Christians are called to a higher standard whether they reside in 1st century Corinth or 21st century America. And both genders are challenged. Let’s cut to the chase: When it comes to immodesty, we live in a “War Zone”—where each day is a battle to control and conquer the mind. Women are confronted with their need to clothe themselves in a way that doesn’t invite “the look” (lust) of men (Prov.7:10; 1 Tim.2:9); while men are admonished to avoid “the look” (lust) that causes sin (Matt.5:28).

So neither gender is excused.

“A woman can be dressed in a Muslim burqa and some men will lust…” Oh come on. In fact, let’s dispense with the absurd. Fact is, males are stimulated sexually by the visual and when a woman dresses in a revealing way (visual stimulation)—that’s the problem. Can a man discipline himself and turn away? Yes! Job 31:1—“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how could I gaze [look of lust] at a young woman?” “Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you” (Prov.4:25). And he must turn away because “everyone who looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt.5:28). Lust gives birth to sin and sin brings consequences that you don’t want (James 1:14-16).

By the way, the James passage concludes with, “Do not be deceived…” There is a lot of deception going on in the area of immodesty—and it’s evenly spread between the sexes. Both the men who look to “look” and the women who make it easy are at fault. It’s time for Christians to take a stronger stand on this subject—for moms and dads to “engage” parenting disciplines for dress with (1) themselves and with (2) their kids, and for elders and gospel preachers to challenge people with straight talk. Apparently some are not “connecting the dots” (or don’t want to).

Temptation is a Call to Battle

Today, men treat women like prostitutes.
Why not? Look at the way we dress!

Wendy Shalt, Return to Modesty

First, the Bible issues a plain call when it comes to sexual purity (Eph.5:3—there is to be no hint of sexual impurity; 1 Cor.6:18—“Flee!”; 1 Thess.4:3-5—“Control your body!”) God sets a standard for Christian purity and it’s a high standard.

Second, some women have little understanding of the intensity of the male sex drive—because they don’t have it. That’s why women fail to understand how the mere visual (often in passing) can trigger a male response. A walk past Victoria Secret’s in the Mall, the lingerie ads in the newspaper circular, female joggers, billboards, receptionists with low-cut blouses, beach volleyball, figure skating, Sports Illustrated (they illustrate more than Sports), etc. can place an image in the male mind that will be there for a long time. That’s the seductive world in which we live and it’s problematic for men who seek to keep themselves pure.

Third, we keep tripping over our maleness. Men tend to be (1) natural aggressors (90% of all crimes are committed by men), (2) are easily bored and seek sexual excitement, (3) have a strong sex drive (see Every Man’s Battle, pp.63-64 for physiology 101), and (4) receive sexual gratification through the eyes. In other words, it doesn’t take much of the visual for the male chemicals to kick in. Frankly, this is how God made us and He did so for a reason. God had procreation in mind (Gen.1:28) which requires one gender to be more of the aggressor-pursuer. With much given, however, much is required. God requires the male to be highly disciplined in the control of his sexual response. And God didn’t give us something we cannot control.

Winning the Battle (Males)

So, how do we win? Like the brave soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy, each day we storm the beach of sexual purity (2 Sam.23:9-10). Hence, the battle strategy—

• You have to decide to win. Holiness of thought is not a nebulous thing, but involves a series of choices. It is God who will give you the power to make good ones (2 Pet.1:3).
• Bounce your eyes. It’s not the first look that gets us into trouble, but the lingered look. Like “junk food” we find ourselves feasting on “junk sex.” Force your eyes to look elsewhere. It’s called “discipline.”
• Flee! Do whatever it takes to retreat. Joseph ran. “Flee!” is a strong word of action (1 Cor.6:18).
• Turn off sources you can control. That means the TV, computer, or anything that causes you trouble. Be proactive. You know your weak spots (Satan does, too). The consequences of sin call for extreme measures.
• Fight daily. Just because you win today is no guarantee that you will win tomorrow (or even this afternoon).

Men, God made us who we are and calls upon us to become men of discipline and wisdom. “Guard your hearts…” Why? Because what the mind feeds on, the body acts on.

Words to the Wise (Females)

Stop making it too easy for us to sin! While men have a role in this deal, so do you. The Bible says, “Rejoice in the wife of your youth…let her breasts fill you at all times…” (Prov.5:18-19). Want a clear commentary? It means you stop showing your cleavage to men who aren’t your husband. This is not about dressing attractively and fashionably. This is about dressing modestly and in a way that doesn’t call undue attention to self. Here it is: if you wear sexually stimulating clothing, it will create a sexually stimulated response. Low-cut blouses, short skirts, shorts that start rising above the knee, tight jeans, etc., -are specific areas of dress (or undress) that need to be ad-dressed! Come on, ladies! We see enough of that from people in the world. Give us an oasis at the assembly, a potluck, or wherever God’s people are found, where we can catch a break.

Women, save yourself for your husband. And, while so doing, save yourself for the Lord. Men—teach your sons to be respectful of women by setting the example of discipline yourself. If you gawk at women, so will he. Women—teach your daughters to dress in a way that will earn respect and then set the standard yourself.

God has called us out of the world and instructed us to be distinct. We need some Joseph-men. We need some “befitting women making claims of godliness” in their dress. Neither gender is exempt from responsibility, but both are challenged. All of which means, the next time you’re in your prayer-closet, you may want to first look around at some changes you need to make in your wardrobe. Hey men and women: Let’s dress like Christians are supposed to dress and work hard to keep our minds pure.