When it's time to store away sweaters and scarves, we dig out last summer’s shorts and swimwear. It’s a timely opportunity, especially for ladies, to buy new clothes and keep spring outfits stylish.
But what exactly does your clothing say about you?
If you’re choosing between something super cute and something super revealing, consider the message you’re sending. You may not have to speak a word, but every guy will notice.
The Message Your Short Shorts Send
Here’s the awkward truth: being a guy following Jesus and saying “no” to sinful sexual thoughts and desires isn’t easy.
Lots of us already battle temptations like pornography, masturbation, and sexual activity outside of marriage. We want to live pure lives honoring Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), and we’re working on that through God’s grace.
The more skin a girl shows, the more skin we want to see, but not because we love her or care about her. Skimpy swimsuits and revealing outfits make us think more about your body as a sexual object and less about you as a person.
But we know women don’t deserve to be treated like a commodity. You are the daughters of God, and the way we see and interact with you matters because it matters to Jesus.
So is there a way for ladies to dress fashionably but not provocatively?
Rethinking Modesty
The solution is not to ban all women’s clothing. It’s not the job of every Christian woman to keep Christian men from sinning. But it is the role of every person following Jesus to look out for the well-being of each other.
It’s possible to be clothed from neck to toe but still be immodest, just as it’s possible to have good intentions while wearing clothes that leave little to the imagination.
Modesty does not equal bonnets, ankle-length dresses, and churning butter. It’s possible to be clothed from neck to toe but still be immodest, just as it’s possible to have good intentions while wearing clothes that leave little to the imagination.
Modesty is not merely about the amount of clothing; it’s about inward attitude and outward actions.
Rethinking Beauty
Rather than focusing on the external, visible aspects of beauty, God emphasizes the qualities He finds beautiful: humility, kindness and trusting Him (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Beauty isn’t just skin deep. Brand names and fashion trends will fade away. The kind of person you want to be will live on long past the impressions made by catching men’s attention.
Some things never go out of style: humility, compassion, living like Jesus and treating other people well.
Modesty is not merely about the amount of clothing; it’s about inward attitude and outward actions.
Guys, let’s do everything we can to honor and respect the women in our lives, including not objectifying them because of their body’s appearance.
Ladies, thank you for being considerate of your Christian brothers by not dressing provocatively, but modestly.
As the seasons change, think about God’s definition of beauty when choosing what fashion to wear. What Jesus values never goes out of style.
Written by John Weirick
