This essay was originally published on my personal social media page in 2018. It elicited equal amounts of ire and praise. I’m open to comments at the bottom of this post.
Christian gals, I am thrilled that so many of you are confident with the body God gave you!
Your legs? Your décolletage? You’re proud of them! But many of you are SO proud that you’re wearing skin-tight clothes…low-cut tops…short shorts…mini skirts…tiny dresses…yoga pants that leave absolutely nothing to the imagination.
May I please suggest that your sexy body is for you to display to your husband and him alone? It was not meant by God for you to display it to MY husband. Or MY sons.
I can only assume you’re wearing things that put your chest, legs, and figure on display because you WANT men besides your husbands to think you look sexy.
Because – let’s be honest – it only takes an extra inch of clothing at your chest, and an extra couple of inches on your legs, and a little looser-fitting clothing to still look adorable but also modest. You don’t have to dress like you’re Amish. But neither should you be dressing in such a way that even *I* cannot help but look you up and down…so I can only imagine what other men are trying to avoid doing when they look at you, God help them.
I know so many strong Christian women who struggle in this area. It disheartens me to see women of God putting their body on such obvious display.
If you ever wonder “is this too ______?” (short, tight, low-cut), it probably is.
If your self-worth and confidence come from knowing that men think you’re sexy, I sincerely feel sad for you. Your looks will fade. Then what?
Christian gals, please set an example for your daughters and other women. Please take your breast, legs, bottom, and belly off display so that men who want to remain chaste and loyal (in their hearts and minds) don’t have to look the other way when you’re near.
I am not saying this to make anyone feel guilty or trashy. I am saying this for 2 reasons: perhaps you do not know that you are supposed to dress modestly, and because God instructs women to instruct other women on matters of modesty (among other matters; see Titus 2:3-5).
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4-5
We had a wonderful event at church for our preteen girls. They were taught about their value and identity in Christ. We had lunch, a modest fashion show modeling good choices, giveaways and a shopping spree for every girl of gently used modest clothes to take home.
Modesty starts early and best when it comes from the home. Modesty should be taught every day and on the way, at the mall and without shame. Our bodies are wonderfully and beautifully made gifts.
Kudos to you for addressing this!
What a neat idea; I love that!
That’s a great way to put it: “our bodies are wonderfully and beautifully made gifts”! And what gift, when truly valued, is flaunted shamelessly?
I just read an article in a Charles Stanley magazine and wanted to share…”Our garments can be a gift to others. When we dress modestly, we’re loving our neighbors. When we wear our best for weddings, funerals and graduations, we honor our friends and family….At times, we dress to disappear, to let others take the stage. We dress to adorn the day, to bring color and beauty to the spaces we inhabit. All good….” But as believers in Christ, He adorns and clothes us with garments of salvation, righteousness and eternal life!
I think I like His clothes better!
Great work Kelly, Love Mom
I love that fresh perspective on the choices we make concerning our garments. And yes, He clothes us in righteousness and salvation (Isaiah 61:10)…what a blessing! Thank you for sharing, Mom!