By Erica
Have you ever been deceived or naïve about something? I think everyone has at one point in their life or another, and doubtless more than once. It's a funny thing, because you have absolutely no idea until someone or something sheds some light on the subject.
This is exactly how it was for me when I first began to learn about modesty. I had absolutely no idea that it was anything worth giving a second thought to. Even what I would consider now as so obviously inappropriate I would probably have worn granted I had the right circumstances to justify my actions.
So why the change? What prompted me to take such drastic means so as to endeavor to distinguish myself the way I do now? What in the world gave me any reason to even think about something like the dreaded topic of dress reform? What could possibly cause me—someone who loved fashion and using it to express myself—to revamp my entire wardrobe? I mean, seriously, I'm a young girl, and that's something so stuffy sounding that it seems reserved for women who have at least had their share of living a little. Yet, in all this I did love my Father in Heaven—I was just blind and deceived, that's all.
LOVE FOR MY BROTHER
I thought I was going to have a normal day. That should have been the first clue, because if there's one thing I've learned in my walk with my Heavenly Friend, it's that He has a special liking for the element of surprise—in a good way. Often, the days I think are just like every other are the ones where a full-fledged revolution occurs. Like that day.
I don't usually surf the web, but sometimes one does so subconsciously. One thing led to another and, before I knew it, I was reading a most touching entreaty from a group of young Christian guys to their sisters. I was astonished, not only because they were discussing modesty as an issue of great importance to them, but even more because of the earnestness and humility of their plea. Although I did not know them personally, I recognized these guys as my brothers in Christ, and I was astonished at their level of respect for our Father in Heaven and their desire to respect their Christian sisters, including myself. Any of the so-called “Christian” guys I had ever been around had never seemed to care that much for their sisters—or for their Heavenly Father. I wasn't used to this for myself or any other young person. To state the obvious, I was totally and completely taken by their words.
The next thing that got me was the motive for their letter. Modesty? These young men of God were pleading with their sisters in Christ to set ourselves apart from the world in our dress, that by this we may boldly make known to the world that we are not mere Christians in name alone, but that we are followers of Christ in and by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God {Isaiah 4:1; Deuteronomy 8:3}. They related how deep this really is, and how it stretches especially into our dress.
Let me make one thing clear before going any further: it's not that our dress is to be an all-consuming issue in our religious experience, but we--you and I--have made it that way. Remember how I said that these guys, who were really speaking out on behalf of every true brother in Christ, desired to respect us, their sisters? I hadn't realized it before, but we can really trip our brothers in Christ up and make ourselves to appear as mere objects—rather than their sisters—when we dress ourselves immodestly, or like the world. And they really dislike it!—that is, our truly Christian brothers. You see, I didn't know it, but guys' minds are wired very differently from ours; they are much more visual. This works to their disadvantage when they see too much of a woman's body displayed through her clothes, and we actually appear to them as mere objects and not as real persons or daughters of God—with whom the Christian, God-fearing guys truly wish to respect and associate with. (This isn't just me, there is science to back it up, read it here.)
So using our bodies is not a way for us to impress the right guys at all. Not only this, but it takes away from any Christlike beauty they may be able to see in us. It really ruins the image of Christ in us. These weren't my intentions, but just because you don't intend to do something doesn't mean you are not guilty of doing it. That's where I was and what I was realizing.
And then some verses came to mind.
This is exactly how it was for me when I first began to learn about modesty. I had absolutely no idea that it was anything worth giving a second thought to. Even what I would consider now as so obviously inappropriate I would probably have worn granted I had the right circumstances to justify my actions.
So why the change? What prompted me to take such drastic means so as to endeavor to distinguish myself the way I do now? What in the world gave me any reason to even think about something like the dreaded topic of dress reform? What could possibly cause me—someone who loved fashion and using it to express myself—to revamp my entire wardrobe? I mean, seriously, I'm a young girl, and that's something so stuffy sounding that it seems reserved for women who have at least had their share of living a little. Yet, in all this I did love my Father in Heaven—I was just blind and deceived, that's all.
