Saturday, May 9, 2015

On modesty

I think many people are a little deceived by this word. Modesty. What does it mean?
I was confused as a youth and young adult, thinking modesty meant covering your body. It is so much more. The book "True to the Faith" (which explains basic beliefs in the LDS faith) says this:
"Modesty is an attitude of humility and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. If you are modest, you do not draw undue attention to yourself. Instead, you seek to 'glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.' "
Even if you are "covered" but are wearing something to try and draw attention, this could be immodest. Having extreme hairstyles could be considered immodest. Dressing sloppily or wearing pajamas as regular clothes could be immodest. Really, you need to ask God what your personal standard of modesty will be. Are you glorifying Him or trying to attract the attention to yourself? Modesty isn't just about girls wearing skimpy clothes. This applies to both men and women.
I believe our bodies are sacred and the whole world doesn't need to see their entirety. You can be covered and beautiful. I also think that if you dress and act like you respect yourself, you will get respect in return (especially in relationships). In dress, action, and grooming, you really should focus not on whether other people will notice you, but rather that you are pleasing the Lord.  He is the one whose opinion of you matters most.
That is what modesty is--realizing whose child you truly are,  and honoring Him by who you choose to be.

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