is defined as being free from vanity and extravagance and showing regard for decency. It is normal for anyone to want to be respectable and decent. However, today the word ‘modest’ seems to have become a byword for out-dated values. Women of liberal social views say that those who follow rules for modesty as part of their faith are being stifled. Yet never before in general media have women been so cut down and de-valued. Women of faith who choose to dress conscious of modesty are practising liberty. They refuse to give in to the expectations that they perform as little more than objects of a strongly sexualized society. Purposely showing they don’t live to bow to the world's demands. 

Here are 5 more reasons why women of faith dress modestly:

1.       We live and interact in this world, but we don’t wish to follow all of its trends, as some of them are harmful. More and more, as sexual advertising increases, pornography and all the de-humanizing treatment of women that goes along with that, we want to show resistance to this downward spiral. Clothing in the stores is becoming more and more sex-focused. We are purposely showing our disagreement with the increasing eroticizing of everything.

2.       We want as much as possible for people to be attracted to us because of our character and not shallow physical reasons. We wish to avoid the draw of people who are only interested in a woman because they see and want them only physically.

3.       Whether in personal life, physically or socially, somehow there is a respectability about people who keep some things private and discreet. Whether it's personal business, secrets told in confidence and yes, even body parts! It is an interesting connection that few can deny. Having the discipline to to maintain discretion garners respect.

4.       We don’t want to be showy or extravagant; it is not the character of God.

5.       We want to show that every aspect of our being is wrapped up in God, even down to the way we express ourselves sartorially. We represent and shine for Him, not to be desired and admired for only self-seeking reasons.

Some great advice for a guide on modesty I’ve heard from a pastor’s wife goes something like this ‘if what you are wearing is drawing attention to your body, it is glorifying you and is sensual. But if it is allowing the attention to be drawn to your face, where the glory of God shines from, it is modest. 
You bring glory to Him.’

(scriptures: 

We are not of the world –John 15:19

We don’t follow all of the world’s fashions -Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 1:14

Our attractiveness comes from our behaviour – Proverbs 31:30, 1 Peter 2:9-10

It’s not good to wear things only to show off –Isaiah 3:16

It’s not good to wear things only to attract the wrong attentions– Ezekiel 2:40-42)