LOVE FOR MY BROTHER
I thought I was going to have a normal day. That should have been the first clue, because if there's one thing I've learned in my walk with my Heavenly Friend, it's that He has a special liking for the element of surprise—in a good way. Often, the days I think are just like every other are the ones where a full-fledged revolution occurs. Like that day.
I don't usually surf the web, but sometimes one does so subconsciously. One thing led to another and, before I knew it, I was reading a most touching entreaty from a group of young Christian guys to their sisters. I was astonished, not only because they were discussing modesty as an issue of great importance to them, but even more because of the earnestness and humility of their plea. Although I did not know them personally, I recognized these guys as my brothers in Christ, and I was astonished at their level of respect for our Father in Heaven and their desire to respect their Christian sisters, including myself. Any of the so-called “Christian” guys I had ever been around had never seemed to care that much for their sisters—or for their Heavenly Father. I wasn't used to this for myself or any other young person. To state the obvious, I was totally and completely taken by their words.
The next thing that got me was the motive for their letter. Modesty? These young men of God were pleading with their sisters in Christ to set ourselves apart from the world in our dress, that by this we may boldly make known to the world that we are not mere Christians in name alone, but that we are followers of Christ in and by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God {Isaiah 4:1; Deuteronomy 8:3}. They related how deep this really is, and how it stretches especially into our dress.
Let me make one thing clear before going any further: it's not that our dress is to be an all-consuming issue in our religious experience, but we--you and I--have made it that way. Remember how I said that these guys, who were really speaking out on behalf of every true brother in Christ, desired to respect us, their sisters? I hadn't realized it before, but we can really trip our brothers in Christ up and make ourselves to appear as mere objects—rather than their sisters—when we dress ourselves immodestly, or like the world. And they really dislike it!—that is, our truly Christian brothers. You see, I didn't know it, but guys' minds are wired very differently from ours; they are much more visual. This works to their disadvantage when they see too much of a woman's body displayed through her clothes, and we actually appear to them as mere objects and not as real persons or daughters of God—with whom the Christian, God-fearing guys truly wish to respect and associate with. (This isn't just me, there is science to back it up, read it here.)
So using our bodies is not a way for us to impress the right guys at all. Not only this, but it takes away from any Christlike beauty they may be able to see in us. It really ruins the image of Christ in us. These weren't my intentions, but just because you don't intend to do something doesn't mean you are not guilty of doing it. That's where I was and what I was realizing.
And then some verses came to mind.
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him. – John 3:17
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. – John 4:20
I know what you're thinking. What do these texts have to do with modesty? I mean, they aren't the traditionally used texts for this issue. No, my Heavenly Father had something different in mind. He suggested to me that maybe this issue of modesty was more of a heart issue. My love, if it can even be called that, is so far from the ideals of Christ's love—but He can teach me His love if I am willing and desirous enough to let Him. His is the kind of love I want to love Him with, and my brothers and sisters with. But, if I remain in my own hateful tendencies of love towards my brethren, I will shut up any means of Christlike compassion with which to satisfy a loving need, or, worser still, transgress against the very Law of Love by making myself a liar and loving not my Maker.
This is not what God wants for His children—He wants both His sons and daughters to be recreated after His glorious image. I'm not saying that men are sinless and that women are the only ones struggling with this heart issue. No, not at all, please don't misunderstand me. What I'm saying is that we can very easily, by the things that distract us females from our Lord the most, become the culprits of a much greater sin—the leading of another into sin. It is a grievous thing to have to give account for the sin you committed, but what of the sins you helped others to commit? Can you imagine the shame? Will you bear the grief of having the blood of their souls upon your garments?
This is not what God wants for His children—He wants both His sons and daughters to be recreated after His glorious image. I'm not saying that men are sinless and that women are the only ones struggling with this heart issue. No, not at all, please don't misunderstand me. What I'm saying is that we can very easily, by the things that distract us females from our Lord the most, become the culprits of a much greater sin—the leading of another into sin. It is a grievous thing to have to give account for the sin you committed, but what of the sins you helped others to commit? Can you imagine the shame? Will you bear the grief of having the blood of their souls upon your garments?
