Dressing modestly 1 Timothy 2:9

[Amanuensis]

It is the classic look. And it is classic because it is the best look even from an artistic perspective.

I wear suits or sports coats with ties. It is the best look. Women look best with lots of attractive clothing also.

Wearing clothing that is not modest is not an attractive look. It is an immodest look.

An immodest look causes a first impression that one is...immodest.

Wearing classy modest clothing gives others the impression that you are... classy. I like classy.

 

[Ilive4Jesus]

You refer to jeans and pants as immodest.

First, just want to note that I've read/edited this a few times. I in no way intended for it to come off snotty, though depending on how different people read/interpret things it may sound that way. Again, not intended to.

Was that in a different thread?
I don't see here where she states jeans and pants are immodest.
In fact what she said was:

I don't wear pants or jeans hardly ever and I have been made fun of about it sometimes.

That doesn't say she thinks it immodest.

She has also stated here and in other threads that she has autism.
Now, oftentimes people who have autism also have sensory issues, such as not liking the feel of pants/jeans, nothing immodest about that.

 

[SandySwims]

Personally, I've always found women who dress modestly much more attractive than women who "let it all hang out", so to speak.

I've also never really been a fan of make-up on a woman.

My ex rarely wore make-up (not because I ever said anything about it), and I found her much more attractive without it than with it.

Some women like myself feel more confident with makeup.

 

[kaylagrl]

Some women like myself feel more confident with makeup.

If done properly, you can wear makeup and no even know that you are. Often hubby will ask if I'm ready to go, not knowing if I have done makeup or not. I use to be in traveling ministry and certain churches didn't like makeup worn. But when you are standing on a stage under lights you can look very white and sickly. So makeup can be done so that it enhances your features and yet no one will notice that it is obvious you are wearing makeup.

 

[SandySwims]

If done properly, you can wear makeup and no even know that you are. Often hubby will ask if I'm ready to go, not knowing if I have done makeup or not. I use to be in traveling ministry and certain churches didn't like makeup worn. But when you are standing on a stage under lights you can look very white and sickly. So makeup can be done so that it enhances your features and yet no one will notice that it is obvious you are wearing makeup.

For me the ritual of putting on makeup in the morning is an opportunity to pause and think about the day and think about plans and gives me a chance to think about all my issues.

 

[SandySwims]

Is it men making rules about when a woman can wear makeup?

 

[Live4Him3]

I'm NOT being dogmatic in what I'm about to say because women may choose to wear makeup for a variety of reasons.

However, when it comes to the purpose of a seductive use of the same, then I believe that God is, at least in certain situations, opposed to the same.

For example, we read:

II Kings chapter 9

[30] And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
[31] And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?
[32] And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.
[33] And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.

If you research the bold-faced part, then I believe that you will conclude that this had to do with her applying makeup around her eyes. Most commentators believe, and I personally agree with them, that Jezebel sought to seduce the man who had come to pronounce judgment upon her by "painting her face" in such a manner.

This same principle of seducing someone via the use of makeup is seen in God's pronouncement against his people who were facing judgment:

Jeremiah chapter 4

[30] And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

There is a reason why prostitutes were called "painted ladies".

Now, before anybody bursts an artery, I am NOT saying that all women who wear makeup are behaving like seducing prostitutes.

At the same time, however, even in our day and age, certain women are.

 

[kaylagrl]

I'm NOT being dogmatic in what I'm about to say because women may choose to wear makeup for a variety of reasons.

However, when it comes to the purpose of a seductive use of the same, then I believe that God is, at least in certain situations, opposed to the same.

For example, we read:

II Kings chapter 9

[30] And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
[31] And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?
[32] And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.
[33] And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.

If you research the bold-faced part, then I believe that you will conclude that this had to do with her applying makeup around her eyes. Most commentators believe, and I personally agree with them, that Jezebel sought to seduce the man who had come to pronounce judgment upon her by "painting her face" in such a manner.

This same principle of seducing someone via the use of makeup is seen in God's pronouncement against his people who were facing judgment:

Jeremiah chapter 4

[30] And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

There is a reason why prostitutes were called "painted ladies".

