Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are told in God's word to dress "modestly," 1 Timothy 2:9.

What does modest mean, though? Modesty is in everything we do, but for today I am going to focus on dressing modestly.

Does it mean we shouldn't wear short shorts or low cut tops? Well how short is too short or how low is too low? Dressing modestly is a crucial role in our Christian lives.

Modest attire should not only be for church and certain groups of people. I have heard a million times, I've even said it a million times, " Is this ok? I'm going with my church or I'm meeting so and so." We shouldn't dress a certain way depending on what we're doing or who we are with.

Every morning when we get dressed we are called to dress for The Lord, to dress with strength and dignity. We were made in God's image and a woman should behave in a manner worthy of this honorable position. We aren't to dress to impress the world or to cause men to lust after us. Dressing in such a way is not holy and puts a shade over our light that shines for our Father.

Modesty is dressing in way that is feminine and unprovocative. There are so many fashion trends now that are unworthy for Christian ladies to uphold. It is so easy to throw on a big t-shirt and leggings, but is this baggy tee feminine? Crop tops are so cute and trendy but this allure is not the image real Christians ladies possess. People seem to think having to keep your body covered is body shaming, but being satisfied with your body does not mean we should allow everyone the opportunity to gawk at us, which causes unchrist-like thoughts, aka sin. Our bodies are temples of God, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Harley, the sweet girl on the left in the picture below, said it best, "we all should not flaunt our bodies and also realize we aren't to hold preachers/ preacher's family to higher standards."

To dress in a way that is feminine and unprovocative does not mean we can't be fashionable. Any style can be transformed into an appropriate outfit. For example, the beautiful girls in this picture (two of my besties) are totally fashionable here, but also are still feminine and create a lasting allure, the kind that counts. In my opinion, wearing leggings is appropriate as long as your 'behind' is completely covered and not at risk of showing during any movement.

One day, if that day hasn't already come, we will find a man to cherish, to have and to hold. Will we want to attract a man that has a lustful heart? Of course not. So, we should not dress in a way that attracts this sort of man. Even if your outfit isn't "intended" to do that, if you are dressing in a way that could be taken that way, change it. Simple ladies.

Romans 13:14 says,"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires." "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ," plain as day, y'all. See, if we are dressing in a way that does not persuade others to want to follow Jesus, we are disobeying His word. It took me a long time to realize this (or should I say acknowledge it) and actually apply it to my life. I struggle a great deal choosing my outfits everyday. I love fashion and I think all the trends are so unique, but I have to remind myself of the image I am portraying to others and what attention I am seeking.

Thus far, I have talked about outward beauty, but doesn't true beauty come from within? 1 Peter 3:3-4 says,"Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes, instead it should consist of the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very favorable in God's eyes." "Hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality.." Oh my, now that's deep! True beauty is in our heart! Before focusing on our outward appearance we should focus our hearts on Jesus and then we won't want to satisfy the world, just Him.

What are our intentions when getting ready each day? Who are you thinking of? This change won't be easy and it will be a daily struggle, but we should strive every day to be pleasing in God's eyes, not the world's. Instead of obsessing over our outward appearances, we should focus on our inner beauty, but we can talk about that later..

-TK