Do not be unreliable in your Christian course. Sin must not be cherished. This is a time when the love of many is waxing cold, and any defection on your part may encourage others in a wrong course, and lead to many and grievous transgressions. Do not set an example of lukewarmness; do not turn away from testimonies of the Spirit of God. – Gospel Workers, p. 92
A company was presented before me whose hair and garments were torn and whose countenances were the very picture of despair and horror. They came close to me and took their garments and rubbed them on mine. I looked upon my garments and saw that they were stained with blood, and that blood was eating holes in them. … My tongue refused all utterance, and I longed to be away…. – Early Writings, p. 76
However sobering as this might be, you're not hopeless—and neither was I. None of us are hopeless if we take hold of the gift of our Father in Heaven through His Son. Believe me, if I can do it, so can you in that, even in all this His grace is sufficient for me to do whatever He bids me—even if it meant the calling of my attention to this particular heart issue.
So that’s the story of why I dress the way I do. Now, I could leave you hanging on the one aspect of my dress that you are probably most curious about, but that would be just plain mean, and I try to be a nice person. :-) So, to continue the story of my personal convictions in dress, then read on!
So that’s the story of why I dress the way I do. Now, I could leave you hanging on the one aspect of my dress that you are probably most curious about, but that would be just plain mean, and I try to be a nice person. :-) So, to continue the story of my personal convictions in dress, then read on!
FEMININITY …AND PANTS
So what came next to plunge me into conviction on this point? Well, being the history and information junkie that I am, I wanted to look it up, to do my research—in the Bible, on the web, in history—and learn as much as I could about the whole modesty issue, how it pertains to me, and how I can validate its arguments. But I know what you are thinking, you're curious to find out what I have to say about pants. Just be patient. It's coming.
A couple weeks later, after submerging myself in reading of all kinds, I came to some conclusions. Women's fashion has changed a LOT in the last couple of centuries (as you can see from above—and that's just scratching surface). But what stood out most to me was the timeless trend of extremes. If it wasn't the everyday gown with a sweeping train and debilitating undergarments, it was the manly American costume, which totally goes against Deuteronomy 22:5. If it wasn't the fashionable custom of covering every square inch of skin on the female form with fabric, then it was the custom of wearing as little clothing as possible, hence the bikini. What's more, we have the contrast of the 1970s with both the masculine choice of bell-bottom pants as well as the feminine choice of the skimpy mini skirt. The list goes on and on, and who but the author of all confusion to think all this up. Go figure.
Aside from this, what I found was that our Father in Heaven has a certain standard of dress that has been the victim of total degradation by the enemy of our souls.
So what came next to plunge me into conviction on this point? Well, being the history and information junkie that I am, I wanted to look it up, to do my research—in the Bible, on the web, in history—and learn as much as I could about the whole modesty issue, how it pertains to me, and how I can validate its arguments. But I know what you are thinking, you're curious to find out what I have to say about pants. Just be patient. It's coming.
A couple weeks later, after submerging myself in reading of all kinds, I came to some conclusions. Women's fashion has changed a LOT in the last couple of centuries (as you can see from above—and that's just scratching surface). But what stood out most to me was the timeless trend of extremes. If it wasn't the everyday gown with a sweeping train and debilitating undergarments, it was the manly American costume, which totally goes against Deuteronomy 22:5. If it wasn't the fashionable custom of covering every square inch of skin on the female form with fabric, then it was the custom of wearing as little clothing as possible, hence the bikini. What's more, we have the contrast of the 1970s with both the masculine choice of bell-bottom pants as well as the feminine choice of the skimpy mini skirt. The list goes on and on, and who but the author of all confusion to think all this up. Go figure.
Aside from this, what I found was that our Father in Heaven has a certain standard of dress that has been the victim of total degradation by the enemy of our souls.
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God. – Deuteronomy 22:5
This mandate comes with a pretty severe consequence, but praise God that if we confess and repent He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. {1 John 1:9} Nevertheless, it is easy to see how the adversary has successfully attempted to put away any distinction between genders with the unisex clothing that seems so commonplace in our society today.
And here's where the pants question arises. Haven't the times and cultures changed to the point where the wearing pants is acceptable for women now? Some pants are more modest than some skirts, isn't this something to consider? Why did I feel I needed to get rid of all my pants? These are very good questions, and they need not go without answer.
