Articles
"I Don't A Thing To Wear" (Or "I Don't Have To Wear A Thing")
Summertime always raises the challenge of modest dress. In a world of ever-changing fashion, desire for comfort, the need to feel attractive, of struggling to see oneself as she is seen by others, a woman must decide how she will clothe herself in a godly way.
Strong opinions abound on both sides. One extreme: A woman is not responsible for a man’s thoughts no matter how she is dressed. The problem is his alone, and if he is overcome with lust, he needs to work on developing a clean mind. The other extreme: A woman should not wear makeup or fitted clothes or fix her hair lest she be condemned for any untoward thoughts a man might have for her.
We have previously discussed this topic in sermons and articles, so my approach here is a little different. I would ask women to ask themselves: “What do I want a man to notice when he looks at me?” Or better yet, “What do I want a man to think about me when he sees me?”
I came across a short video recently that dealt with the question of modesty. The speaker’s name was Jason Evert, and I thought his answer was insightful. Among other things, he cited certain studies of the male brain that had shown that in response to seeing women in various states of undress, “fully clothed women were seen as being in control of their own actions whereas the immodest ones (were seen to be) acted upon.” In other words, when a woman highlights her sexuality, a man sees her as an object instead of a person. She is something to be used rather than a person of deep worth and spiritual value.
Evert continued: “Your body is wonderfully distracting to us [males]; it keeps us from seeing who you are beyond your body. And so I think when a girl covers herself up you reveal more of yourself to us because you reveal to us there’s more to you girls than just your bodies. And so if you’re ever wondering, ‘Is this too tight? Is this too short? Is this too ... whatever,’ you already answered your own question. Opt for the modest outfit and I think it’ll help teach the boys what you’re truly worth.”
Women often complain that they get no respect, then many dress to ensure that they will not get the kind of respect they desire. Do you want to be taken seriously by men? Then you must ask yourself: “What does my dress tell a man about where my priorities lie?”
