Do You Have a Definition of Modesty?
Author: DavidJones // Category: Ethics, Family, Pop Culture, The Church, Youth Culture
Do you have a definition of modesty? Not like a dictionary definition, but do you have your own definition? A few years ago I heard a speaker talking about the issue of modesty. He said the sad thing is that many girls have the following definition of immodesty: “Anyone who is dressing more immodest than I am.” In other words, many girls have falsely convinced themselves that they are the epitome of modesty, but anyone who dresses less modest crosses the line into immodesty. What’s so sad about this is that many girls have convinced themselves they dress modest when they truly do not.
As a twentysomething male, the issue of modesty is very important to me. As I engage in a daily battle to control my thoughts, I appreciate those girls who make the effort to keep from being a stumbling block. Sadly, from Wal Mart to McDonalds and even to church, I see many girls who have ignored the call to modesty. And yet I wonder how many of them think they are dressing in a modest fashion.
I’ve heard some argue “Well, if a guy can’t control his thoughts, that’s his problem.” That answer is 100% correct and 100% selfish. If I sin, it is my sin and I am responsible. However, if you refuse to help the opposite sex in this battle and decide to be a stumbling block, you are basically saying “The attention my body gets is more important than your spiritual walk.”
So let me ask all of the females out there…do you have a definition of modesty? Not a dictionary definition, but do you have a practical definition of modesty that you abide by? Also, if you see a friend wearing something that is immodest, do you mention it to her and/or even ask her to change her clothing?
May 10th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Basically anything that would make my grandparents or dad raise their eyebrows! If I don’t feel comfortable in what I’m wearing and wouldn’t be able to wear it in my grandparent’s house- it’s not even an option.
May 10th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
If I dont feel comfortable wearing it to church…which includes low cut or short skirts etc. I generally dont wear it. If I’m embarresed to wear it to church or in front of my parents maybe i shouldnt even have it?
May 11th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
To me, modesty is keeping myself covered. If I can’t sit down comfortably because I am worried that I am showinb toi much skin, then the skirt should be longer, or my pants shouldn’t be extra low rise. Along with shirts, if I can’t move freely such as raise my arms or bend over without showing skin, then it simply shouldn’t be worn. I also agree with the two other posts, if I feel uncomfortable wearing certain items infront of my parents or church members then I shouldn’t have it.
As a woman, I don’t think I should be testing the men around me to see if they can control their thoughts or lust.
May 11th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
The FWBBC Student Handbook, of course!
Just kidding. For me, if I would be embarrassed for one of my students to see me in something, it’s out. Sounds corny, but they look up to me and I need to set an example, whether they will actually see me in something or not.
May 20th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
I’m not a female, but can I comment anyway? Not necessarily about a definition of modesty, but what about avoiding places where there will be a lot of immodesty? We talk about immodesty, but then it seems we don’t have a problem going to a water park, pool party, or the beach. We know there is going to be A LOT of skin at those places. Should we avoid those places or just try to control our thoughts?