The feminine temptation is to garner relational approval from men, rather than from God, by offering the physical either by exposure or implication of attitude through posture and speech. The effect is increased because the woman able to gather this approval from men is more attractive to women as well as she achieves what they desire. The motivation is understandable given the power of the tool and the reliability with which it obtains a favorable response, but it is an idol because it is fueled by and finds its sufficiency in man and in betrayal of God’s law.

Thus the heart of the issue of modesty is not one of covering the body but is an issue of seeking to live for God’s pleasure and approval and not that of the men and women around them. This is a particular test of faith because of the relational way in which women understand their world. The call is to make God’s approval all that matters. Delight yourself also in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Understand the face to be a portal to the indwelling person of Christ and the body a servant to the continued knowledge of Christ both for yourself and others. Understand the body to be a gift for powerfully drawing the husband and wife together to understand themselves relationally and physically; completing their understanding of themselves, humanity and Christ and his bride the church in a way not available otherwise.

Understand the desire to dress provocatively, sensually, fashionably or otherwise self exalting or pleasing way as idolatry; seeking the praise of men rather than the knowledge of God.

… the very nature of hipness is diametrically opposed to what the church should be about. “At its core, hip is an individual pursuit,” he notes, about how “I can set myself apart, how I can advance my standing in the word, turn heads toward me to be noticed [and] envied.”

I certainly don’t feel like I am someone who knows how to develop that kind of relationship, but numerous promises from scripture immediately spring to mind reminding me that God’s grace is sufficient, providing strength in my weakness, enabling me to do things that I “can’t” do.

I pray that in developing authentic relationships we can learn to live in that “sweet spot” where we neither try to make it happen on our own effort nor just pray and wait for God to act unilaterally, but instead pray consistently for God to work in and through us and take active steps of faith to see how God answers our prayers and His promises in our lives.