THANK YOU FOR MODEST LADIES
May 1st, 2013 | By admin
by Adam Faughn
Last Saturday was the greatest day of the year: Leah’s birthday. It was quite the unusual day, though, as I conducted a funeral midday. Also, since it was Saturday, we had to get home a little earlier than normal, so I could look over my sermon notes. (See what preacher’s wives go through?)
Anyway, we were at a local mall, when Leah started talking about something that was upsetting her. I was oblivious, and it was a good time to be so. In front of us were two girls, probably around 20 years of age, who were wearing shorts that nearly redefined “short.” She told me that a man holding his child had watched these two girls walk…for a long time. I was glad that I had been oblivious, because I hadn’t seen the girls until Leah mentioned what was going on.
Later, we walked by the store that doesn’t keep any “secrets.” This time, knowing what I might see, I took the time to see if my shoes needed cleaning. (They do, by the way.)
Finally, Leah couldn’t take it any longer. She just said, “There’s no way a Christian lady can compete.” After a brief exchange, it was clear that she was talking about these displays of sexuality, both in clothing and in advertising. It was also clear that she was truly bothered by this.
…and so was I.
So, today, I want to say “thank you” to Christian ladies who dress modestly. You are still fashionable and, of course, beautiful, but you do not allow the world to sway your standards of morality. You are mindful of God and His standard first, and you also are thinking of your Christian brothers.
As a man, I want to say “thank you.” I have a responsibility to keep my mind focused on what is pure (Philippians 4:8), but you help with that. You don’t load pictures of yourself in a swimsuit on Facebook for the whole world–including men–to see. You avoid showing parts of your body off that only your husband (or future husband) should ever see. You realize that sexuality is a strong temptation for the vast majority of men, and you refuse to be a stumbling block.
As a husband, I want to say “thank you.” Leah is gorgeous, and there is no more beautiful woman on the earth. But temptations are still real, and you aid me in keeping not only by body, but also my thoughts, totally centered on her.
As a dad to a young girl, I want to say “thank you.” You are a living example to my precious daughter. You are showing her that she can be fashionable and feminine, yet remain faithful to the standards of God. You are teaching her that her physical appearance is not all she is, but that she is far more.
As a dad to a young man, I want to say “thank you.” Having been a young man, I know how strong temptations are, and I also remember how they quickly become part of life. Turner is too young to feel them, but for how long? You are going to help him learn to respect ladies, not to just “get an eye-full” of them.
As a Christian, I want to say “thank you.” You are modeling modesty in an extremely immodest world. You are not letting the world shape your standards. You are showing Christ through even your choices of clothing.
I know this is a very difficult subject, and that finding modest clothing is getting more and more difficult. But ladies, please keep God’s standard as your highest priority. The rest of the world is really competing against you, and you have already won. You know that they feel like they have to dress immodestly to draw attention, but you draw attention both for your outward and inward beauty.
It isn’t a competition, but if it were, you would have already been declared the winner. Not by me, but by our Lord.
Today, I just want to say “thank you.”
Adam Faughn is the minister at Lebanon Road church of Christ. He is married and the father of two beautiful children. You can read more of his blogs on www.faughnfamily.com.
