Why Modesty Matters Norfolk Christian High School February 27, 2008 Mrs. Angela de Mik, M.S. Upper School Guidance Counselor

What is Modesty? Words associated with Modesty – “Old-Fashioned, Prudish, Out of Style and Strait-laced, Ugly and Homely” Formal Definition - Modesty: “Propriety: The avoidance of clothing and adornment that is extravagant, showy, and sexually enticing.” American College Dictionary - Modest/Modesty American College Dictionary - Modest/Modesty 1. Having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc., free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions. 1. Having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc., free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions. 2. Free from ostentation or showy extravagance. 2. Free from ostentation or showy extravagance. 3. moderate. 3. moderate. 4. Having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent."

Modesty originated God In the beginning – Genesis 1-3 – originally God’s creation was perfect – Adam and Eve were clothed by “God’s Holy Light” When sin entered the world his “Holy light” left them. Adam and Eve tried to use fig leaves to cover themselves but God chose animal skin as a representation of “atonement” and “sacrifice” so they could be properly covered and kept from shame – we sacrifice and are seen as pure when we cover ourselves modestly

When we accept Christ (the Perfect Sacrifice) into our lives, we confess and acknowledge our sins and pride. A modest heart, like the dictionary showed us, will not have sinful pride over one's self, talents, or body. When we accept Christ (the Perfect Sacrifice) into our lives, we confess and acknowledge our sins and pride. A modest heart, like the dictionary showed us, will not have sinful pride over one's self, talents, or body. Therefore, if we are truly saved, our hearts should display modesty in all areas and aspects of our lives such as: our speech, clothing, looks, actions, manners and behavior. Therefore, if we are truly saved, our hearts should display modesty in all areas and aspects of our lives such as: our speech, clothing, looks, actions, manners and behavior.

Why Modesty matters to Christ and our witness to others! When we give our lives to Christ, we are really surrendering all to become a new creation in Christ, leaving behind the old nature with its sinful pleasures and ways. When we give our lives to Christ, we are really surrendering all to become a new creation in Christ, leaving behind the old nature with its sinful pleasures and ways. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

Ambassadors for Christ – What does that mean in relation to Modesty? Now as a new creation redeemed in Christ, we are to represent our Savior to the world! Now as a new creation redeemed in Christ, we are to represent our Savior to the world! "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God was making His appeal through us." 2 Corinthians 5:20 "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God was making His appeal through us." 2 Corinthians 5:20 As Christ's ambassadors to a lost world our lives should then be a reflection of our pure and Holy God through our hearts, our motives, actions...and yes, even our choice of clothes!

Modesty is a Heart Issue Yes, it starts with our heart, but if we are truly seeking to please God, we should also be willing to let the modesty in our heart shine forth to our outward appearance so that the world can see our genuineness, i.e., we live what we believe! Yes, it starts with our heart, but if we are truly seeking to please God, we should also be willing to let the modesty in our heart shine forth to our outward appearance so that the world can see our genuineness, i.e., we live what we believe! "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b

You are bombarded with Immodesty! T.V./MoviesMagazinesInternet Phone/texting conversations ArtPicturesCommercials/Advertisements Clothing and apparel

How we are drawn to Immodesty 1.Selfish desire – don’t want to take time and money to correct the problem – more worried about looking good 2.A desire to be trendy – I am more worried about what others think about me. The attention tends to be on me instead of God’s beauty in me. 3.A desire to seduce This is the most serious of the three. While many women who choose immodest clothing aren’t literally trying to seduce a guy, in it’s infancy, there can be a desire for that lustful attention. We want to feel attractive and desirable. However, this is sinful, and a particularly virulent form of pride. It’s says: I’m worthy of the kind of attention that’s forbidden in God’s Word. It tempts men to sin against God’s holiness.

How God desires to help us Change "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22 Ask Yourself - If God came into my closet, my conversations and text messages or pictures of me – What would it say about me – would it send the right message of what I want others to think or know about me? Ask Yourself - If God came into my closet, my conversations and text messages or pictures of me – What would it say about me – would it send the right message of what I want others to think or know about me? Pray to the Lord to reveal your heart motives in this area and look for ways to change if you feel convicted. – Ask other trusted friends for their honest input on your image.

Love Stories and God’s wish for you The Love Story of Ruth and Boaz – Ruth 1-3 Boaz honored Ruth because of her virtuous Boaz honored Ruth because of her virtuous reputation – vs He knew she kept the law and honored God – her reputation proceeded her as a Godly woman of honoring character. This made her very attractive to Boaz. reputation – vs He knew she kept the law and honored God – her reputation proceeded her as a Godly woman of honoring character. This made her very attractive to Boaz. How it matters what you do now in your future! – 1. Children – they will learn best from you so if you are immodest it will be very difficult to require that of them. 2. Marriage – Dating relationships will matter now with your future husband. - Choose wisely who you date and how you relate.

How Can I Change? God is a God of new beginnings and you can always start anew each day Phil. 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Pray for God to help you change – listen to his still small voice when he whispers and obey him – he will bless you richly with an abundant life Pray for your future husband that he will keep his eyes and ways pure for you!