Modesty Survey Results

As another follow up to our study on clothing and modesty, the Grace Church College and Career men listed several specific examples of clothing that tempts us.  At the request of the ladies in the group we are posting the results of this "survey" to help you exercise your Christian liberty in a loving way (Gal. 5:13-14). BEFORE YOU SKIP DOWN TO READ THE SPECIFICS READ THE PARAGRAPHS BELOW.

Please remember that modesty is ultimately a heart issue. Our prayer is that God will use this list to help your modest heart make practical application. Just compiling a list of "do’s" and "don’ts," apart from cultivating a modest heart, won’t ultimately please God. This list is an effort to help you in practical ways as you seek to serve your brothers in Christ. 

We know that we are accountable to God for every lustful thought we allow into our minds. Our goal in this list isn’t to pass the blame for our sins. Instead it is to help women, who desire to live godly lives, avoid putting stumbling blocks in our paths- to keep you from accidentally becoming the “match” of temptation which might cause the” gunpowder” of lust in our hearts to ignite. So, godly women, continue to grow in modesty (which is to say humility in dress and action) so that you might shine as lights in our depraved generation. In so doing you will also serve your brothers in Christ, and for that we are grateful.

Know that we are praying for you as you also battle cultural temptations to dress like the world. We are praying for you as you patiently endure extra work to find clothing that is not only lovely but modest. The fashion industry doesn’t make it easy on you, but we pray that God will give you the grace to honor Him in your hearts and actions.

Realize that this list is not intended to tell you what God says about modesty. These are just ways that we are tempted when it comes to women and their clothing (so it isn’t an exhaustive list of how men are tempted in this area). With that said, the men of the college/career group are trying to defeat the sin of lust, and we ask for your help, as godly women, in these areas that we specifically struggle with:

General

• Clothing that brings unnecessary attention to private areas
• Clothes that show the exact dimensions of certain body parts

Tops/Shirts

• Loose tops /Shirts that expose your chest when you bend over
• Clothing that shows bra straps
• Low shirt tops that show cleavage /Any shirt or top that exposes any cleavage
• Strapless shirts/blouses
• See-through shirts/blouses that reveal undergarments

Skirts/Dresses/Pants

• Short skirts/dresses that show a majority of the thigh
• Tight pants/skirts

Swim Wear

• Bikinis are always a temptation(they are basically underwear labeled swimwear)
• Bathing suits that are cut high on the thigh/leg
• Suits that expose large amounts of skin on the back, chest, or stomach

Since we had a small sample group, and these represent only some of the ways men face temptation in this area, here is a link to a survey that consisted of about 1,600 Christian men and gets even more specific. Perhaps you will find it helpful as you look for ways to practically apply modesty.