In light of many societal rants regarding the church and its acts of “shaming others into being modest about their body,” I would like to present a counter-argument from the perspective of a Christian woman currently living within this so-called “modesty movement.”
First, let’s take a moment to define the word “modesty” from a secular source: “1: freedom from conceit or vanity, 2: propriety in dress, speech, or conduct” (Webster, 2016). In other words, even when viewing the topic from a standpoint with no religious affiliation and/or influence, it is apparent that a majority would at least agree with the definition of what modesty is. However, I have noticed that many young women who oppose the idea of modesty base their decision on the idea that “others cannot control what I say or do;” they claim that the freedom to choose one’s outfit or the ability to act as they wish supplies a form of “liberation.” To be fair, I would agree that a person should have the right to make decisions for themselves, and that the act of “force” in any element of life should not be tolerated. A common argument against modesty is in relation to the idea that women are “required” to dress humbly in order to combat the occasional lustful eye from our male counterparts.
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This is where I feel the need to make a statement. I do believe that we as Christians, not even specifically Christian women, have the responsibility of living our lives in such a way as to not present temptation to those who may struggle in ways different than ourselves. A constant reminder of this is found in Romans 14:21 ESV, “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” With this I wholeheartedly agree, as Christ gives us ample instruction on how our lives should be an encouragement rather than a hindrance to those around us. This to say, my convictions towards modesty go far beyond the thoughts and mindsets of young men, as my worth is not found in the approval of the general male population, but rather in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:1-9 reads. Yet, let it be known that our Lord is by no means commanding women to wear potato sacks, or to forbid her hair to ever meet a comb. Instead, this passage should be a comfort to us, that regardless of our efforts to meet worldly standards, ultimately our true validation is found through our Father in Heaven. Our bodies were made to glorify God through our hearts and minds; thus, using them to gain status here on earth is to waste this vapor of a life that we are so graciously given. To clothe oneself in a way that demonstrates a general interest in fashion and/or the latest trend is not a sin. However, to flaunt one’s body that has been made in the image of Christ is to make oneself out to be less than who you truly are. At the end of the day, my hope is that you are able to say that first and foremost that you respected your God, and that through this you have respected yourself. A woman’s worth is not found through her appearance, or by the approval of others; let us not forget such truths.