Now, before anybody bursts an artery, I am NOT saying that all women who wear makeup are behaving like seducing prostitutes.

At the same time, however, even in our day and age, certain women are.

Well brother, here we go! lol Round one!! When your intent is seduction, you can use anything. I have been to Holiness churches who forbid women to dress in certain ways. Usually dresses, no makeup, they don't cut their hair. But when you go to many of their churches you see the women wind their hair up as high as they can, in various braids and sparkly clips. And I sit and shake my head laughing thinking, you're still doing the same thing! Trying to attract attention.

Because I traveled in ministry from a young age, I had to be careful what I was wearing in public. And different churches had different rules as to what women should wear. Some wanted hats, some veils over their faces, some dresses. One church wanted no earrings, other churches won't allow you to wear your wedding ring. I wasn't married when I was in ministry. Had I been, the ring would have stayed, we'd have been having a come to Jesus moment. Either way, you can see there are a lot of "rules" as to what one can or can't wear. So where is the dividing line?

I tell the story of a pastor friend of mine. He was up in years but he told a story of when he was a young pastor in the 70s. He said a very beautiful lady attended his service, but she was wearing pants, which he felt wasn't modest, and the other women all wore dresses. So he thought he would gently tell her that the next time she came, would she please wear a dress. So he approached her after the service and asked her to wear a dress the next time she came to church. Well she did. He said he saw her come in and she was wearing a "gownless evening strap" . lol He said he went back to her after service and said "dear, wear the pants." So it can be a rather difficult dividing line as to what is modest. And not just for women!! Young men now are wearing pants so tight that they look like they belong to their little sister. I know men who keep their shirt unbuttoned or too tight. Good subject, not everyone sees modesty the same way. I know of certain Bible colleges you go to men are not allowed to wear hair pieces. On and on it goes. So the question is, where is the line when it comes to modesty? Interesting.

 

[Live4Him3]

Well brother, here we go! lol Round one!! When your intent is seduction, you can use anything. I have been to Holiness churches who forbid women to dress in certain ways. Usually dresses, no makeup, they don't cut their hair. But when you go to many of their churches you see the women wind their hair up as high as they can, in various braids and sparkly clips. And I sit and shake my head laughing thinking, you're still doing the same thing! Trying to attract attention.

Because I traveled in ministry from a young age, I had to be careful what I was wearing in public. And different churches had different rules as to what women should wear. Some wanted hats, some veils over their faces, some dresses. One church wanted no earrings, other churches won't allow you to wear your wedding ring. I wasn't married when I was in ministry. Had I been, the ring would have stayed, we'd have been having a come to Jesus moment. Either way, you can see there are a lot of "rules" as to what one can or can't wear. So where is the dividing line?

I tell the story of a pastor friend of mine. He was up in years but he told a story of when he was a young pastor in the 70s. He said a very beautiful lady attended his service, but she was wearing pants, which he felt wasn't modest, and the other women all wore dresses. So he thought he would gently tell her that the next time she came, would she please wear a dress. So he approached her after the service and asked her to wear a dress the next time she came to church. Well she did. He said he saw her come in and she was wearing a "gownless evening strap" . lol He said he went back to her after service and said "dear, wear the pants." So it can be a rather difficult dividing line as to what is modest. And not just for women!! Young men now are wearing pants so tight that they look like they belong to their little sister. I know men who keep their shirt unbuttoned or too tight. Good subject, not everyone sees modesty the same way. I know of certain Bible colleges you go to men are not allowed to wear hair pieces. On and on it goes. So the question is, where is the line when it comes to modesty? Interesting.

Round one?

I didn't hear a bell...lol.

My comments were simply general in nature. In no way, shape, or form was I seeking to dictate a dress code for church or any place else for that matter.

I always just like to interject scripture into every conversation, so I threw a couple of verses out there.

I will say this, though...

I heard a preacher ask a question many years ago that actually made me think (yeah, that happens every now and then).

He basically asked the people in the church if any of them wanted to stand before the congregation in their underwear.

