Modesty in Public

Last week at work, out of the blue two of my coworkers thought it would be fun to rib me about the clothes I was wearing that day. It really surprised me, and confused me at the same time. They teased me for dressing too modestly. It was like the twilight zone. I defended myself by mentioning that I am married, not looking for a guy. They told me in a joking way that "were all mostly girls here" and the guys working there have "seen the equipment before."

I tried to brush off the tease and just fun, which it was, but it also got me thinking... what are the arguments for, and against dressing in a modest way when a women is out in public? Is "were all girls here" and the guy have "seen the equipment before" really valid arguments?

But before that question, I have to ask myself one more, will I look at the arguments from a Biblical world view, or a secular world view? My answer is to look at these arguments from a Biblical world view.

First, the argument the men have "seen the equipment before." This argument seems to suggest that men only lust the very first time they see a women, and after that, they have "seen it all" and will never lust again. This, of course does not make any sense. Also, as far as it is has to do with me, I want to keep myself out of other men's minds, other than my husband. Oh and there's still the Biblical reasons. I can think of two Bible passages that directly or indirectly deal with this topic.

1. Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery."
2. Matthew 5: 27,28 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. "

The first verse is a command from God, the second is an expanding of the fist command by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. To dress immodestly is to help the men/women around you heap sin and condemnation on themselves. I do not want to be apart of causing more guilt on my fellow human being. We each sin enough on our own without extra help!

The second argument mentioned was "were all girls here." That of course, may be true in some offices but it is this really a legitimate argument. I mean, in an office with all women working and visiting, could everyone sit around working in just underwear? No, of course not. Also, personally, an immodestly dressed person of the same gender can just as distracting as one from the opposite gender. It can be uncomfortable in public to be around a person who is dressed immodestly, and make it hard to concentrate on the task at hand. So in order to keep my mind on my tasks, so I can keep my job, and other's can keep theirs, I think it is better to keep a modest appearance at work.

What do you think about my coworkers arguments? Are they valid? Are there other arguments I can use in favor of modest dress at work? Please send me your "thoughts" and let me know what you think. Thanks! -Dawn <><

For more articles on this subject, please feel free to visit past and present Carnivals on Modesty. Thanks for reading!