7.02.2013

Some Biblical principles for Modest Dress

My daughter is 13... that means we have lots of discussion regarding how to make decisions. Lots of questions about why other people might make decisions the way they do. As a parent, I want to teach her how to come to conclusions based on scripture and not just personal preference. In that light, I recently assembled some principles to share with her about what God desires of us in the area of modesty. Maybe it will be helpful for some of your own discussions with your children... may we all be humble before God and willing to change.  I'm thankful that the Lord has been patient with me, and I pray that whenever He reveals more to me I will be willing to obey no matter what the cost.

 "I desire... the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." I Timothy 2:9,10

  #1 - We are to wear modest apparel

 #2 - There is a proper way for women professing godliness to dress

 #3 - We are not to be seeking to draw attention to ourselves

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us"  
2 Corinthians 5:20

 #4 - We must remember that in all things we are representatives of Christ

"For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world"  I John 2:16 

#5 - We do not make decisions based on what is acceptable in our culture... which is heavily influenced by the world... culture doesn't seek to glorify God

"...the attire of a harlot..." Proverbs 7:10

#6 - there is an obvious principle that we want to stay away from what would be similar to the attire of a harlot

Romans 14:10-22 principles to apply from Romans 14... because, yes, God holds us accountable for how what we choose affects others

#7 - verse 10-12... we will one day stand before God and give an account 

#8 - verse 13 - we are to resolve not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way

#9 - verse 15 - if a brother is grieved because of our choices, we are no longer walking in love

#10 - verse 19 - we are commanded to pursue the things which promote peace and edification

#11 - verse 21,22 - when we have a conviction that we know could stumble or weaken another brother, we are commanded to keep that between ourselves and God... in other words, don't parade it, but keep it private 

... I'm sure there are other good principles as well, but my desire was to keep it limited so that my girlie and I could have profitable conversation without it being overwhelming.  Please add if you have favorite verses to share! 

 

 

3 comments:

Brooks Update said...

Thanks for sharing that Lynn. Helpful!

KJPollard said...

Especially love # 11. :D I have discussed modesty w/ my 9 yr old twin girls since they were 5. I am a firm believer that if I'm not going to allow them to wear something when they are 16 (i.e. bikini), then they will not wear one when they are 9. Mean mom.

Deb said...

This is a good guideline. It would be nice to publish/share as a short pamphlet. Helpful. I still have Melodie Green's article and yours is comparable in that it is a gentle, loving, Scriptural approach. And as your mom, I can say that you were a good example of modesty even as a teen. I don't recall any incident in which I had to "correct" you in dress. As KJPollard said, the training began when you were young. Mom