Modesty Of The Heart

As I write this I realize that this is a very sensitive subject. When people see the word modesty, most people shrink back because they are afraid that the article written will be legalistic, or judgemental. This article is meant as neither. My main focus for this blog is to encourage others, not to drag down.
We as different people and different families have many different convictions, and that's ok. As individuals, we will not agree on everything, and that's ok too. Modesty is a subject that many people differ on, some people don't see a need for it, while others are strongly sure that it is important.

Modesty is important. Now, don''t get upset and click off here, let me explain.

Modesty of my dress was something I was taught ever since I can remember. My parents were very careful about the way I dressed, even if I didn't always understand. I am very thankful for this. As humans, we wish to be accepted. We wish to not be the odd one out. Understandable. But as Christians we are called to be set apart: Romans 12:1-2 
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What are we to be set apart from?? The world: 1 John 2:15 

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Does this mean if we enjoy things in the world that we are not Christians? No. As Christians, we are still sinful human beings. We are prone to temptation. We can enjoy things (books, movies, possessions, music, etc.) but ask your self this question? Are they honoring to God? Are you being sinful while reading this book, watching this movie, buying this possession, listening to this music? Ask your self what is your motivation. 

So if we are to not love the world, then we should not be like the world correct? What does this world promote? Im-modesty and immorality. Now, if your familiar with the term im-modesty the first thing that comes to your mind is probably the way someone dresses. At least, that's the first thing that comes to my mind. You can walk into any store or mall and you will see flashy (that doesn't mean colorful or sparkly) im-modest clothing. They have people on billboards who are dressed im-modestly. It's promoted. It's even put into our children's minds very early on that it's ok. Because who cares about modesty right? 

Dressing modestly is a big issue and has a lot to do with the temptation people struggle with. A lot of people have told me that it really just doesn't matter. But it does. Why would we encourage our brother or sister in Christ to fall into sin? Think about it this way, whomever you are causing to sin, can be someone else's spouse. 

Let me point out that modesty seems to be a topic only for women. It's not. notice I am addressing everyone as "people" not just women. I am including men too, because men can be im-modest just as much as a woman can. 

But most of all modesty is a heart issue.

Like I said, dress is a big part of it, but the heart of someone is where the roots grow. Someone can be totally covered and be acting/talking/moving im-modestly. This is usually put in the term that seems to people such a innocent offense as "flirting". But it's so much more. You sin, and you enjoy it and keep doing it, it'll grow and become worse and worse. It'll grow into something that you never expected it would and it could take you over. 

Wanting a wife/husband/boyfriend/girlfriend is a natural desire. God gave Eve to Adam to remember? God created man and women for each other (Genesis 2:18, 2:21-24) but when we are taking it to the extent where we are so impatient when we are waiting for the Lord's timing, that we fall into sin whether it's mental or physical, this is where we are loving the world. This is sinful, but extremely common. This all goes back to the heart. What is your heart wanting? What is your heart and mind so focused on? If you are sinning in this way, it obviously isn't your relationship with the Lord. Why do you think in 1 John 2:15 that God said through John that if anyone loved the world, the love of the father is not in him? Sounds pretty harsh doesn't it? Yes it does, but it's very true. It says that because, as Christians, Jesus is to be our first love. That sounds a little weird doesn't it? Because you can't marry Jesus. No, this is what I mean. Our relationship with the Lord is the to be our first and primary thought. Jesus is to come first in everything. That doesn't change when you get married either because marriage is symbol a relationship between Christ and the Church. (but that might be another post, for right now read Ephesians 5:22-33 to see what I am talking about :D)

Being single is a struggle. But if we wait on the Lord, who knows all, sees all, hears all, will bring the right person in the right time. We do not need to show ourselves off in our dress or our actions to try to find a spouse. We must wait patiently on the Lord, and while we are single focus on our relationship with Him, so when God does bring the right person, that will be the center of the marriage. That will be the basis of your life and your spouses life, and your lives together. With that you can glorify God, in singleness and waiting, or in marriage. Because that is our responsibility as children of God, to glorify Him.