Back then (He might have gotten a different response today), nobody volunteered, and then he asked this follow up question:

If you don't feel comfortable standing before the saints in your underwear, then why do you feel comfortable standing before the world in basically your underwear on a public beach?

Anyhow, I thought that it was an interesting question.

As far as my own personal appearance is concerned, I'm wont (for real) to respond to cashiers who ask me if I want a bag, "Why? Do I really look that bad?"

lol.

All joking aside, though, I do think that we shouldn't dress publicly in a manner which might cause someone else to stumble.

In fact, I once wrote a letter to Tim Tebow (yes, that Tim Tebow) about all of the shirtless appearances that he was doing at that time, and I sent it to him with a Christian t-shirt while he was still a member of the NY Jets. He sent me a handwritten response in which he thanked me for the shirt...but he didn't mention anything about the letter. In any case, I didn't see him do any more shirtless appearances after that, so maybe he took what I wrote to heart.

Just my two cents worth.

 

[kaylagrl]

Round one?

I didn't hear a bell...lol.

My comments were simply general in nature. In no way, shape, or form was I seeking to dictate a dress code for church or any place else for that matter.

I always just like to interject scripture into every conversation, so I threw a couple of verses out there.

I will say this, though...

I heard a preacher ask a question many years ago that actually made me think (yeah, that happens every now and then).

He basically asked the people in the church if any of them wanted to stand before the congregation in their underwear.

Back then (He might have gotten a different response today), nobody volunteered, and then he asked this follow up question:

If you don't feel comfortable standing before the saints in your underwear, then why do you feel comfortable standing before the world in basically your underwear on a public beach?

Anyhow, I thought that it was an interesting question.

As far as my own personal appearance is concerned, I'm wont (for real) to respond to cashiers who ask me if I want a bag, "Why? Do I really look that bad?"

lol.

All joking aside, though, I do think that we shouldn't dress publicly in a manner which might cause someone else to stumble.

In fact, I once wrote a letter to Tim Tebow (yes, that Tim Tebow) about all of the shirtless appearances that he was doing at that time, and I sent it to him with a Christian t-shirt while he was still a member of the NY Jets. He sent me a handwritten response in which he thanked me for the shirt...but he didn't mention anything about the letter. In any case, I didn't see him do any more shirtless appearances after that, so maybe he took what I wrote to heart.

Just my two cents worth.

Tebow! Wow, that is interesting. Very nice that he wrote you back and thanked you.

My grandmother, who has passed, use to say, I always think how would I dress if I was going to meet the Queen ( Canucks lol) or for Yanks if you were invited to the WH how would you dress? But still there would be people there dressed in a manner that wasn't appropriate for the situation.

I remember when I got married I asked for the men standing at up to wear a suit. When my sister got married her in laws were dressed in just casual clothes and ruined her wedding pictures IMO. So some people just don't seem to get it and have no clue how to dress.

I've never had an issue as how to dress. I ask hubby before we go out what he thinks of what I'm wearing, if he likes it, I know I'm good. But for some reason some men like their women to dress "sexy" to show off what they have on their arm. smh And that's not just worldly people that act that way. And this day in age, there is almost no concept of modesty. I see many Christian woman wearing body hugging "athletic wear", women of every size, and I'm shocked. I always say to hubby "please let me know if I'm wearing something too tight, I can't see everything in a mirror sometimes."

 

[kaylagrl]

Round one?

I didn't hear a bell...lol.

My comments were simply general in nature. In no way, shape, or form was I seeking to dictate a dress code for church or any place else for that matter.

I always just like to interject scripture into every conversation, so I threw a couple of verses out there.

I will say this, though...

I heard a preacher ask a question many years ago that actually made me think (yeah, that happens every now and then).

He basically asked the people in the church if any of them wanted to stand before the congregation in their underwear.

Back then (He might have gotten a different response today), nobody volunteered, and then he asked this follow up question:

If you don't feel comfortable standing before the saints in your underwear, then why do you feel comfortable standing before the world in basically your underwear on a public beach?

Anyhow, I thought that it was an interesting question.

As far as my own personal appearance is concerned, I'm wont (for real) to respond to cashiers who ask me if I want a bag, "Why? Do I really look that bad?"

lol.

