Session I: Modest Apparel

By: Treneka Rodgers

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

                                                                      -Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)

As I pondered on this scripture, I realized that the word virtuous is not commonly used in the English language today when referring to women.  Could it be that the true beauty of womanhood has been degraded in today’s society?  The word virtue itself means to be characterized by or possessing virtue or moral excellence; righteous; upright.

God has impressed upon my heart to speak to our young ladies, middle aged women and even those women of more mature age.  As I walked through the mall on a Friday evening I was passed by two young girls who were dressed with very little clothing.  As I passed them by, one of the girls locked eyes with me and immediately dropped her head.  When I turned around, I realized that they were with two young men who were walking ahead of them.  I said to myself, she is embarrassed and not all that comfortable being so underdressed.  There was a cry from my spirit as I sensed a need to ministry to young girls such as these. 

As women, we really need to know what the word of God has to say about the role of the woman. Proverbs 31 says “who can find a virtuous woman” which means this type is rare, so rare that her price is compare to being greater than rubies.  Whether single or married, there should be evidence that we belong to our father and that our lives are pleasing to him.  The music industry and the media have shaped the minds of women today and painted a picture that is contrary to who God has created us to be.  Music videos, commercials, billboards and other avenues have portrayed us as mere sex symbols.  Many have believed the lie that less is more in regards to our apparel as the fashion industry tells us what to or what not to wear.

In no way am I saying that we cannot adorn ourselves in things that will compliment who we are, but we need not to cross the line in our dress.  Most style of clothing today is designed to highlight some of the most precious parts God has given us as women and in wearing these kinds of things only displays what should be dedicated to God and our husbands.  I’m so frustrated when shopping most times, as almost all articles that I try on is designed to reveal so much, that I found myself wanting to design my own fashion as I did some years ago. My prayer is that kingdom designers will arise in the earth that will combat fashion that is made to draw the eye to what we have and not who we are as women. We need kingdom designers!

 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               -Romans 12:1 (KJV)

There is no need for us to become so adjusted to our culture that we are not concerned with pleasing God which is the best thing we can do. God is calling us to raise the standard. To the older women, we should teach our young ladies how to represent the kingdom in a Godly manner.  Believe it or not, the way we live our lives is a pattern of how to live for the young ladies.

Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      -Titus 2:1-5 (MSG)

Let’s build in the lives our young women and teach them the ways of the Kingdom.

To the younger ladies, humble yourselves to the council of the mature women.  In doing so, you will bypass many mistakes that were made by those you learn from which will only benefit your life in a great way.