No Boys allowed:

I copied and pasted this from a PDF that was given along with C.J. Mahaney's sermon, "The Soul of Modesty." I'm listening to the sermon as we speak. I recommend it. Right now, I'm thankful for facebook, because that's where I scrolled across the link. :)

Modesty Heart Check

by

Carolyn Mahaney

Nicole Whitacre

Kristin Chesemore

Janelle Bradshaw

 

“…Women should adorn themselves in respectable

apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with

braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,

but with what is proper for women

who profess godliness—with good works.”

~1 Timothy 2:9-10

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check.  (What are

some things you should look for as you stand in front of your

mirror?)

 

    From the top…

-When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see

anything when I lean over?  If so, I need to remember to place my

hand against my neckline when I bend down.

-If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and

move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my

chest.  If there are, I’ve got to grab the sewing box and pin

between the buttons.

-The same check is needed if I am wearing a sleeveless shirt. 

When I move around, can I see my bra?  If I do, I need the pins

again.

-Am I wearing a spaghetti-strap, halter, or sheer blouse?  Not even

pins will fix this problem!  Most guys find these a hindrance in

their struggle with lust.  It’s time to go back to the closet.

-Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt?  In this

case, seamless bras are a better option.

-More key questions: Does my shirt reveal any part of my

cleavage?  Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above

my head?  Is my shirt just plain too tight?  If the answer to any one

of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving on down…

-Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my

hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low?  Either

my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit

higher.

-I also have to turn around to see if what I’m wearing is too tight

around my back side, or if the outline of my underwear shows.  If so,

I know what I have to do!

-And as for shorts – I can’t just check them standing up.  I need to see

how much they reveal when I sit down.  If I see too much leg, I need

a longer pair.

-The “sit-down” check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must

remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when

I’m seated.

-And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too

much when I walk?  Pins are also helpful here.

-Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a sunlight check. Is it see-

through?  If so, I need a slip.

-Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. 

High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.

-And don’t forget – this applies to formal wear as well. 

-A note on swimwear: It’s not easy but you can still strive to be

modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that

aren’t cut high on the leg and don’t have low necklines.

 Start with a Heart Check…

-“How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress

and dressing to be the center of attention?  The answer starts in the intent

of the heart.  A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way

she dresses.  Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood?  Is

it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God?  Or is it to call

attention to herself and flaunt her beauty?  Or worse, to attempt to lure

men sexually?  A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider

carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe

and appearance.”  John MacArthur [emphasis added]

-What statement do my clothes make about my heart?

-In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire

and whose approval do I crave?  Am I seeking to please God or

impress others?

-Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self-

control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an

inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?

-Who am I trying to identify with through my dress?  Is the Word of

God my standard or is the latest fashion?

-Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?

-Does my clothing reveal an allegiance to the gospel or is there any

contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of

godliness? 

I thought this was really great. even something to tape to your mirror to run through really fast in the morning. I know sometimes i am just in a big rush and don't even think about what i'm wearing. but just think, if you've got a heart condition that is trying to make you dress in a way that you think would attract that cute boy three lockers down, you might be attracting that smelly janitor with a bear gut and nasty beard that looks like he is 105 instead. and that's just gross. respect your brothers in Christ. 

i love SWO podcasts.  

now off to write a paper for school!