“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
1 Timothy 2:9-10

You’re HOT!

I’m sure you hear those words a lot. Girls are under a great deal of pressure today to be hot. In case you don’t know what hot is, let me describe what she looks like. A hot girl is edgy, daring, and thrilling. A hot girl says things like, “People will always talk, so let’s give them sumthin to talk about.” (Lady Gaga) A hot girl is rebellious. She will always press the limit. Hot girls don’t wait for attention to be given to them, they take it. They have sass and attitude. And the most important thing to know about hot girls is that they are always surrounded by hot guys.

Since hot is in, stores do their best to make sure you look the part. They sell clothes that are too tight on the bum and show way too much chest. Advertising tries to convince you that this is the only way to make sure you don’t look like your grandma, or worse yet, your mom. Music videos and song lyrics play their part as well. They show you how hot girls dance and tell you what hot girls do with hot guys.

Hot girls also give a very clear message about who they are. And the message is this: I want you to notice ME and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it’s wrong. If my chest causes you to lust, so be it, at least I got your attention. If my short skirt makes you wonder what’s underneath, I don’t care! At least I’ve got you thinking. And, girls, what the guy is thinking is “If a hot girl shows this much in public, how much will she show in private?”

God’s Word is very clear. It says that what the world calls hot is not appropriate for women who profess to worship God. It says to be modest, decent, and adorned with good deeds. In case you don’t know what this looks like, let me describe her. A modest girl is interesting, thoughtful and humble. She recognizes the gifts she’s been given, including her amazing body, but doesn’t flaunt them. She knows she could go beyond the limits but chooses to stay within them out of respect for others. She notices, appreciates and encourages others. Modest girls are graceful and loving. And a modest girl is surrounded by a variety of people because she is genuine in her relationships.

Since a modest girl wants to honor God with her body, she makes the extra effort to select clothing that flatters and enhances her beauty without revealing every detail of it. She covers her breasts because they are special and she is saving them for her husband. A modest girl has respect for modest boys and chooses not to wear the short skirt that might cause him to lust.  The filth and immorality found in certain music, movies and pop culture have no part in her life because a modest girl knows they can influence how she acts.

Modest girls do this because they intend to give a very clear message. And the message is this: I don’t need to be noticed by you. And I don’t want your approval. My heavenly Father sought me out. He sent his son, Jesus, whose perfect life and death have washed me clean. I am set apart and loved by God because of Jesus. That’s all the approval I need. Whatever I do, whatever I say, and whatever I wear is not to focus your attention on me. It’s to give honor and glory to my God and say thank you to him with everything I have.

Here’s the surprising thing: a modest girl is hot. People are drawn to her. In fact, at some point a modest girl will probably be told, “You’re hot!” She shouldn’t feel bad about that. Some people don’t have the right words. Instead she’ll treat this as she does every other form of earthly praise. She’ll offer it up in thanks to God. He made her. He loves her. And he saved her, giving her everything she has. A modest girl simply wants to live her life in a way that is appropriate for one who professes to worship him.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you tell me in your Word that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you for my body. Forgive me for the times I have not brought glory to you with it. Through your Word and the mentors you’ve put in my life, help me to learn how to dress in a way that respects others and gives honor to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Written by Dawn Schulz
Reviewed by Prof. Lyle Lange