A Pig in Pearls is Still Just a Pig!

So you are wearing a modest dress, but how is your behavior?

We all know that modesty involves more than what we wear, so why is it that we only talk about clothing when this subject comes up? When someone mentions modesty, what comes to your mind? Your answer will largely be determined by your background. For many, the issue of pants is the only thing that comes to mind.

But ladies it is so much more than that. What we wear on the outside is merely a manifestation of what is happening on the inside. Let's work on the inside so that we are a true reflection of what God intends for us to be. You can have a heart that really is rebellious against God and be dressed extremely conservatively. That would be like putting pearls on a pig. Yes, the pearls are nice and make the pig look better, but it's still a pig!!

A woman’s greatest loveliness comes through a modest heart that expresses itself in modest behavior, dress, and attitudes.

Modest:
1 a : placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth
b : neither bold nor self-assertive : tending toward diffidence
2 arising from or characteristic of a modest nature
3 observing the proprieties of dress and behavior : decent
4 limited in size, amount, or scope


When I think of modest behavior some of the old classic movies come to mind: Pride and Prejudice is the first one. This is one of my very favorite movies of all times! When we watch the characters we get a true picture and contrast of modest and immodest behavior.
Remember Mr. Darcy's statement to Elizabeth?

"Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that
your modesty, so far from doing you any
disservice, rather adds to your other perfections."

WOW what a compliment. Does your modest behavior add to your other perfections?

What is modest behavior? The word modest comes from a Greek word, aidos, which means propriety, decency. The word also hints at a proper sense of shame. For example, a modest woman would be ashamed if anything about her attitude or appearance dishonored Christ, distracted other believers, or caused men to sin. A modest woman is disinclined to call attention to herself.

There’s nothing wrong with having an outgoing personality, but a modest woman does not try to get people to notice her. In her speech, dress, and behavior, she is free from showiness or ostentation.


Here are some questions to help you assess your level of modesty:
• Do I have a humble view of myself?
• Do I have a high view of God?
• Am I grieved at the thought of offending God or causing someone else to sin?
• Am I guilty of promoting myself?
• Do I come across as controlling, bossy, or domineering?
• Do I talk too much? Proverbs 10:19


Use these questions as a guide each day.
The only way for us to be truly modest in behavior is to allow the Lord to work in and through us. We are weak and cannot do this alone. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we have the strength to be the modest, Godly ladies that he is calling us to be.

I encourage you to take these few questions listed here and do a spiritual check. Ask God to hold HIS mirror up to your heart and show you areas that need work. If your heart is right and you come to the Lord humbly, He will reveal areas that need work and He will refine your spirit and life to be conformed and transformed to be more like our Savior.


Until next time, ladies...may we all walk honestly and modestly before our Lord and before others in order to glorify our Savior.


In Him who cannot fail, Michelle