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The Appearance of a Godly Woman

by Nancy I. Sanders


1. In today’s generation, a woman of God can choose to wear styles of clothing that reflect her heart’s commitment to follow after the Lord and His ways. Describe a godly woman you know or whom you have read about.


2. Let’s not look to the world for the standard we follow in fashion and style. Let’s dress to bring honor to God. First, let’s start by looking in our closets. Try on your clothes in front of a mirror. As you do, pray and ask God to show you which items can stay in your closet and which need to go. What did God speak in your heart?


3. Answer these questions concerning the outfits you wear: Is less truly God’s best? Is tight really right in God’s sight?


4. Modest styles tell others, “Look at my heart and see the One I represent.” Yes, it’s difficult to find stylish yet modest clothing. But asking God to be Lord of your life, your heart, and your home means making Him Lord of your clothes as well. Write down a prayer asking God to be the Lord of the outfits you choose to wear.


5. When we become a Christian, we enter a love relationship with God. He spreads His wing over us so we are clothed with His righteousness. “When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine,” says the Lord God (Ezekiel 16:8, NKJV).

a. How can we dress to present a testimony to others that we now belong to God?


b. By wearing the styles you choose to wear, what message are you broadcasting to younger women? To men? To Christian brothers who are trying to stay pure? To your boyfriend or husband? To Jesus?



c. What practical steps do you need to take to make sure the clothes in your closet better reflect a standard of godliness?





6. Ask God to search your heart and show you your motives for choosing the clothes you wear. (See Proverbs 20:27.) What did He reveal to you?



7. As Christian women, God has called us to model modesty to younger women, men, and the world. Our body is the Temple of God, and we are called to bring honor to God’s name by the way we dress. Read the following tips about dressing to honor God. Are there any more tips or nuggets of advice you would like to add to encourage other women to dress with modesty?

*Cover up undergarments and make sure straps don’t show.

*Don’t wear low-cut tops which draw attention in a way that doesn’t honor God.

*Choose tops without words or pictures written across the front in such a way that draws attention to your figure. For the same reason, avoid pants with words or pictures written across the seat.

*Don’t wear pictures or logos on your clothing supporting ungodly habits.

*See-through sheers and stretchy, tight fabrics may be “in” but they advertise to others that modesty is “out.”

*Ask a trusted girlfriend to watch as you move around. Do your clothes move, too, showing too much from the side, top, or bottom? Sit, bend, and stretch in front of a mirror to check all angles.


8. “And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves” (1 Timothy 2:9, NLT).

“Strength and honor are her clothing” (Proverbs 31:25, NKJV).

a. On a scale from 1-10 with 1 being very little and 10 being a lot, how would you describe your commitment to wearing outfits which model modesty? Explain.


b. Describe one practical step you can take today to strengthen this commitment even more.


9. As you go to the gym, dress for the sun, or shop for a swimsuit, pray about the style you choose to wear. Will it cause men to sin by struggling with the temptation to look at you? Ask God to help you find a swimsuit or exercise wear that will not draw attention to your shape or form.


10. “Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say…your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord” (Psalm 45:10-11, NLT).

Dressing modestly is a choice that brings honor to God. Find a Psalm that praises God and honors His name. Write it down and spend time thanking God for His great love for you.




FREE FLYER
To order a free flyer on modesty that you can Xerox and distribute in your church, women’s group, or Bible study, contact Nancy I. Sanders at jeffandnancys@gmail.com. Please include your name and mailing address.