Modesty in Dress: My Story

This is borrowed from a dear friend and sister Heather and I wanted to share it. Please keep in mind that neither of us are trying to condemn anyone, but rather to share from different perspectives the decisions in dress we make every day.

"My story begins at the home of a sweet sister in Christ. I arrived at her home in my “normal” summer attire, jean shorts and a matching T-shirt. At the very first glance at me, she pulled me aside and said, “I am glad my husband was not able to be here today to see your family because I would not feel comfortable for him to see you in what you are wearing.” The comment took me back for a moment, but I instantly knew what she was saying. I was inappropriately dressed. However, I was not offended…I was rather embarrassed at the choice that I had made that day.

I had never been accused of being immodest, but I knew instantly what she was saying. We discussed her views of clothing a bit further in the house, and from that moment on, I was changed.

I would never want to knowingly offend a sweet sister in Christ, nor would I want to lure her husband’s eyes away from her beauty. She kindly accepted my apologies, and with it gave me a tape on the Purity of Clothing. As I listened to the tape, I became more and more convicted of how I should be dressing.

Clothing began to have new meaning to me, it became a covering. No longer did I desire to wear “what was in style” but what covered my body appropriately. For we are commanded to wear modest* apparel in 1 Timothy 2: 9 -10 which says: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”

*Modest: 1. having or showing a moderate or humble opinion of one’s own value, abilities, etc.; not vain. 2. not forward; shy or reserved. 3. decorous; chaste; decent; now, esp., not displaying one’s body. 4. not extreme or excessive: as a modest request. 5. quiet and humble in appearance, style, etc.

My husband was in agreement with me when I chose to wear dresses only. In fact, covering my figure daily from him has actually made me more attractive to him. I love to dress in beautiful feminine clothing every day and I would encourage all women and young ladies to do so as well.

Some of the main reasons I dress in dresses only, especially in public, is so that I am not a stumbling block to other men. For Scripture says, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” Romans 14:13. I am NOT responsible for other husband’s actions, but I am responsible for my own. And if I am knowingly wearing indecent form-fitting clothing that displays my shape, I could cause other women’s husbands to stumble.

It is especially important to wear modest clothing when we are in a place of worship. We don’t go to church to show the congregation the latest trend in clothing, we are not at a fashion show, we are not in the comfort of our own homes, we are there solely to worship our Heavenly Father. I was always taught to wear my “Sunday Best” to church… no, it’s not “scriptural,” but it makes sense. Wearing modest dresses and modest skirts to church naturally “covers” the shape of the body, and in a sense, sets the mood for the worship service. If you are praying, your focus can be on the prayer, not on the person’s backside in front of you. Is this too bold for you?

Consider these questions:

1. Are you a jealous wife? Are you jealous enough to want your husband to be attracted to you and only you?

2. If you answered “Yes” to question one, Are you dressing modestly so as to not attract other women’s husband to your figure?

3. Do you want your sons and daughters to dress immodestly? If you are dressing immodestly, they will follow in your footsteps in most cases.

4. Do you want your teenage daughter’s immodestly attired shape to attract the eyes of grown men?

5. What is the first thing you look at when you see a woman in pants or tight fitting jeans?

6. What is the first thing you look at when you see a woman wearing a tight fitting, low cut top?

7. What would you wear if you had Jesus over for dinner?

These are just a few questions to consider, but they are intended to make you think. Think about how you want to be viewed. I am not judging you if you wear jeans, you must be convicted to wear dresses all the time. But, please, please be mindful of others when you dress for church. Please, please be mindful of others when you go out in public.

I am a jealous wife! I want my husband to think that I am the most beautiful woman on this earth (in his eyes). I don’t want your husband looking at me lustfully, I would hope that you (as a sister in Christ) would do the same for me. If you only do it in public, fine! What you wear in private is YOUR business.

However, your clothing is a testimony of your faith in Christ Jesus. How do you want to be viewed? Are you of this world? Are you going to do everything the world is doing to be accepted? Is that what Christ wants us to do? Prayerfully consider these things. Nobody can change who you are, only God.

Your Friend in Christ,

Heather"