Modesty Heart Check-Carolyn Mahaney

This came from the Girl Talk blog. click here It has convicted me and made me think twice. I think I will post this on my mirror. By the way, the swimming nuns have nothing to do with this article...but they ARE dressed modestly for the beach! ha! :)

Modesty Heart Check

by
Carolyn Mahaney
Nicole Whitacre
Kristin Chesemore
Janelle Bradshaw

“…Women should adorn themselves in respectable
apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with
braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,
but with what is proper for women
who profess godliness—with good works.”
~1 Timothy 2:9-10

Start with a Heart Check…

“How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress
and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent
of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way
she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is
it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call
attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure
men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider
carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe
and appearance.” John MacArthur

What statement do my clothes make about my heart?

In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire
and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or
impress others?

Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, selfcontrol
and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an
inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?

Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of
God my standard or is the latest fashion?

Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?
Does my clothing reveal an allegiance to the gospel or is there any
contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of
godliness?

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check. (What are
some things you should look for as you stand in front of your
mirror?)

From the top…

When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see
anything when I lean over? If so, I need to remember to place my
hand against my neckline when I bend down.

If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and
move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my
chest. If there are, I’ve got to grab the sewing box and pin
between the buttons.

The same check is needed if I am wearing a sleeveless shirt.
When I move around, can I see my bra? If I do, I need the pins
again.

Am I wearing a spaghetti-strap, halter, or sheer blouse? Not even
pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in
their struggle with lust. It’s time to go back to the closet.

Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this
case, seamless bras are a better option.
More key questions: Does my shirt reveal any part of my
cleavage? Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above
my head? Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer to any one
of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving on down…

Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my
hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low? Either
my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit
higher.

I also have to turn around to see if what I’m wearing is too tight
around my back side, or if the outline of my underwear shows. If so,
I know what I have to do!

And as for shorts – I can’t just check them standing up. I need to see
how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need
a longer pair.

The “sit-down” check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must
remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when
I’m seated.
And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too
much when I walk? Pins are also helpful here.

Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a sunlight check. Is it seethrough?
If so, I need a slip.

Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on.
High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.

And don’t forget – this applies to formal wear as well.

A note on swimwear: It’s not easy but you can still strive to be
modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that
aren’t cut high on the leg and don’t have low necklines.