A
RETURN TO MODESTY
Philippians
4:8-9
In 1999 a young, well educated, attractive,
Jewish lady wrote a book that caused quite a stir. Wendy Shalit’s book, A Return To
Modesty, dared to challenge the imposing social icon of political
correctness. Her daring proposal was simply that modesty was not only a
reflection of how God made us, but also a far more satisfying way of addressing
issues of sexuality. She suggested that the current epidemic proportions of
such things as sexual harassment, stalking, rape, and similar disturbing sexual
conduct are expressions of a society
which has lost its respect for female modesty.
She blamed the Feminist Movement for
promoting the falsehood that women should flaunt their sexuality, yet take no
responsibility for males reacting with inappropriate behavior. But she cut with
a two-edged sword by further charging that “the good old boys” with the “boys
will be boys” attitude must also accept responsibility for the present state of
affairs. The solution—A Return To Modesty.
Let us have a look at what the Bible has to
say on this extremely important aspect of male, female interaction. The
Christian position most certainly identifies positively with A Return To
Modesty.
If You Have It (And
You Do), Don’t Flaunt It (I Tim. 2:9, 15).
1. Sophrosyne:
“rationality, modesty, prudence, temperance, restraint of sexual desire,
chastity—neither asceticism or libertinism” (I Tim. 2:15).
2. Aidos:
“shamefacedness, restraint and contentedness as suitable to godliness” (I Tim.
2:9).
3. While
both men and women are to conduct themselves with modesty, the fact is that
biblically and historically, women have the more powerful influence in such
matters (i.e. Matt. 5:28).
4. This
does not mean that a woman is to try and look unattractive, God made women to
be attractive to men (Gen. 24:15-16; 29:17).
5. Modesty
is exercising temperance—not flaunting one’s sexuality.
6. Modesty
would, in such cases, involve dress, mannerisms, and language that offer an
inappropriate sexual message.
7. And
let it be clearly be understood that we are responsible for inappropriate
messages we convey to others in these concerns (Prov. 5:3-5; 9:13-18).
8. Also,
let it be clearly understood that those who respond to inappropriate messages
are responsible for their own inappropriate conduct (II Sam. 11:1-12:13).
9. We
need A Return To Modesty.
Modesty Is A Much
More Sexually Satisfying Way To Go Than “Flaunting It” (Gen. 24:61-67).
1. To
quote Miss Shalit, “Modesty is proof that morality is sexy. It may even be
proof of God, because it means that we have been designed in such a way that
when we humans act like animals, without any restraint and without any rules,
we just don’t have as much fun.”
2. Or
as Havelock Ellis put it in 1899, “Without modesty, we could not have, nor
rightly value at its true worth, that bold and pure candor which is at once the
final revelation of love and the seal of its sincerity.”
3. Animalistic
behavior cannot satisfy that part of us made in God’s image.
4. The
empty place in our in our heart cannot be filled by any earth bound motivations
(Ecc. 3:11; 12:13).
5. As
Augustine said of God and man, “Our souls are restless until they find rest in
You.”
6. Women
hold a key that brings much moderation and true enjoyment to the ways of the
world.
7. When
they are deceived into letting it go, the consequences are disastrous!
8. When
women guard modesty as a treasure and live in full expression of their
God-given role, the world becomes a much better place (cf. Prov. 31:10-31).
Our culture has convinced women that they
should flaunt their sexuality while also telling them that they have no
responsibility for the consequences of such behavior. There is little mystery
in sexual relationships anymore. Often very little if anything is left for
marriage. Women have largely lost the respect of men in our society and this
has influenced the church more than we might care to admit. We need a Return To
Modesty. Our ladies, especially the younger ones most susceptible to the
negative effects of culture, should demand respect from men—but live so as to
command that respect. Mothers, model modesty and insist on it in your children.
Fathers, you know the power that women hold sexually over men. Let modesty be
the way life is lived in your household. Teach your young ladies to conduct
themselves modestly and your young men to respect women. A Return To Modesty is
needed.
Edwin
6/25/00
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