If we open up the Bible, we need not go any farther than Genesis Chapter 3
to see the discrepancy between man and God when it comes to appropriate dress.

Man’s idea of clothing:

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked;
so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
(Genesis 3:7)

God’s idea of clothing:

“YHVH God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. ”
(Genesis 3:21)

04 / 05 / 08
(NIV used)
FIRST THOUGHTS:

The above verses show that when left to ourselves we are not the best judges of modesty. God wants His people to not only cover their “necessary areas”, but to be “clothed”.

Yes … I am upset. Why? It is beginning to get warmer outside and that means we are one step closer to “over exposure”. (And I am not talking about ultra violet rays and getting sun burned). Let me be the first to say that I love the human body and God’s design of them … especially the woman, of course. But let me be the first to say, as well, that this feeling I have is between my wife and myself. My wife will not go out and show others how beautiful the woman’s body is.

WARNING: If any of you are over-exposed people who think fig leaves are enough… you are about to get a rude awakening. I am trying to mentor my four boys and two daughters in a world of what seems to be a bikini contest (And I am not talking about at the beach!!). I, too, desire my marriage bed to be pure and don’t need to be surrounded by this contest.

- I am trying to teach my boys that a woman is beautiful, but that beauty is to be shared between a husband and wife … not between strangers. I am trying to teach my sons that they are not to imagine or think about a woman’s form (So much for that teaching, since they no longer have to imagine, it is all over the place!) The immodesty of so many women are telling our sons that beauty on the outside means more than on the inside. Instead, we need to be teaching our sons what God’s words are on the subject:

 “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) There is nothing better than being a godly example for our sons. I show my boys by practicing to keep my eyes from evil. In other words, by me turning my head when another woman’s clothing is too revealing … THAT shows that I love their mother.
 “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. For what is man’s lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong?” (Job 31:1-3) So I teach my sons to turn their heads and look the other way.

- I am trying to teach my girls how to act like Biblical ladies: “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Is this what we are really teaching our daughters, or do we allow immodesty so that they can “fit in” with others? Yes … I do have the “bend over” rule for the ladies in my household … of whom I love. If they bend from the hip to pick up something and by doing so, they expose themselves … their garments are either too low or too loose. They can check on their own. Why do I do this? I fear God AND I don’t want my women (daughters and my wife) to lead you men or your sons into sin by encouraging lustful thoughts!! I teach my daughters not to dress to draw attention to themselves. I give them the confidence that they are beautiful and that those who expose themselves are looking for compliments and praise. My daughters do not want a husband who is attracted to them merely because of their outward appearance. Are we teaching our daughters (and wives):

 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)

Okay … to the men (or Dads) out there. Let me be right up front with you (As if I wasn’t already, eh?). To those who allow their sons to see magazines, commercials, movies, billboards, or TV shows that over-expose a woman’s body … shame on you!! We are commanded by God to avoid the Victoria’s Secrets of the world. When we turn our heads or go out of our way to avoid seeing these images, we are an example to our sons of how to revere and love a wife. We also must model for our sons the importance of telling our wives how beautiful they are. Show your sons what to do when confronted by these attacks from Satan in the form of over-exposed women. Explain to them that the woman’s body is beautiful but made to be seen only by the husband. Do you want godly offspring as the result of your marriage? Read carefully:

“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because YHVH is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not (YHVH) made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.” (Malachi 2:14-15)

Dads and husbands, did you understand the sin and its consequences that God outlines in the above passage? If we look at another woman lustfully (by gazing at her flesh), we have broken faith with our wife. By doing so, Verse 13 says that God will NOT hear the prayers of those who do! BUT … the other consequence spoken of was regarding our offspring. They will become like their Fathers. Would God be pleased to have your sons imitate you? Maybe next time, many of you will think twice about taking a second look at that magazine cover at the checkout line, or watching that commercial, or breaking your neck trying to get another look at that lady walking by. (NOTE: If you ever go into a store and see all those magazines turned backwards … HEY, I must have just missed ya!) If you have a wife, she should be the only woman on earth to you!! Does your son or daughter know that their mother is that special to you? Can they trust you, their father, that you will remain loyal to their mother? If not, then how can you expect them to be any different? Do you want your son to cheat on his wife and your daughter to expose herself to get attention?

LAST THOUGHT:

Our daughters and wives are NOT “prizes” we have won, to be displayed as if a trophy, they are special gifts!

Those who dress immodestly may be doing so because they don’t receive the confidence they need from their fathers / husbands. They must be told that they are beautiful and lovely in form. We must let them know that we would die for them and protect them from wicked men who love only to see their flesh.

Just something to think about as the sun is coming up over the horizon, again. Let the show begin, I mean STOP!!! We must choose to look away because we love our wives and daughters.

Disclaimer and advertisement: To those of you who, like me, are teaching their sons and daughters to fear God by adhering to His rules … thank you. And, oh, by the way, how old are your kids? I still have a daughter and two sons who will one day need godly spouses (wink – wink).