10 Days To Modest! Day One – Legalism & Audience
Day Two – What Is Modesty?
Day Three – To Guard and Keep
Day Four – What Is The Greater Purpose For Modesty?
Day Five - Interview With Modest Fashion Designer Christa Taylor
Day Six – Gettin’ Real With Our Modesty Excuses
Day Seven – Help Me Dress Modestly
Day Eight - Blog Fashion Show
Day Nine – Closet Clean-out Challenge
Day Ten – 20 Great Modesty Resources
“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly…” 1 Timothy 2:9
I must not begin this series on modesty without first addressing two very key aspects -my intended audience and legalism.
Intended Audience
This series is for believers only. I do not and cannot expect unbelievers to act like believers.
Legalism
First, I offer this definition of legalism (yes, it’s long, but worth reading):
“Legalism is the damning lie that says God’s pleasure and joy in me is dependent upon my obedience. It is legalism that causes the Pharisee to look proudly into the sky in the presence of a tax collector. It is legalism that causes a missionary in Africa to think God is more pleased with him than the Christian businessman in America. And it is legalism that causes the preacher behind the pulpit to think God is more pleased with him than the tattooed Christian teenager sitting in the back row. Legalism is the lie that God will find more pleasure in me because my obedience is greater than others or that God looks at me with disgust because I am not growing in grace as quickly as my friends. It is the failure to remember that God’s pleasure in us comes outside of us (in Christ). Legalism causes the heart to forget that God sings over us because of the work He has done, not because of what we have done (Zeph. 3:15-17).” Tony Reinke, Understanding Legalism
It is so easy to fall into a false security by having a list of rules and regulations about dress (I struggle with this, do you?). While there are general guidelines, we must be careful in how we evaluate others (always first looking at ourselves). For example, I try and dress modestly, but I wear pants, sandals, and sleeveless shirts. To someone who is Mennonite I am probably dressing in an extremely immodest fashion. However, to an Amish person, a Mennonite is probably immodest in their dress. It can go on and on. We should not stray from truth, but at the same time we need to be careful and prayerful about approaching it. We should also be open to receiving truth.
My goal with this series is to help all of us to put God first when it comes to how we choose to dress, which is an offset of where our hearts are before the Lord. I offer my perspective (with a biblical perspective) of modesty in a humble but truthful manner.
Get ready, because tomorrow we dig in (you all have been so patient)! Oh yea, and you’ll also get a little glimpse into my history.
“There is “not a square inch” of our lives—including our closets—with which God is not concerned. Even more, he cares about the heart behind what you wear, about whether your wardrobe reveals the presence of worldliness or godliness.” C.J. Mahaney
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Wonderful start! Thanks for the definition of legalism – something that so many of us have to watch out for. Looking forward to the rest!!
I am up waaaaay too late, but my sinus medicine is keeping me awake! I am so looking forward to this series! Thank you, Sarah Mae, for being so wise with how you approach subjects. This can be a touchy one, but just from reading this intro I know it's gonna be good! : )
I am up waaaaay too late, but my sinus medicine is keeping me awake! I am so looking forward to this series! Thank you, Sarah Mae, for being so wise with how you approach subjects. This can be a touchy one, but just from reading this intro I know it's gonna be good! : )
Wonderful start! Thanks for the definition of legalism – something that so many of us have to watch out for. Looking forward to the rest!!
I am so looking forward to your posts in the coming days! I appreciate your desire to share your heart in such a tangible way.
Very well said! I struggled with this topic years ago when I belonged to a Yahoo group of ladies who were trying to convict that God wanted me to wear dresses only. My husband helped me put it all into perspective. Great topic! Legalism can really harden our hearts, fill us with prideful thoughts and then God can not use us effectively. Thank you Sarah Mae for all of the sweet comments you made on the post I put out yesterday. I am glad that I have found such wonderful Christian support through you and your wonderful new morning club. You are so right – we DO all need to stick together! If you ever need a shoulder or a prayer – call on me – okay? I've been down many a road and I have BIG shoulders :)Blessings to you,Kymber
Very well said! I struggled with this topic years ago when I belonged to a Yahoo group of ladies who were trying to convict that God wanted me to wear dresses only. My husband helped me put it all into perspective. Great topic! Legalism can really harden our hearts, fill us with prideful thoughts and then God can not use us effectively. Thank you Sarah Mae for all of the sweet comments you made on the post I put out yesterday. I am glad that I have found such wonderful Christian support through you and your wonderful new morning club. You are so right – we DO all need to stick together! If you ever need a shoulder or a prayer – call on me – okay? I've been down many a road and I have BIG shoulders :)Blessings to you,Kymber
I love it! Bring it on!Hugs my friend.Kim
I love it! Bring it on!Hugs my friend.Kim
Excellent clarifications. I love that definition of legalism. Never saw it like that! :)
What a great beginning and so much to think about! Thank you for sharing this definition of legalism too. I have never read or heard it put like that before. I'm looking forward to this series and know that it will be packed full of wisdom, insight, encouragement, and truth.
What a great beginning and so much to think about! Thank you for sharing this definition of legalism too. I have never read or heard it put like that before. I'm looking forward to this series and know that it will be packed full of wisdom, insight, encouragement, and truth.
this is a new topic to me. i'm definately looking forward to seeing where this goes.Ms Sarah Mae, you are a wonderful writer. I'm truly impressed with the way your words flow.~Allie Z
this is a new topic to me. i'm definately looking forward to seeing where this goes.Ms Sarah Mae, you are a wonderful writer. I'm truly impressed with the way your words flow.~Allie Z
I'm so looking forward to this series! Personally I'm a jeans and t-shirt person, but I drag out my long skirts and dresses each Sundy for church, out of respect for the Lord. I don't judge those who wish to wear pants to the services, though. I'm just glad they're attending! Maybe I'm just a little old-fashioned. ;)
I'm so looking forward to this series! Personally I'm a jeans and t-shirt person, but I drag out my long skirts and dresses each Sundy for church, out of respect for the Lord. I don't judge those who wish to wear pants to the services, though. I'm just glad they're attending! Maybe I'm just a little old-fashioned. ;)
I am so looking forward to your posts in the coming days! I appreciate your desire to share your heart in such a tangible way.
What a great start! Your definition of legalism is incredibly clarifying for me, too, in the sense that I know what legalism IS, just not how to explain it.
Mama Hen and I were talking about how excited we were for this series to begin! Modesty is one of those topics that is discussed in private circles, and generally not without judgment, but is rarely addressed from the pulpit. There is so much discrepancy and gray in modesty, that it can be hard to define it. Thanks again for your heart for women! Your wisdom is so refreshing. The Lord is using you in a mighty way!
I have been looking forward to this and am anxious to read what you have to say.
Thanks for such an insightful post. As someone who is frequently involved in modesty issues, legalism is an easy trap to fall into. Thank you,Christa http://www.christa-taylor.com
Thanks for such an insightful post. As someone who is frequently involved in modesty issues, legalism is an easy trap to fall into. Thank you,Christa http://www.christa-taylor.com
I agree that often it feels safer to stick to the rules, but it can so easily lead to legalism. Good start to a good topic. It's really tough for ladies and for their daughters to dress appropriately when what the world offers is a far cry from modest!Suzanne
I agree that often it feels safer to stick to the rules, but it can so easily lead to legalism. Good start to a good topic. It's really tough for ladies and for their daughters to dress appropriately when what the world offers is a far cry from modest!Suzanne
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, too. It really is difficult not to fall into a set of "rules", but I think it all comes back to where our heart is, and that we are thoughtful about what we're doing (or wearing) and why. Looking forward to reading more!
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, too. It really is difficult not to fall into a set of "rules", but I think it all comes back to where our heart is, and that we are thoughtful about what we're doing (or wearing) and why. Looking forward to reading more!
Excellent clarifications. I love that definition of legalism. Never saw it like that! :)
Amen, sweet sister. I was asked to give a talk on purity for the teenage gals (and their moms) at our church. It was basically principles on how to keep your heart pure, etc.One of the things I spoke about was modesty. I have two teenage boys and so was able to talk about that as well. I especially don't like it when churches have carwashes and the teenage girls are out there wearing bikinis. (Our chuch doesn't do that by the way).I loved your point about pants. I don't care whether someone wears pants or dresses, that's fine. I wear pants myself.The Lord looks on our hearts. Unfortunately people look at our clothes and that's why we do need to set a good example in our dress by dressing modestly.Sorry, I wrote a book here but modesty is a "big" thing to me. My friends tease me about it sometimes because I do try to be careful.
Amen, sweet sister. I was asked to give a talk on purity for the teenage gals (and their moms) at our church. It was basically principles on how to keep your heart pure, etc.One of the things I spoke about was modesty. I have two teenage boys and so was able to talk about that as well. I especially don't like it when churches have carwashes and the teenage girls are out there wearing bikinis. (Our chuch doesn't do that by the way).I loved your point about pants. I don't care whether someone wears pants or dresses, that's fine. I wear pants myself.The Lord looks on our hearts. Unfortunately people look at our clothes and that's why we do need to set a good example in our dress by dressing modestly.Sorry, I wrote a book here but modesty is a "big" thing to me. My friends tease me about it sometimes because I do try to be careful.
What a great start! Your definition of legalism is incredibly clarifying for me, too, in the sense that I know what legalism IS, just not how to explain it.
Mama Hen and I were talking about how excited we were for this series to begin! Modesty is one of those topics that is discussed in private circles, and generally not without judgment, but is rarely addressed from the pulpit. There is so much discrepancy and gray in modesty, that it can be hard to define it. Thanks again for your heart for women! Your wisdom is so refreshing. The Lord is using you in a mighty way!
I have been looking forward to this and am anxious to read what you have to say.
Great thoughs. I love the definition of legalism. It's so easy to get caught up in it without realizing you are. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to the rest of the series!
Great thoughs. I love the definition of legalism. It's so easy to get caught up in it without realizing you are. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to the rest of the series!
I'm so looking forward to the rest of this series! You're doing great so far.
I'm so looking forward to the rest of this series! You're doing great so far.
This sounds like an interesting series. I think most women who come from a "no dresses" background can struggle with this concept of "dresses only" when they've become a new Christian. I know I did. I'm looking forward to your daily inspirations :-) But it will have to be with a cup of hot tea as I'm not a coffee drinker ;-)~Cinnamon
This sounds like an interesting series. I think most women who come from a "no dresses" background can struggle with this concept of "dresses only" when they've become a new Christian. I know I did. I'm looking forward to your daily inspirations :-) But it will have to be with a cup of hot tea as I'm not a coffee drinker ;-)~Cinnamon
I'm so glad that you are "covering" this topic (nice pun, huh?), Sarah! Did you know that my 2008 New Year's Resolution was to not make any compromises regarding modesty? It was a super-fun and rewarding resolution! Thanks to the Holy Spirit's reminders, I think I only knowingly compromised a handful times. Needless to say, I learned a ton in the process. I used Pure Freedom's "Truth or Bare" guidelines along with a desire to dress more femininely. (You can download a cute "Truth or Bare" fashion poster here: http://purefreedom.org/downloads.htm. It's young, but just as applicable to us!) Enjoy!
