And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. (I Timothy 2:9 - NLT)
"the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things . . .(Titus 2:4 KJV)
I advise you to buy gold from me--gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. (Rev. 3:18 NLT)
A few years ago I would have never dreamed I would now have a web site on modesty! After all, about 30 years ago, when I became a Christian, I did give up much of my wardrobe and opted for more of what I deemed as modest attire.
Although not going back to my former wardrobe, over the years I collected much clothing, and tried my best to look "attractive." It seems there was something being hidden from my sight over these many years - I knew not Biblical modesty and the total deceit of our modern day culture and its impact on my spirit. After a time of prayer and fasting, I had a dream about a need to go on a journey and and in my heart I knew the journey was imminent and I was running late. In my dream, I kept trying to pack lots of things to take along (reluctant to leave them behind) and was so occupied by trying to gather them up and take them with me that I was missing the journey. I believe the Holy Spirit was urging me through this dream to recognize the urgency and to leave all behind and start the journey.
Now I must share my journey with you -- my finding in scripture that God does care about what I wear and He also holds me responsible to share my new insight with others. Over the years, He brought me into contact with people who were modest in dress in a way I had never experienced and caused me to re-examine my wardrobe in relation to the scriptures.
Perhaps there are some who go beyond a heart-felt conviction into legalism; however, I believe God revealed to me a definite standard! He has standards for His church! He is calling for a cleansing of His church, He is calling for a preparation of His bride, He is calling for a "leaving all" to follow Him, He is calling for holiness, He is calling for revival of the women in His church - and may we women return to godly standards in dress!
Could church leaders possibly be radical enough to require modesty dress for the leaders in the church? Dare they raise a holy standard of dress and hold church leaders accountable? Could a few women submit to the ordinances in the New Testament outlines and obey in this and be examples? Could we women dare to die completely to self and see what God will do? Is God waiting for us to die to self?
I know of Christian schools that have a much higher standard for dress than that so-called Spirit-filled churches!
May you allow the Holy Spirit Himself to probe your heart as you contemplate some of the links below. And please read Corinthians with the willingness to changes, as He sees fit. The hour is late and time is of essence! Only a few, only a few . . .
Let this be our motto: HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD IS OUR WATCHWORD AND SONG!
Please email me with any questions or comments at modesty4today@gmail.com
Emily Eames
Below are some modesty links to consider:
The Look, Does God Really Care What I Wear?
Modesty & Purity (godly archives from "Revive our Hearts" radio programs)
Modesty and the undressing of our youth
Women Today Magazine - modesty
The early church and modesty timeline
Some links to purchase modest clothing