Modesty: A Christ-like Attribute

Modesty: A Christ-like Attribute

All the interesting thoughts, videos, and articles I’ve read and watched over the last few days on modesty have led me to think more deeply about the subject than I ever have. I chose to study modesty today as part of my study on Christ. Why? Because Christ is the utmost, perfect example of modesty.

Too often we limit the word “modesty” to mean something about how much skin we are or are not covering. The true meaning of modesty is summed up nicely in this definition:

“Modesty is an attitude of propriety and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. If we are modest, we do not draw undue attention to ourselves. Instead, we seek to “glorify God in [our] body, and in [our] spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:20; see also 1 Corinthians 6:19).” (LDS.ORG)

To me, modesty means taking the focus off of ourselves and pointing to our Father in Heaven. Christ was the supreme of example of modesty, as we can see in the following scriptures:

·         Isaiah 53:2 He was nothing special outwardly, “no beauty that man would desire him”

·         Matt 11:29 Meek and lowly of heart

·         John 7:16,18 He seeks the glory of God, not His own glory

·         John 8:28-29, 50 He does nothing of Himself, He seeks not His own Glory

·         John 12:49-50 He speaks only what the Father speaks

·         Often says to those He heals “Thy Faith has made thee whole” taking the focus from Him to the faith of the one he healed

·         Mark 1:44 Told one man he healed to tell no one

·         John 6:15 Refused to be king

·         Born of humble, modest, circumstances

As part of all my ponderings on modesty, one of my questions I asked myself is: “Is modesty an eternal principle or something just for this life?” My conclusion is that the doctrine of modesty (giving glory to God or others rather than self) IS an eternal unchanging doctrine, which Christ modeled perfectly. However the APPLICATION of how we are modest changes throughout time. For example, in the New Testament there are some interesting scriptures on how braiding hair or wearing gold or pearls are not modest behaviors (1 Peter 3:3, 1 Cor 11:15, 1 Tim 2:9). Now, these things are perfectly acceptable and are not considered immodest at all.  This shows that the application of modesty has changed throughout time, though the doctrine of not drawing undue attention to yourself has stayed the same.

Our culture is always shifting and changing through time. That is why I am so grateful for the spirit and modern day prophets and apostles who help us navigate how to live doctrines in the applicable settings of our time and in our individual lives. Because society changes, application of doctrine may change, and the leaders and the spirit can help us know how we can best live the pure doctrines of Christ in our day and age.

My last question I asked myself was “How will I teach my children about modesty?” Here are my conclusions:

1.       First, I will teach them that they are 100% responsible for their own thoughts and actions. The can blame NO ONE for the mistakes they make.

2.       I will teach them, and strive myself, to have a love and devotion to the Savior. I will teach them of His love for us, and His desire for us to follow him in all things, including being modest. I will strive myself and strive to help them come to love and follow the Savior and His humble example.

3.       I will teach them to understand that every person is on a different path in life and some may struggle more with certain temptations than others, and we are not to judge who struggles and who doesn’t. I will teach them that salvation is a joint effort and love for all people is necessary to follow the Savior. Therefore, I will teach them that dressing modestly as an act of love for those who may struggle does not mean that they are in anyway responsible for the actions or thoughts of others, but that it is indeed an act of love.

4.       I will teach them to love and see people as PEOPLE and not define them, objectify them, or fear them because of what they wear. I will teach them that “Perfect love casteth out all fear” (1 John 4:18).

 

For me it all comes down to love. Love and devotion to the Savior, and love for others. When I worry what and how to teach my children, I remember “charity never faileth” (Moroni 7:46) and that if I have the Lord on my side and the spirit in my heart, I know He will guide me.