Hey Guys, Let’s Remember Modesty, Too

The weather is getting warmer, and it’s great to see green grass and pretty flowers. Our garden is starting to show signs of life, and the kids in the neighborhood are outside just about all the time.

As usual, though, as the weather warms up, more and more clothes come off. Immodesty is a problem, and you don’t have to head to the beach to figure that out. Just take a look around your neighborhood or visit a local park. The lack of modesty in clothing is everywhere.

But today, I want to do something that is rarely done. Too often, we make modesty a ladies-only issue. I have written on this site about modesty a couple of times in recent months (in fact, they are the two of the three most-viewed posts in the history of this site), and each time have focused on women and modesty. As I guy, it is a strong temptation, and I want to be honest and forthright about it.

But gentlemen, modesty is not a one-gender issue. It is not just something that women need to remember when they are buying and selecting clothing for their wardrobe.

Though women are less visually-oriented and stimulated, they still have that wiring. We, as their brothers in Christ, have a responsibility to help them maintain their purity, just as we ask they do for us. That includes our clothing choices, just as it does theirs.

With warmer weather, it is easy for guys to decide to go “shirts and skins” on the court, with their girlfriends watching from the sidelines. Or, as the temperature rises, we put on just a pair of skimpy shorts to mow the yard or take a job around the block, knowing that our neighbors can see us.

The lack of modesty can also be in ways that are more subtle. Maybe we buy a T-shirt that is just a size too small, to be sure that our chiseled chest or sculpted biceps show through, or we make sure to buy tight jeans to wear when we go out on the town.

May I ask: why are we doing that? Isn’t it the same lack of modesty for which we often rail against women? Isn’t it to show off the physical instead of letting our inner spirit of faith shine through?

Guys, if you are like me, you aren’t all that fit, and sometimes it is easier to excuse immodesty. We figure, “No girl would want to see anyway.” That is no excuse for immodesty. By taking off more and more clothing, we are raising the possibility that someone could stumble. Would we ever want that?

Is there anything wrong with being fit, or building up strong muscles? Of course not, so long as such is not the central focus of our lives. But do I then need to be sure that everyone sees that? No! I need to be sure that what I select to wear does not distract from people knowing that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

And that’s not just for ladies.

QUESTION: Why is modesty for guys so rarely addressed? What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your thoughts in the comments!

————–

Photo background credit: Sonia Belviso on Creative Commons

Don’t Miss a Post!

Subscribe via email to get every post for free, and get a FREE eBook.