This week I have been reading opinions and articles about what modesty is or about the lack of modesty in society. I was at a meeting with the junior high principal yesterday. We discussed the dress code policy and lack of adherence to it. The principal had all but given up enforcing it because kids can hide it and many parents don’t even follow it. Her idea is to tell the kids to dress “More professional”. How do we keep modesty into a world full of immodesty?
So much of modesty involves the do’s and don’ts about how we dress, but there is so much more to it. It also includes how we act, speak, think, and our attitudes about our bodies.
Showing modesty is an indication to our Savior that we will do whatever He asks. Modesty shows reverence to God. How we dress, act, and speak shows Him that we are serious about being His disciples. It also shows the world that we will faithfully follow the Savior in all things no matter what the world says is “appropriate”.
Show modesty by what you wear. How you dress sends a message to others about your dedication to the Lord or lack of it. If you are looking for clues and trends from society, you will not find modest clothing or styles. You can alter clothes to make them modest. Here is my post about dressing modestly. There is a lot more to a modest appearance than the length of your clothes. Trends are becoming more sloppy and lazy. Are your clothes wrinkled and dirty? Have you showered recently? Do your socks match? Did you comb your hair today? Little things can make all the difference. Look at your overall appearance. What message is your look giving off? Does it say that you are a disciple of Christ? What you wear will send a message about what you stand for…are you sending the “right” message?
Show modesty in our speech. There are so many naughty words creeping into daily vocabulary. How you speak says a lot about who you are as well as your level of intelligence. Eliminate naughty words from your speech. Express yourselves with clean, positive, uplifting language to everyone around you. Try to speak respectfully, but not boastfully. Use words to show gratitude to your Heavenly Father for your many gifts. Instead of judging others, try to be a good example and lead others to Christ.
Show modesty in your thoughts. Clean thoughts help keep us on the right path. Thoughts are only known by you and the Lord. Take control of your mind. Drive out any improper thoughts as soon as they come in. Good and evil thoughts cannot coexist at the same time. You must decide which will be invited to stay. Thoughts lead to actions…so keep your thoughts pure and clean.
Show modesty in our actions. Don’t be involved in any degrading activities. Modest actions include: mercy, kindness, humility, patience, charity. Do you act as a saint in the kingdom of God or are you comfortable in the ways of the world? Our outward appearance affects our inward spirituality and ultimately our behavior. Show your discipleship by your actions.
“The Lord needs you to look like, sound like, and dress like a true disciple of Jesus Christ.”
President Russell M. Nelson
Receive the blessings of modesty. One of the greatest blessings you can receive from living a modest life is to have the influence of the Holy Ghost. This will lead to true peace and happiness. If you aren’t sure you are living a modest life, ask the Lord to give you guidance. You will find true divine worth, understand your identity and true potential, and gain confidence.
In Ephesians 6:11-18 we read of a way to survive the evils or our day…If invites us to put on the “Whole Armor of God.” Dressing, thinking, speaking, and acting modestly is actually putting on the “Whole Armor of God.” We need His protection to make it through this life. Do what it takes to be modest in every aspect of your life.
The Whole Armor of God
*The “helmet of salvation” guards our reasoning, intellect, and thoughts.*The “breastplate of righteousness” helps us to have the Spirit with us always, guarding our heart and soul.
*Having our “loins girt about with truth” gives us the foundation to build faith and develop our testimony.
*The “sword of the Spirit” is the word of God to pierce the darkness so that we may have light and truth to guide our way in life.
*The “shield of faith” helps us withstand the fiery darts of the adversary.Elder Robert D. Hales
*Having our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” by reading and studying the scriptures helps us be obedient to the laws, ordinances, commandments, and covenants of God.
Things that inspired me: