A place to grow your relationship with God

Posts tagged ‘modesty’

Modesty vs. Modern Fashion: A Cultural Shift

Immodesty is attributed to the influence of an evil entity or demon. In ancient times, the goddess of prostitution, Ishtar, was worshipped and associated with pornography. The term pornography originates from two Greek words: “porn,” meaning prostitution, and “grapho,” meaning writing. Ishtar, recognized as the first goddess of love, was celebrated by the Mesopotamians in their poems and writings as youthful and stunningly beautiful, with captivating eyes. Ancient stories describe her as a master of fashion, adorning herself with makeup, jewelry, and luxurious clothing to enhance her beauty before appearing in public. Mesopotamian civilizations honored her through marriage and fertility rituals, although her own love life was turbulent. Her passionate relationship with Dumuzi (later known as Tammuz) was plagued by scandal and jealousy. The idols representing her were often depictions of naked women.

This issue has become prevalent in the United States. There was a time when modesty was more common, but now it’s difficult to watch TV without seeing women dressed provocatively to advertise products. The fashion industry continues to normalize revealing clothing, and it’s not unusual to see women wearing dresses that are sheer, have large portions cut out, or are so short they barely cover their figure. Even when the fabric covers the body, it often highlights every curve. This trend is inappropriate.

This is inviting trouble. We should follow 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: “ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” Women need to stand strong in their faith and embrace modesty before it’s too late. For guidance on understanding modesty and tips on dressing modestly, refer to “Understanding Modesty in Apparel: A Christian Perspective.”

For more information read: Who was Ishtar and What does She have to do with Cross Dressing?

Category:

bible, Christian Living, Scriptural Articles, Stories and more, Thoughts

Tagged with:

Understanding Modesty in Apparel: A Christian Perspective

Modesty is important. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 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.”

What is modest apparel is the question that needs to be answered. 

I want everyone to think about how you have seen people dress. Since everyone has an idea of what they think of as modest, think about what you think of as immodest. Now think about what employers require for appropriate dress at work. Most of us would agree that we don’t want to see anyone’s butte, breast, or bellies. Night club attire in by definition immodest. Christians are called to be in the world, but not of the world. Following after the world’s fashion trends is not always modest. 

Now go to your own closet. Look at your outfits. Think about the above statements. If they are not modest, look to see if they can be altered or made modest by adding something to the outfit. For example, if the “dress” shows your butte when you bend over try adding the tights under it that is too tight. If the shirt is too short, see if it could be an under shirt to a shirt that is too low. I am aware that clothing cost money. It is not possible to just get a whole new wardrobe overnight. Nonetheless, it is possible to make adjustments to how we wear the clothes that we already own. 

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.Remember everyone whether consciencely or unconsciously judges people by how they are dressed. Think does your dress honor or dishonor God. Jesus Loves you and wants you to follow him in all things. This includes your dress, attitude, actions, and character. 

Here are some more scriptures to think about. 

  • John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
  • 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
  • Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
  • 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Bible Studies for Overcoming Life’s Challenges

Category:

General Bible Study, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with: