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modesty: Not just a girl thing!

By Will Snipes • illustration by Angela Martini

let’s be honest for a minute—the truth is females. Loud, funny, crazy, and trying to As you honestly search your heart for mODesTy FOr
that writers often draw a blank when begin- gain the attention of girls . . . does that sound answers to these questions, maybe God is guys?
ning an assignment. Most of you have prob- like some of the guys you know? Maybe—just showing you that your life is not displaying Modesty is a big
ably experienced this firsthand when given a maybe—does it sound a little like you? much modestus, as our ancient Latin friends deal, right? For girls
writing task by an English teacher. Where do Modesty is all about self-control. It’s about termed it. Maybe you’re not keeping things that is.
I begin? What will I say? What will be my main not drawing attention to ourselves, but rather “within measure.” Maybe you’re proudly soak- At least that’s the
points? letting our lives direct all glory to God. It’s ing up the attention of the world while leaving idea all our Christian
It was no different for me with this task. about offering our bodies—our very lives— the glorifying of God out of the picture. talk about what girls
should and shouldn’t
So I did what many of you would do—I did an as living sacrifices that point others to the Consider the words of the psalmist: Search wear seems to say.
Internet search for the word modesty. redemptive work of Christ in our hearts (Rom. me, God, and know my heart; test me and know But modesty is about
I found a good definition: moderation in 12:1). my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in more than clothes!
speech, dress, or behavior. The word itself Girls often struggle with modesty in terms me; lead me in the everlasting way (Ps. 139:23- It’s a way of life. It’s
is linked to the Latin word modestus, which of how they present themselves to the world. 24). part of pursuing
purity. We’ve boiled
means “keeping within measure.” I read about They use their style of dress and the body Let’s make it clear that there’s nothing modesty down to
styles of dress throughout history and how God has blessed them with to gain attention. inherently wrong with being concerned about what we can and
they have changed. Because we are wired differently from girls, your appearance or taking some pride in your can’t wear, then
made it all about
I even discovered cultural information about modesty for guys takes a different slant, but it accomplishments. It’s all about things being girls. It’s more than
appropriate behaviors, such as the fact that is still an important component in the overall done within measure. And about God receiving that.
the Australian Aborigines appear indifferent to makeup of who we are in Christ. glory in the end. Scripture commands
nakedness, but are deeply embarrassed if they Guys, ask yourself these questions as you Oh, and one last thing from my Internet you to pursue a life of
are seen eating. Although I was beginning to get begin to examine the level of modesty in your search? Recent scientific research has shown purity. Check out
1 Timothy 4:12;
some ideas, I still didn’t have the focus I needed own life: that it’s not the bright tail feathers of the male 2 Timothy 2:22; and
to write this article. How do I explain to teenage • Do you tend to brag about your accom- peacock that draw the most attention from 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2:9.
guys why modesty is important? Because, real- plishments in areas like athletics or the females. Instead, it’s his vocalization—his Your lives—every
part of them—are
ly, we only ever talk about that in the context of achievements? words, so to speak. Although the parallel may supposed to be
what some girl is wearing, right? • Do you play the “one-up” game, where not be direct, perhaps the best way to gain characterized by the
pursuit of holiness,
I found my inspiration buried deep on an you always have to make yourself look a some positive attention in this world might purity, humility, and,
informational Internet page, under a heading little better than others? be through the kindness, gentleness, and sen- yes, modesty.
titled “Antonyms.” There was the one word • Do you tell inappropriate jokes or use sitivity of your words, through encouragement That should affect
that was all I needed to get the ball rolling. inappropriate language to gain attention and exhortation of others rather than showing every part of your
So guess what’s an antonym for modesty. or laughs? off. Maybe focusing more on God and less on life, from what you
Pride. • Have you taken a picture of your yourself is truly attractive to the world. wear to what you
say, where you go,
Pride is all about focusing attention on muscles and displayed it for all the world And that’s a definition of modesty that I can and who you think
ourselves. It’s about saying: “Hey everybody— to see on Myspace or Facebook ? We take to heart. ec is most important in
®
your life.
look at me!” It’s about being the loudest, the all know you’ve been hitting the weight
funniest, the strongest, the craziest, the most room, but is that really necessary? Is God And when you truly
watched person in the room. glorified in those pictures? understand modesty,
humility, and
When you think about it, there really is • are you searching for any opportunity holiness, the most
a reason people use that phrase “proud as to draw peoples’ attention to you, your important person
a peacock.” Pride can be compared to the physique, or your accomplishments? in your life won’t be
you.
male peacock’s behavior. He displays his bril- Why are you parading around like that
liant plumage in order to gain attention from peacock?
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