Dress codes in the public school system have really become a touchy subject right now. Many teenagers, specifically girls, are accusing the schools of “slut shaming” girls who decide to push the limits of the dress code. Many women believe that the school giving students guidelines on what to wear is actually sexualizing their teenage bodies. The schools reason that the type of dress deemed immodest by the school board could be distracting to the other students. Many movements have been created to protest this. One school even had a #croptopday to show support for less strict dress codes. So how should Christians even begin to approach this matter?
The other day, I did something brave and totally out of my comfort zone. I wore crop top. I grew up in a fairly conservative household, and dressed in a way that my parents viewed as appropriate and modest. I love my parents, and I believe they raised me very well, using scriptures and the convictions they felt about clothing. This article isn't attacking them or anyone who feels strongly about their convictions about modesty. It's merely an experiment where I decided to write down my observations.
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When I first pulled on the crop top, I was a little uncomfortable. Some of my friends who were with me assured me I looked fine. So I finished getting ready, and out the door we went. By the time we got to the mall, I forgot I was even wearing a crop top. Nothing felt strange to me anymore. My friends and I went shopping and had a great time. There were no creepy men flirting or cat calling us, and I didn't feel like I was being watched. And I have to say, I have had creepy guys flirt with me when I was wearing my less-than-flattering uniform for work. After we went to the mall, I visited some good friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. I was nervous about what they would think, but I soon realized I had nothing to worry about. We were all just catching up, having a good time.
At the end of the day, my heart was so full of joy about the wonderful day I had. I didn't have to worry about any insecurities I had. I just had a wonderful day where I happened to be wearing a crop top.
But that doesn't mean I think that everyone should just forsake their convictions and go out and wear crop tops. I think we shouldn't judge other people for the different convictions they have about modesty. In 1 Corinthians 8, it talks about some of the Jews feeling OK with eating meat sacrificed to idols, and others didn't. The scriptures tell us to respect other people's convictions, and to not cause them to stumble. So if you're hanging out with a friend who feels more comfortable wearing a t-shirt, maybe it's not the best time to wear your flashiest crop top.
At the end of the day, it's important to remember that modesty isn't just being a stickler about what to wear. Then it becomes a list of rules and restrictions. Modesty should be an attitude, or carrying yourself respectfully. It's deciding that you're a precious piece a china, hand crafted by God, and you shouldn't sell yourself as a cheap paper plate. God thinks you're beautiful and worthy, no matter what you wear. So the reason we adorn ourselves should ultimately be to honor God.
