When I use the word modest or modesty what do you first think of? The way a woman dresses? It might be useful to take a honest look at modesty.
Miriam Webster dictionary tells us that modesty is the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities. Another source defines it as being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities. Notice that you have to look way down the list before you find any reference to clothing.
But notice that modesty deals with the root issue which is pride. Pride says look at me, look what I have done or accomplished.
When a woman sets up a camera at the gym to video herself working out, what is she saying? Look at me! Look what I have done, not look what I can do. It is pride that calls attention to yourself or how you look or at how appealing by current standards you are.
When a woman exposes her body by what she wears what is the message? Look at me, look at how pretty or shapely I am. Look at how well proportioned my body is. It is pride.
Men tend to be proud of their accomplishments and abilities. A man showing off his physique is being influenced by the feminist ideal of beauty. Pride in men is usually manifest in over confidence without a track record to back it up.
Pride is the root of all sin. Self interest, self promotion, self exaltation, doing what pleases me.
Show me someone who is modest in appearance and I will show you someone who takes their faith seriously.
"These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him. A proud look..." Prov.6:16-17
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Prov. 31:30
No comments:
Post a Comment