In past posts I have tried to challenge you into thinking about years gone by when women and men wore distinctly different garments all the time.  50 years ago, or less, respectable women wore dresses. The level of modesty was, from a Biblical standpoint, always challenged by the local Pastors, and the older folks of each era.  But  from undergarments to swimsuits, dresses to pants, all the clothing from yesteryears of not so long ago, were, generally speaking, MORE modest than what we see today. 

Even advertising was different. It wasn't until the 70's that LIVE models were allowed to parade their wares on TV. Catalogs which sold undergarments were usually just a picture of the necessary body area. The models were bodyless, and faceless. Many advertisers saved money using black and white photos on either a mannequin torso or chest. Mind you that men's underwear was modelled the same way. 

After the burn your bra revolution of the 60's, the 70's was the time when women became liberated, and wanted to be taken seriously. They wanted equal rights, and desired to be seen as more than just a plaything for their husbands. Odd isn't it -they wanted to be respected for their brains but began to make bare more and more of their bodies, and crying out against all looks, comments, whistles, or stares that their new found FREEDOM incited!

This is one thing we have to take into consideration when selecting garments. Whether we are buying them from a high end shop or the local thrift store, regardless of them being a gift, or sewn with our own two hands, we must learn to examine them from all the angles any MAN might see us.  I'm sure your husband will gladly assist with this. If not, have a trusted friend join you for a day of cleaning your closets and drawers, and ask her to be brutally honest about your clothing, even if it means getting rid of 99% of your current wardrobe. The LORD will bless you for it, and provide your need, plus many a man, maybe including your husband will thank you for your desire to keep yourself chaste in attire. 

Aside from modesty, let us also remember that  God does not expect nor require us to gad about in a drab colors, drib styles, and shapeless sacks. There is not scriptural support for us to look gawdy or gawky. In fact, in I Timothy 2:9-11, the verses that many people use to present modesty as a Biblical mandate, ok...let's look at the verses together.

"In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (WHICH BECOMETH WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS) with good works. "[emphasis added. ]

That sure sounds like God doesn't expect us to be frumpy in our attire. Part of being modest is not drawing attention to yourself, or your "danger zones". One gal said it was "being able to go to the store, check-out while chatting with the cashier, and he/she wouldn't remember what you were wearing".  I like that definition, but in todays world where almost all women wear JEANS, the most generic dresses stand out in stark contrast. 

Certainly God doesn't want us to present ourselves as ambassadors for Him in clothing that is unattractive to us. He had Paul say which becometh women! He wants us to look becoming. T he only color tied to anyone/anything sinful is red-connected with harlotry. Historically, the wearing of black was a sign of being in mourning over a loved ones death, and purple was only allowed to be worn by royalty. Today, while you may want to shy away from red for your own personal reasons, there is no New Testament prohibition on colors. There is a program "color me beautiful" that helps women determine what colors bring out their natural beauty and color. As "daughters of the King" we should look our best with what we have.  

Look quickly with me at I Cor. 7:31. Here Paul is  talking to the Corinthian believers about marriage and how to treat one another, and especially virgins. But vs. 31 says, "And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away."  Yes, I know that I am taking this out of context, but think about it. There are sects of Christian who believe ALL fashion except a few specific styles are sinful. But in a round about way, might Paul be saying, USE the fashion of the world, but don't abuse it. Let me restate it like this: It's ok to BUY clothes from Walmart or Bloomingdales or Macys, and even to wear stylish trendy clothes, just don't cross the line of modesty in the process. 

While many will differ with me, I do not believe that Paul was prohibiting women from wearing jewelry either. Look at the time in history in which Paul live, and wrote this chapter. There was no electricity, gasoline engines, or computers to assist in mining operation or refining processes. Obtaining precious metals and gems was an extremely laborious process, and only the rich or elite could afford to have gold, and pearls. 

There was not driving your camel to the Bethlehem Mall and picking up a new wardrobe.  Getting a new robe in that day and age took quite some time. First, if you wanted wool, some sheep needed to be sheared (which is done only once a year), the wool then had to be washed, combed, spun, dyed, and woven into cloth. Then someone was ready to first begin to make the robe. Many garments in this time period were draped on the body and not cut and sewed because of the work needed. This is another reason why "costly array" might be silk, or be a printed fabric, or even embroidered or have fringe or other embellishments that the ordinary work-a-day person would never wear due to cost and practicallity.

A Feminine woman knows and wears the styles and colors  that "becometh women professing Godliness. 

**Next time -- sexy vx. feminine

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Posted by agodlyhomemaker

Odd isn't it -they wanted to be respected for their brains but began to make bare more and more of their bodies, and crying out against all looks, comments, whistles, or stares that their new found FREEDOM incited!
YES YES YES!!!! YOU REALLY SAID IT WELL!!!
www.xanga.com/_a_godly_homemaker is my blog if you're interested.

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