Once again it’s the time of year that people start putting their opinions on modesty into the blogosphere. Once again, I guess I’ll join them because it frustrates me so to see the blogs by women that blame the men (they need to have self-control), or read comments where women call other women insecure if they don’t wish their husbands to see your boobs.
The men in my home do their best to divert their eyes, even closing them at times; especially if we are watching a program on t.v. and a lingerie commercial appears. But they are not saints. And let’s face it SEX is everywhere! In fact, one can not drive a major thoroughfare in any city in the world without seeing scantily clad women trying to sell everything from beer to blue jeans.
I have seen articles over the years stating that women are solely responsible and should dress dowdy in order to not attract attention to themselves. I’ve even dressed that way in past years. I’ve covered my head, wore ugly, frumpy skirts, and only pants when I was climbing a ladder. I personally LIKE wearing skirts; especially in summer. Skirts are cooler than blue jeans in 100 degree weather. And well, with the addition of our 4th child, I have realized that sometimes jeans ARE more modest than skirts! (Even with bloomers).
I have recently seen more articles on why women should be able to wear what they want and men should be self-controlled enough to handle it.
Well let me tell you in my not so subtle way that most men cannot handle the barrage of nakedness that has infiltrated this world. Nakedness and pornography is EVERYWHERE! Victoria has NO secrets and fruit of the loom commercials leave nothing to the imagination. Even the local Target ads display scantily clad young ladies.
And women, those men don’t get those images out of their heads!
I want to know WHY women are not somewhat responsible to dress appropriately when they are out of the house? (or in the house if they have boys?)
What about the fact that we shouldn’t be a stumbling block to our brother? (1 Corinthians 8)
like many things, I think the truth lies somewhere in between.
Men DO have a responsibility to be self-controlled and women DO have a responsibility to help men avoid temptation. I am amazed that people would rather point fingers than accept their part of the responsibility. Our men are BOMBARDED with SEX everywhere they turn. Porn is more prevalent than ever but it’s our MEN that should be self-controlled…I happen to think most of our Christian men are trying to be self-controlled, but sometimes the temptation is too strong.
I’d liken it to an alcoholic living in a bar and remaining sober.
We’d NEVER ask an alcoholic to do that! Mainly because it’s nearly impossible!
so why do we ask that of our husbands and sons to enter sainthood by diverting their eyes pretty much everywhere they go?
So what do we do?
Well, I think that is up to each individual person/family. I cannot proceed to tell you what is or isn’t modest;
however, I have yet to see any bikini, tank top or daisy dukes that I would consider remotely modest.
If you’re trying to sell yourself…well, I’d guess you’re not very modestly dressed. The whole point of gaining attention is to well…um….gain attention. If guys are googling over your bod, I’d recommend covering yourself a little more, or maybe a lot more.
Why don’t we stop playing the blame game and as a part of the body of Christ, let’s start accepting responsibility for our own actions…remember that beam and plank????
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour 1 Peter 5:8
Just a thought... 