Our Real Focus
I’ve come to a sudden conclusion tonight: We seem to have the wrong focus on modesty. To use a biological metaphor - we seem be focusing more on the symptoms of modesty, and less on the source. We seem to have forgotten the real reason that we should be modest: that Christ be glorified through us. Everything we talk about here at Is This Modest -whether it be our mouths, our clothes, or our thoughts – It all boils down to how we reflect the image of Christ in our lives. Remember – we are not the light: We are the mirror, reflecting the Fire of God out into the dark; a city on a hill; a light when all others go out.
Foy Lyndström
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Thank you for posting this, Foy. I’ve been a little frustrated lately with the quick reviews because it seems like we’re now starting to try to read these girls’ minds to see if they’re making a proposition with their eyes, as opposed to simply reviewing the outfit. Modesty really isn’t so much about the clothes as it is about the heart. A Christlike heart will produce a modest body – a modest body does nothing to change the heart. And Jesus is so much more interested in our spiritual well-being than our physical.
Anna Graces last blog post..A View from the Summit
I have to disagree with you in part here, Anna Grace. First, modesty is about more than an outfit. It’s the way a person walks, what they say with their features. Clothing is just one part of modesty. Now, attempting to read a mind is going to far, but a guy certainly knows whether a girl is “making eyes at him”. Photographers spend a lot of time with facial expressions because of what they say, and that is part of selling sex.
You’re right on when you say that modesty starts in the heart– Hannah makes this point very well. A person that is modest in their heart will show modesty through out. They won’t dress to entice males sexually, they won’t wear flashy jewelry to gain attention, they won’t put themselves in poses and make facial expressions that are like those that are shared only in intimate moments, and they won’t try to attract attention.
Obviously Jesus is interested in our spiritual well being, but does that mean we should pack up the site and not try to help those that want to see what is and is not modest and take up discussing only those things that are heart issues? Are we wasting our time here?
Amen…..
arielles last blog post..Poll Results =)
FWIW, sometimes it does, in my opinion, help to take certain steps in the right direction … the heart can follow.
But then I question the modesty of any of the jeans and t-shirts outfits I’ve seen here, whether the girls are prone or not … it may not be today’s fashion, but clothes than skim, rather than tightly hug the body’s curves, are really much more modest — and waaay more comfortable.
Be kind to the guys and trade in the tight clothes for a long skirt and a more loose-fitting top! :-)
God bless,
Kristin
I hope we never lose sight of the reason we try to be modest! It is about the heart.
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That’s the thing. It isn’t just clothes, or just body position, or just anything. That is why it is such a hard issue.
Those are all branches sprouting from the trunk of the tree–the heart.
Sometimes there is a person with a modest attitude wearing an immodest outfit, and sometimes there is a very immodest person dressed very nicely. But usually, what you see on the outside reflects the heart.
Lots of things to keep in mind!
Hannah L.s last blog post..Jonathan Park Giveaway! Come one, come all…
The Bible makes it very clear in James that what is in the heart spills out. I agree with Hannah L in that aspect.
Also in James is the idea that faith without works is useless. In our lives, modesty is a work that is a demonstration of our faith.
I’m not saying a girl who’s “making eyes” is modest. What I am saying is that there’s a difference between learning about what’s modest or not in an attempt to become more modest ourselves as opposed to judging others’ modesty just to judge. I know you and Foy both and I know you are good, godly men so I know you’re not intentionally judging these women. However, it is easy to get carried away and go from using the quick reviews as an illustrative tool to a soapbox. I’m just encouraging anyone who does quick reviews to be godly in their hearts and written responses.
Anna Graces last blog post..A View from the Summit
So, what is the real problem here Anna Grace? You say that modesty is from the heart and is not just clothes while at the same time we should just moderate clothing. You say that a person “making eyes” is not modest, but then say that we should ignore the making eyes. You say that we’re here to help illustrate modesty, but we’re not supposed to judge modesty or what their expressions are saying.
I have yet to see you produce an illustration of where Quick Reviews were used as a soapbox, and not just people expressing their opinions– which is part of the point in the first place. Two people, looking at an outfit, and sparking conversation and asking the question, “Is This Modest?” Isn’t that what this is all about?
Is it only constructive and right if you agree with the comments being made about the outfit?
Never mind. Sorry for misunderstanding. Carry on.
Anna Graces last blog post..A View from the Summit
Excellent post. This is exactly what I try to impress upon the girls at our church. If you have a relationship with Jesus, if you seek him, and seek to please him, a lot of the outward things will come so naturally. You won’t have to debate or ask “can I get away with wearing/doing this?” because your heart will be drawn towards things that are honorable and good.
Reborns last blog post..Menu & Grocery Spending 03-02-09
Great thoughts, Reborn. I agree with you.
Thanks for the reminder to stay focused, Foy.
#Feb2011NCARating
Very true! If we get too caught up in the symptoms, we can turn legalistic. We have to be careful to keep our focus where it should be, on Jesus Christ.
#Feb2011NCARating
Hi Foy! I don’t know if this is the right place to do this, but I got the impression from MInTheGap that you get E-mails when someone comments on your posts. Sounds like school is keeping ya on your toes. :) I just wanted to say I hope it’s going well and God bless you very much! Keep on keeping on!
This was a good post and it is all very true. It is good to read through all of the comments to see what people are thinking and to see how their questions are answered. I agree with reborn up there, too.
#Feb2011NCARating