A few years ago, Michael and I began to look more deeply into the issue of modesty for both men and women. What did the Bible have to say about it? How has our culture influenced our choice of clothing and our idea of what is acceptable? We know that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19), that we are made in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and that as His children, we are to always strive toward holiness (1 Pet 1:15). How should those truths affect my choice of clothing? There is so much to consider. The Lord commands women to choose "respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control" (1 Pet 2:9)...yikes for me! When I shop for jeans at Gap, do I pick out the ones that make me think, "wow, this is soooo respectable, I've got to have it!" And then there are my family members in Christ. Should I make another stumble? Paul was willing to go without meat to keep a brother or sister in Christ from stumbling! (1 Cor 8:13). Am I willing to wear clothes that might be a little less "cute" and a little more "respectable?"
I'm not going to lie, this is tough for me. There are already enough barriers to shopping for clothes, mostly time and price. It's tough to find clothes that fit in my budget, and much tougher to find clothes that fit in my budget and don't make me nervous about how much cleavage or thigh I'm showing. Unless of course, I buy frumpy clothes. And I really dread looking frumpy. Where's the middle ground? At times, my flesh tells me that this would be so much easier if I just had more money to spend on clothing. I could buy richer, thicker fabrics that provided better coverage, and wouldn't be so limited in my choices at each store ("sure! you can dress modestly, if you can afford that gorgeous, modest sweater from Eddie Bauer and those well-tailored jeans from Banana Republic!") Please, someone tell me that I'm not the only one who's listened to this lie!
Lately, this issue has extended to swimwear. My convictions on modesty have changed since the last time I purchased a swimsuit, and to be honest, so has my body. Two babies later, and I'm not so hesitant anymore to sign on for a swimsuit that reveals a little less. And seriously? I can't go around swimming in something if I wouldn't gladly reveal the same amount at the mall or at church. So even those swim skirts that they sell? Would I wear a skirt that short ANYWHERE? I just can't do it. Therefore, I recently ventured into the world of "modest swimwear." I quickly discovered that this is a broad and relative term and includes the typical tankini/boy short swimsuit all the way to the Islamic-only-show-the-hands-feet-face swim dresses. Do a Google search and you will easily find this out for yourself.
I'm still trying to decide where I land, and here it is June 9th and I don't have a suit for the summer. I'm leaning towards a particular suit, but it covers a lot more than is traditional, it's fairly expensive, and I'm a little chicken to jump into this new world of modest swimwear. But right now? It's either that suit or I don't swim this summer. And that would be sad. But before my Savior I just can't justify a traditional suit anymore.
I know I know, "man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" 1 Sam 16:7. I completely believe that. God is probing my heart, revealing the pride and fear and calling me to find complete satisfaction and significance in Him. And if I do? If I really find my satisfaction and significance in my awesome Savior Jesus Christ, would I care if I looked a bit "frumpy"? Would I care if someone thought I was a bit loony and one of those overly "conservative" Christian women? Someone might call me legalistic or even accuse me of drawing attention to myself by wearing something different. But I'm not claiming that my clothing choices earn me salvation, as would be legalistic, so far from it! My salvation came withOUT my effort and so all the more I desire to be wholly His, in all my choices. And as for drawing attention? I pray for the courage to always point that attention heavenward, to my God and Savior, who made this body of mine and calls it His. And so His it is, and as He calls me to do with it, so I will.