All joking aside, though, I do think that we shouldn't dress publicly in a manner which might cause someone else to stumble.

In fact, I once wrote a letter to Tim Tebow (yes, that Tim Tebow) about all of the shirtless appearances that he was doing at that time, and I sent it to him with a Christian t-shirt while he was still a member of the NY Jets. He sent me a handwritten response in which he thanked me for the shirt...but he didn't mention anything about the letter. In any case, I didn't see him do any more shirtless appearances after that, so maybe he took what I wrote to heart.

Just my two cents worth.

Oh yes, I forgot...

 

[Live4Him3]

Tebow! Wow, that is interesting. Very nice that he wrote you back and thanked you.

My grandmother, who has passed, use to say, I always think how would I dress if I was going to meet the Queen ( Canucks lol) or for Yanks if you were invited to the WH how would you dress? But still there would be people there dressed in a manner that wasn't appropriate for the situation.

I remember when I got married I asked for the men standing at up to wear a suit. When my sister got married her in laws were dressed in just casual clothes and ruined her wedding pictures IMO. So some people just don't seem to get it and have no clue how to dress.

I've never had an issue as how to dress. I ask hubby before we go out what he thinks of what I'm wearing, if he likes it, I know I'm good. But for some reason some men like their women to dress "sexy" to show off what they have on their arm. smh And that's not just worldly people that act that way. And this day in age, there is almost no concept of modesty. I see many Christian woman wearing body hugging "athletic wear", women of every size, and I'm shocked. I always say to hubby "please let me know if I'm wearing something too tight, I can't see everything in a mirror sometimes."

Personally, I HATE wearing a suit and tie. For one thing, I don't like restrictive clothing, and I feel like a mummy when I put that type of clothing on (which I rarely ever do). I'm also definitely built much better for cooler weather, and that type of clothing makes me feel as if I'm melting.

I also don't think that God could care less about what type of clothing we're wearing or not wearing (in private) when we approach him. I mean, initially, Adam and Eve were naked, and God walked with them in the cool of the day. I've personally had God speak to me when I'm in the shower, so there's that as well.

John the Baptist and other prophets of God were hardly fashion statements themselves.

99.99% of the time, I'm a t-shirt and jeans type of guy, and that would be 100% of the time if I didn't have to cave in at times out of respect or honor for others. I probably have about 100 Christian-themed t-shirts and hoodies, many of which I designed myself, and that is my normal dress code. I try to get the word out in any way that I can, and that includes about a dozen or so Christian-themed ballcaps that I normally wear as well. In fact, I have a full print t-shirt that I designed with the bear and tree in my profile picture on it that says "Be still and know that I am God" in big bold letters going down the tree trunk.

Anyhow, God's ultimately after our hearts and minds. If he truly gets those, then everything else will fall into place.

 

[Ilive4Jesus]

In fact, I have a full print t-shirt that I designed with the bear and tree in my profile picture on it that says "Be still and know that I am God" in big bold letters going down the tree trunk.

I thought your bear avatar looked familiar.
That shirt/design is yours?

That's one of my favorite verses and I was searching for images for it recently.
Tee shirt images kept coming up after that.

 

[Live4Him3]

I thought your bear avatar looked familiar.
That shirt/design is yours?

That's one of my favorite verses and I was searching for images for it recently.
Tee shirt images kept coming up after that.

"Tis little old me.

I've always loved animals, and even more so after I became a Christian.

When I first went into business for myself back in 2001 (I'm no longer self-employed), I sold nature photography (sunsets, sunrises, animals, waterfalls, etc.) that I double-matted and placed within really nice black aluminum frames. Each matte had an opening in it below where the photo was placed as well, and I had a corresponding Bible text to go with each photo that I sold.

That business model changed rather quickly though because I was literally getting banned from place after place where I was selling the photos because people were complaining about the Bible texts. Eventually, I switched to designing and selling t-shirts, and I did that full-time for many years. Now, I just sell some designs on a couple of Print on Demand websites as a source of secondary income while I work full-time elsewhere. When I first joined here, I was selling on Amazon (and making a lot of money doing so), but they closed down my account because they didn't like my Christian designs either. They refused to admit that publicly, for threat of a lawsuit, but that's what went down there as some forum members here already know. When they shut me down, I had to go back into the workforce again because my Amazon sales were my primary source of income at that time.

