By Davian Koren
Today, girls have begun to dress in a manner more and more revealing. Whether it be crop tops, booty shorts, skimpy dresses, or thong swimsuits, we’ve been moving further and further away from letting clothes perform the function they were made for: covering our bodies.
Why does modesty matter? And why shouldn’t we dress more revealing?
First of all, wearing skimpy outfit choices attracts unwanted attention. It’s not going to be just the guys your age or the person you’re interested in that’s seeing you. It’s your teachers at school, people on the street, in the grocery store, at the park, literally anyone you come across will see all of your bared skin. It’s one thing when the cute guy sees you in it, quite another when someone’s grandpa is staring at you.
Dressing immodestly won’t attract a good man. Think about it – do you really want the reason a boy gives you attention to be because he thinks you’re attractive and available? No! It should be because of the content of your character, not your perceived sexual availability that draws someone to you. (Girls seem to confuse sexual attention as an indicator of love. This is not true.)
And if you’re already in a relationship, you should not be putting yourself on display for anyone else either. The same level of intimacy you have with your partner should not be available for just anyone.
Most women don’t want to be objectified, but their attire is at odds with this. Wearing explicit clothing invites in objectification and the sexualization of their bodies.
In Proverbs 31:30, the Bible says that, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This is further elaborated on in 1 Peter 3:3-4: “Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 also says that our bodies are the temple of God, and that we should glorify him with them.
These verses highlight timeless truths that are applicable and relevant, even if you’re not a Christian. They teach that inner character and personality outweigh appearance. That your body deserves respect and treatment as something that is inherently valuable.
To all my ladies out there: Don’t feel that you have to wear revealing clothing to fit in, or to try and make yourself look confident. We should all be dressing in a way that shows respect to our bodies and glorifies God.
In today’s culture, this can mean refraining from wearing cropped or very low cut shirts and/or wearing longer length shorts or dresses. This doesn’t mean you have to be draped head to toe, but your torso and bottom should be covered.
I love the quote, “Modesty is not about hiding ourselves, but about revealing our dignity.” It means choosing clothing and behavior that reflect your inherent worth, not as an object of desire, but as a person created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27.)
Beauty isn’t hidden by modesty, but enhanced. In a world that encourages you to be naked, adorn yourself in strength and dignity. Stand out and be set apart for the value you display for your body by a quiet modesty that catches the curiosity of the upright sort. The way you honor your body shapes the way others will feel inclined to honor it too.
Davian Koren is a homeschooled high school student, one of 10 area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 27th year.
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