I'm so glad that you are "covering" this topic (nice pun, huh?), Sarah! Did you know that my 2008 New Year's Resolution was to not make any compromises regarding modesty? It was a super-fun and rewarding resolution! Thanks to the Holy Spirit's reminders, I think I only knowingly compromised a handful times. Needless to say, I learned a ton in the process. I used Pure Freedom's "Truth or Bare" guidelines along with a desire to dress more femininely. (You can download a cute "Truth or Bare" fashion poster here: http://purefreedom.org/downloads.htm. It's young, but just as applicable to us!) Enjoy!
i'm a little late, so i'm catching up! i'm just starting the book a return to modesty – the timing could not have been better – i'm so excited for this series! thanks!
i'm a little late, so i'm catching up! i'm just starting the book a return to modesty – the timing could not have been better – i'm so excited for this series! thanks!
This definition of legalism has given me something to think about. It's so true. We are prone to comparing ourselves to someone "worse" than we are and taking glory from our "goodness".
This definition of legalism has given me something to think about. It's so true. We are prone to comparing ourselves to someone "worse" than we are and taking glory from our "goodness".
What a great post! What you said about levels of modesty is really true. I think that the most important thing is a girl's attitude and motive. If her motive is modesty and purity it WILL SHOW in her clothing choices, and her entire spirit will have a modesty vibe about it. I've seen women technically living by "rules" who have a seductive attitude that undoes any of the benefit of their technical modesty.I just found your blog and I love it already! Keep it coming! :)
Hi Sarah Mae,I am appreciative of your topic. This definition of legalism has many important truths contained in it, and I am in agreement with those principles. However, it is not a proper nor accurate definition of legalism. Legalism is often applied to these types of situations, and about any time someone stands up to say God expects a certain standard of His people whether it be in the area of music, dress, Bible versions, mixed swimming, on and on, you can bank on someone else standing up and screaming 'that's legalism!' I am not held to that standard because God has not laid that on my heart personally. If you try to impose a standard on me, you are a legalist. That is only 'your truth' and 'my truth' is what I am accountable to. If God hasn't convicted me of that, than it is extraneous at this point in my life.' Sorry, folks, but, the true definition of legalism isn't as flowery or profound sounding as the one quoted above. Legalism is simply trying to keep the law of God in order to earn salvation or keep one's salvation. That is all, no less, no more. All the rest falls under different categories. It is important to have proper terminology because things that are different, are not the same. When we try to meld them, we are tampering with things too high for us. God does have certain standards that apply to all, and truth is seldom comfortable at first. This is where speaking the truth in love, our speech seasoned with salt, yet always speaking the truth, is most vital. Looking forward to the next posts.
I haven't read your entire post, just the part on legalism. As a definition, I don't think I agree. I believe that legalism is creating rules where they don't exist biblically, preferring the traditions of men to the commandments of God. When you spoke about how the pharisee felt, I believe that in that situation, his was the sin of pride, not legalism. I look forward to reading the rest of your posts.
I haven't read your entire post, just the part on legalism. As a definition, I don't think I agree. I believe that legalism is creating rules where they don't exist biblically, preferring the traditions of men to the commandments of God. When you spoke about how the pharisee felt, I believe that in that situation, his was the sin of pride, not legalism. I look forward to reading the rest of your posts.
I look forward to reading your series on modesty. I think this is a great way to start too, because it is a sensitive topic, where women don't want to feel judged. But we need to remind ourselves continually not to judge others, and also, not to allow someone else's choice of apparel justify our own, thinking "SHE wears THAT, so can I!"
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Sarah wanted to let you know that I just put a link to this article and the series on my "Snapshots from my Heart & Home" Facebook page. I have had a few young women asking me a lot of questions about modesty for the Christian woman and what is acceptable and what is not…you did such a great job of covering these and what the heart of it is all about that I had to share it with them. Thank you for sharing the "heart of modesty" in such a beautiful simple way that leaves no doubt in one's mind of why it is so important! Blessings!!!
Mary Joy @ Snapshots´s last [type] ..A Peaceful Quiet that seems Holy to me
Mary Joy @ Snapshots´s last [type] ..A Peaceful Quiet that seems Holy to me