There is a fine line between beautiful and "bootylicious" and although it is a fine line, it is a line very easily detected when crossed. Ladies, I need not stress the importance of self-image. Though God looks on the heart, He does most certainly care about how you clothe your temple. The word speaks of how women are to dress and many women avoid it because They think it means they have to be frumpy grandma's in order to achieve biblical modesty. Not So. Not at all.
I'm referring to one scripture in particular though there are others that are just as important:
1 Timothy 2:9-10
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
Now I won't do a vigorous break down of this scripture. To just talk about this scripture alone would be a blog series in itself! But I will make mention of two things:
1. Shamefacedness. This word is translated more correctly as reverence (towards God and husband) and respect for others.
2. The point of this verse is that a womans countenance and works are more important than outer beauty. Not that you should avoid dressing pleasantly.
The fact that it says "adorn themselves with modest apparel" speaks for itself. Adorning oneself is "to prepare, to embellish, to ornament" yourself. Therefore the passage is not suggesting you wear the frumpiest, baggiest clothes you can find and fear being looked upon. It is saying for you to prepare/ornament yourself in modest clothing in reverence to God and your husband. Dressing modestly and ladylike is in God's eyes, Respecting others and glorifying Him.
So my prettys, it's not all about us. It's about God, our husband and others. So let's throw out the window the notion that we should dress for self esteem. If we are dressing in a Godly manner, it will build our self esteem anyways as we will be true beauties and people will see that we are different. You would be surprised at the different attitude men and even strangers have towards a provocatively dressed woman and a woman who looks stylishly feminine. Big difference.
So where is the line drawn then? For those who have been brought up in a Christian household with a good example from mum, this is somewhat easy. But for the majority of the women out there, it can be difficult to get it right every time. If this is you, don't worry, you'll get better at it, if your willing to and you allow the Holy Spirit to convict you and show you the way.
Some things are obvious, wearing a dress that sports your cleavage and is so tight you can't sit down is definately a no go. And wearing hotpants that almost show your buttcheeks is certainly a big fat thumbs down. But then we have the ones that many ladies aren't so sure about. The ball gown that is backless, the skirt that is "skirting" between upper thighs and your knees. The dress that is long but fitted enough to show your bootiful bootie shape.... U know what I'm talking about, it's those outfits that make u look a little longer in the mirror to pause and think "is this okay?" and usually, we tell ourselves it is, and head out.
Now if you don't yet have that kind of moment in front of the mirror, ask God to remind you and make the effort to create that moment. We must be aware of the signals we are giving off via what we choose to wear. You must know what God is pleased with and what He is not.
2. If my father were to see me in this as a teen would he let me leave the house? (keeping in mind this would depend on the kind of father you have/had lol)
3. Will I be comfortable in this all day?
(chances are, if it's too tight, short, wild etc, you will not only feel a little self conscious in it, you'll be pulling on it, adjusting yourself, checking yourself in the mirror or windows frequently and thinking about what your wearing alot. This is not attractive, and it's annoying.)
It's about using Godly wisdom and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart so it shows from the inside out. And it is a progression sometimes. For example, I still remember the first thing I ever wore to church. I wasn't saved, but I had respect for dress codes and a bit of tact when it came to that sort of thing. So, I wore a black halterneck top which covered my chest completely, my shoulders and the top half of my back were exposed and it was a snug fit. Also a beige embroidered skirt that was just passed knee length which was a cute a-line 50's sort of skirt, with kitten heels. Now I would still wear that skirt today, and the little heels... But you wouldn't catch me dead in that top. Too tight, too much skin. Especially at church! But back then it was my best go at modesty. I really thought I was dressed modestly just because my cleavage wasn't on show and my thighs were out of sight.
So as you grow closer to God, you grow more in the likeness of Him and you receive stronger convictions to aid you in all things including your wardrobe.
Be encouraged ladies, the Proverbs 31 woman wasn't built in a day. Neither was her wardrobe. But it was built! You can do it :-)
More clothing tips coming soon XoXo
I'm referring to one scripture in particular though there are others that are just as important:
1 Timothy 2:9-10
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
Now I won't do a vigorous break down of this scripture. To just talk about this scripture alone would be a blog series in itself! But I will make mention of two things:
1. Shamefacedness. This word is translated more correctly as reverence (towards God and husband) and respect for others.
2. The point of this verse is that a womans countenance and works are more important than outer beauty. Not that you should avoid dressing pleasantly.
