Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Hello everyone, let me first say how excited I am to be writing for A Pinch of Classy.  I’m Sierra Kay (or just Sierra if you wish) and I am the seventeen-year-old homeschooled daughter of a pastor, eldest of three girls, an avid reader of classics, aspiring author, amateur musician, and an addicted horseback rider. Well, that just about sums me up in one long run on sentence. 

                                           

Since this is my first post I want to go ahead and talk about modesty. I don’t want to talk about what modesty is, but instead why we find modesty to be so important. Just what is this ‘why’ about?  That’s exactly what I’m going to tell you.    

   With each new generation modesty seems to become even more and more rare.  I've even found that the older I get the more people question my choices of dress, friends, and actions. They always seem to be asking me why. 

“Why, do you dress like that?”…”do your parents make you?”…”why don’t you act like other teens?”…”are you some kind of religious nut?”…and on it goes. You’ve all been there right? If not, one day you probably will be.  

See, in our day and age modestly sticks out among the low cut shirts, short dresses, and sagging pants. People seem to take notice of the girls who wear tasteful clothing. Clothing that doesn't seem to show every inch of their body as possible. They take notice of the clean cut boys who understand what a belt was originally designed for. Our actions are often compared to the majority of teens in America who party and spend their time involved in endless high school drama. Now, some of people will look at these young adults who aren't conforming to the world and think ‘these are respectful, conservative, trust worth kids’ whereas others will look and say ‘how old fashioned and backwards!’  

  Now you might be asking where this is all going. What does this have to do with the ‘why’? 

You see, because of the fact that modesty in dress, actions, and words have become so rare in America they’re noticed more than immodesty.  Sad isn't it? However, this can be used as a way to reach people. Others are curious about why we don’t just go with the flow.  This is the reason we should ask ourselves why. Is it only because its what our parents say is right? This isn't a bad thing of course.  I’m thankful every day that my parents have set high standards for me in all aspects of life.  Is modesty only important because your pastor, religion, or Christianity says so? Once again this isn't a bad thing. Christians should challenge others to me modest.  But should either of these be your foundation for modesty?  If you think the answer is no then good thinking!

Your ‘why’ should be that you are a beloved daughter or son of the King of Kings! Jesus Christ died and shed his blood on the cross for our sins.  So shouldn't we strive to honor and glorify Him in everything that we do? 

In John 14:15 it says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” 

Isn't modesty a commandment? 

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” –I Timothy 2:9 

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” –I Corinthians 6: 19-20 

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” – I Peter 3: 3-4 

These are all verses which talk about Jesus Christ being your ‘why’.  As daughters of the King we are supposed to be a mirror image.  In Christ Jesus we are made a new man.  So should you only be modest to please others or to praise the God who has fearfully and wonderfully made you? Ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly. That way the next time someone asks you the ‘why’ question you will have an answer that will show them the awesome power of Jesus.
 

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”  - Psalms 139:14