Yes, the times in which we live and our current culture are vastly different from what it was one hundred years ago. Yes, there are many pants out there that are more modest than many of the skirts or dresses out there—the fact that it has no inseam does not sanctify the garment by any stretch of the means. So what's my reasoning? Let me just put this disclaimer out here first: this is my personal conviction and merely where I stand on the issue from my prayer and study over this matter—read this, but then study to show yourself approved and be as a faithful Berean. {2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11}
Pants are a symbol of masculinity. From their very beginnings there were created for men as men's clothing. True, there was a time when both men and women wore robes, and this was the era of the previously quoted passage from Deuteronomy. But God is not the author of confusion, and He would not contradict Himself by asking His people to do something that is contradictory. Even during the age of robe-wearing, there was a clear and definite distinction between the way a woman wore it and the way a man wore it. So can the same be true for pants?
Basically, there are two fundamental guidelines that I have found in Scripture to abide by on this point: modesty and femininity. {Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Timothy 2:9} A pair of pants may be completely modest, but it typically follows that they are not feminine at that point because they are usually baggy and unfitted and are thus masculine in appearance. Or, they may be completely feminine, cut in just the perfect way so as to accentuate the femininity of a woman's curves; however, it typically follows that they are immodest and quite revealing of the woman’s form, particularly in areas that should be concealed and very private. Notice the words typically and usually. Although these two scenarios are almost always the case, there are rare exceptions. To give you an example of what I mean by ‘exceptions’, I once found a pair of pants that were very loose-fitting, had an elegant drape and style, and totally feminine. They bore no likeness to anything of men’s apparel. Although it was rare, they fit perfectly into the guidelines given in Scripture on how I should dress.
So there it is, all out in the open! Like I said, everything stated in this article is based on my own personal convictions and findings from my research—and I am still a student on this topic as with any other, with an open mind and a desire for truth in all things. :-) I pray that my story has been a blessing to you and that you have been encouraged to further study out this topic in prayer. God bless dear friends! :-)
And here's where the pants question arises. Haven't the times and cultures changed to the point where the wearing pants is acceptable for women now? Some pants are more modest than some skirts, isn't this something to consider? Why did I feel I needed to get rid of all my pants? These are very good questions, and they need not go without answer.
Yes, the times in which we live and our current culture are vastly different from what it was one hundred years ago. Yes, there are many pants out there that are more modest than many of the skirts or dresses out there—the fact that it has no inseam does not sanctify the garment by any stretch of the means. So what's my reasoning? Let me just put this disclaimer out here first: this is my personal conviction and merely where I stand on the issue from my prayer and study over this matter—read this, but then study to show yourself approved and be as a faithful Berean. {2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11}
Pants are a symbol of masculinity. From their very beginnings there were created for men as men's clothing. True, there was a time when both men and women wore robes, and this was the era of the previously quoted passage from Deuteronomy. But God is not the author of confusion, and He would not contradict Himself by asking His people to do something that is contradictory. Even during the age of robe-wearing, there was a clear and definite distinction between the way a woman wore it and the way a man wore it. So can the same be true for pants?
Basically, there are two fundamental guidelines that I have found in Scripture to abide by on this point: modesty and femininity. {Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Timothy 2:9} A pair of pants may be completely modest, but it typically follows that they are not feminine at that point because they are usually baggy and unfitted and are thus masculine in appearance. Or, they may be completely feminine, cut in just the perfect way so as to accentuate the femininity of a woman's curves; however, it typically follows that they are immodest and quite revealing of the woman’s form, particularly in areas that should be concealed and very private. Notice the words typically and usually. Although these two scenarios are almost always the case, there are rare exceptions. To give you an example of what I mean by ‘exceptions’, I once found a pair of pants that were very loose-fitting, had an elegant drape and style, and totally feminine. They bore no likeness to anything of men’s apparel. Although it was rare, they fit perfectly into the guidelines given in Scripture on how I should dress.
So there it is, all out in the open! Like I said, everything stated in this article is based on my own personal convictions and findings from my research—and I am still a student on this topic as with any other, with an open mind and a desire for truth in all things. :-) I pray that my story has been a blessing to you and that you have been encouraged to further study out this topic in prayer. God bless dear friends! :-)
Image source: Lady of Crow.