The fact that it says "adorn themselves with modest apparel" speaks for itself. Adorning oneself is "to prepare, to embellish, to ornament" yourself. Therefore the passage is not suggesting you wear the frumpiest, baggiest clothes you can find and fear being looked upon. It is saying for you to prepare/ornament yourself in modest clothing in reverence to God and your husband. Dressing modestly and ladylike is in God's eyes, Respecting others and glorifying Him.
So my prettys, it's not all about us. It's about God, our husband and others. So let's throw out the window the notion that we should dress for self esteem. If we are dressing in a Godly manner, it will build our self esteem anyways as we will be true beauties and people will see that we are different. You would be surprised at the different attitude men and even strangers have towards a provocatively dressed woman and a woman who looks stylishly feminine. Big difference.
So where is the line drawn then? For those who have been brought up in a Christian household with a good example from mum, this is somewhat easy. But for the majority of the women out there, it can be difficult to get it right every time. If this is you, don't worry, you'll get better at it, if your willing to and you allow the Holy Spirit to convict you and show you the way.
Some things are obvious, wearing a dress that sports your cleavage and is so tight you can't sit down is definately a no go. And wearing hotpants that almost show your buttcheeks is certainly a big fat thumbs down. But then we have the ones that many ladies aren't so sure about. The ball gown that is backless, the skirt that is "skirting" between upper thighs and your knees. The dress that is long but fitted enough to show your bootiful bootie shape.... U know what I'm talking about, it's those outfits that make u look a little longer in the mirror to pause and think "is this okay?" and usually, we tell ourselves it is, and head out.
Now if you don't yet have that kind of moment in front of the mirror, ask God to remind you and make the effort to create that moment. We must be aware of the signals we are giving off via what we choose to wear. You must know what God is pleased with and what He is not.
I think with the less obvious ones, it alot of the time comes down to personal conviction. What may appear sensual on one woman, may look sweet and feminine on another depending on your body shape, the way you carry yourself and the way you accessorize (makeup, shoes etc). So you really need to ask yourself a few questions.
1. If Jesus were to come fetch me to heaven right now, would I be happy to meet Him in the clouds wearing this or would I be embarrassed or even ashamed? Would He be pleased?2. If my father were to see me in this as a teen would he let me leave the house? (keeping in mind this would depend on the kind of father you have/had lol)
3. Will I be comfortable in this all day?(chances are, if it's too tight, short, wild etc, you will not only feel a little self conscious in it, you'll be pulling on it, adjusting yourself, checking yourself in the mirror or windows frequently and thinking about what your wearing alot. This is not attractive, and it's annoying.)
If you are married, It also doesn't hurt to ask your husbands opinion. After all, asides from God, he is a big part of why you dress nicely.
These three questions will 99% of the time mean you leave the house a feminine lady. If in doubt? Don't. Throw on a light cardigan or shawl, hang a scarf over your chest or wear a longer shirt. Little alterations like that can help make a "not sure" outfit into a winner. If your still not sure, get changed.
It's about using Godly wisdom and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart so it shows from the inside out. And it is a progression sometimes. For example, I still remember the first thing I ever wore to church. I wasn't saved, but I had respect for dress codes and a bit of tact when it came to that sort of thing. So, I wore a black halterneck top which covered my chest completely, my shoulders and the top half of my back were exposed and it was a snug fit. Also a beige embroidered skirt that was just passed knee length which was a cute a-line 50's sort of skirt, with kitten heels. Now I would still wear that skirt today, and the little heels... But you wouldn't catch me dead in that top. Too tight, too much skin. Especially at church! But back then it was my best go at modesty. I really thought I was dressed modestly just because my cleavage wasn't on show and my thighs were out of sight.
So as you grow closer to God, you grow more in the likeness of Him and you receive stronger convictions to aid you in all things including your wardrobe.
Be encouraged ladies, the Proverbs 31 woman wasn't built in a day. Neither was her wardrobe. But it was built! You can do it :-)
More clothing tips coming soon XoXo
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