Anyhow, I've always tried to bring glory to God, even in my business ventures, but it's gotten me into quite a bit of trouble over the years. In case you're not already aware of this, there are A LOT of people in this world who hate God, Jesus, and the Bible, and I've encountered more than my fair share of them...to say the least.

It is what it is.

Here's my little bear shirt:


I'd wear this today, but it's close to 90 degrees outside.

Definitely going sleeveless today...

 

[RichMan]

Dress in a way that does not say "Hey, look at me every one!"

 

[Dymes]

Once I heard a woman say "Dress in a way that brings attention to your face, not your body." Made sense to me because as a man, if hormones are at a peak, mostly any part I can see of a woman's body is "attractive".

 

[kaylagrl]

"Tis little old me.

I've always loved animals, and even more so after I became a Christian.

When I first went into business for myself back in 2001 (I'm no longer self-employed), I sold nature photography (sunsets, sunrises, animals, waterfalls, etc.) that I double-matted and placed within really nice black aluminum frames. Each matte had an opening in it below where the photo was placed as well, and I had a corresponding Bible text to go with each photo that I sold.

That business model changed rather quickly though because I was literally getting banned from place after place where I was selling the photos because people were complaining about the Bible texts. Eventually, I switched to designing and selling t-shirts, and I did that full-time for many years. Now, I just sell some designs on a couple of Print on Demand websites as a source of secondary income while I work full-time elsewhere. When I first joined here, I was selling on Amazon (and making a lot of money doing so), but they closed down my account because they didn't like my Christian designs either. They refused to admit that publicly, for threat of a lawsuit, but that's what went down there as some forum members here already know. When they shut me down, I had to go back into the workforce again because my Amazon sales were my primary source of income at that time.

Anyhow, I've always tried to bring glory to God, even in my business ventures, but it's gotten me into quite a bit of trouble over the years. In case you're not already aware of this, there are A LOT of people in this world who hate God, Jesus, and the Bible, and I've encountered more than my fair share of them...to say the least.

It is what it is.

Here's my little bear shirt:

View attachment 240208
I'd wear this today, but it's close to 90 degrees outside.

Definitely going sleeveless today...

Ahh my friend we have something in common!! I love photography but I only consider it a hobby. Very relaxing for me though. Hubby bought me a beautiful camera a couple Christmas's ago. I've learned how to use it, mostly. lol

Cool that you do your own designs. When we traveled we sold Christian ts. At one point we were buying the designs and pressing them ourselves. Christian book stores were all going out of business. So we had sizes all the way down to childrens. I think they are a really great way to start a conversation. Pity that Amazon shut you down. So much for free speech. They sell every other junk there.

 

[pottersclay]

I got strange looks for the way i dressed at church especially so i stopped wearing dresses.

 

[kaylagrl]

I got strange looks for the way i dressed at church especially so i stopped wearing dresses.

Lol brother, I can see how that would help with strange looks.

 

[Magenta]

Is there anyone else that goes on here that dresses modest? Also, I have autism and I know I don't ask things the right way a lot of times but I hope I asked it the right way. I don't wear pants or jeans hardly ever and I have been made fun of about it sometimes.

Hello JillianMarie I do not understand why anyone would make fun of you for not wearing pants or jeans. I do not wear jeans and have not for many years, but I do wear pants occasionally, and one year my new year's resolution was to wear dresses more often. Heh, I do not normally make new year's resolutions, but I did like wearing dresses and skirts more than I normally would, and I do like wearing them any ways. Wearing a dress or skirt and top does seem to be more feminine than wearing jeans or slacks/pants. And it often looks much nicer in a way than jeans or pants, and I am not implying anything negative about jeans or pants either. Jeans are so everyday and everywhere, that seeing a woman dressed in more feminine attire, even casually/simply, without being ostentatious in any way, is a pleasure and sometimes even refreshing