I must admit for the most part I really enjoyed YC this year especially the music and the time that I got to spend with our church’s teens. However, one thing that really bothered me both this year and last was the lack of modesty amongst teen girls and the blatant ‘cop a feel’ attitude of teen boys. Obviously, not all teen fell into these categories, but there were lots of low cut tops and short shorts/skirts to be seen. Amongst the boys, many a “free hug” signs were seen-signs displayed in hopes of physical contact with any willing female. Really I think that these guys with “free hug” signs is a symptom of the lack of modesty displayed by the girls. And no-I’m not condoning the actions of the boys, I really wish I could give each one a smack on the back of the head, but if I did that-I’d be posting this blog from behind bars! I really appreciate C.J. Mahaney’s thoughts on the issue of modesty through what Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:9:
“Any biblical discussion of modesty begins by addressing the heart, not the hemline. We must start with the attitude of the modest woman. This emphasis on the heart is front and center in 1 Timothy 2:9. Note the phrase ‘with modesty and self-control.’ All respectable apparel is the result of a godly heart, where modesty and self-control originate. Your wardrobe is a public statement of your personal and private motivation. And if you profess godliness, you should be concerned with cultivating these twin virtues, modesty and self-control.
Modesty means propriety. It means avoiding clothes and adornment that are extravagant or sexually enticing. Modesty is humility expressed in dress. It’s a desire to serve others, particularly men, by not promoting or provoking sensuality. Immodesty, then, is much more than wearing a short skirt or low-cute top; it’s the act of drawing undue attention to yourself. It’s pride, on display by what you wear. Self-control is, in a word, restraint. Restraint for the purpose of purity; restraint for the purpose of exalting God and not ourselves. Together, these attitudes of modesty and self-control should be the hallmark of the godly woman’s dress.”
Mahaney, Worldliness, Pages 119-120
I think it’s important as youth leaders and parents, regardless of the amount of rebellion we get back, to cultivate these virtues of modesty and self-control amongst the young ladies that we minister to/parent. It is also important for us to show young men how to treat the opposite sex with respect and with the attitude that they are sisters in Christ, not just ‘pieces of meat’ that serve only to satisfy their desires. We need to be fervent in praying for protection from temptation for our young men and women as this can be a huge stumbling block for them.
I will continue with some more thought’s on my time at YC – stayed tuned… it will be positive!
