Christians, should women dress modestly?

[Anonymous]

Covering up their limbs and cleavage? I read passages that said we should dress modestly, in case we cause men to sin, but I noticed that men will lust after women regardless of what they wear. I dress fairly decently, usually only show my cleavage in hotter months. Does it matter, if I’m not trying to turn men on? Does it matter to God and Jesus? I tried to ask my mum, who’s not religious and she brushed it off.

[CountryWanderer]

Modesty isn't about coverage but about conduct. If you're dressing for the weather and basic decency, then there's no issue. You are correct that men will lust no matter what. Jesus said that that's their fault if they can't control themselves. It's about your intent. A woman could be in sweater and skirt that covers almost all of her, and and if she uses that to belittle the choices of women who dress differently, she's the immodest one. Likewise, woman could be in a one-piece swimsuit, or a guy in a t-shirt and shorts, and if they flaunt themselves in a magazine for others to gawk at, that's immodest. Whereas a woman could be at the beach wearing only a thong bikini bottom and is simply swimming and laying in the sun for her own enjoyment and fitness, she's still perfectly modest.

[strateguy632]

in the church definitely cover more but outside should depend on whatever is common. in western society common to show cleavage but crop top so that is fine because familiar just not bikini on the bus etc.

[Keene13]

I think that guys will always lust after women. It's just a fact of life. I don't think that should stop a woman from wearing whatever she wants.

I (and I think a lot of other guys) get hard every now and then like when I glance at an attractive woman in a bikini at the beach, but I behave myself despite my arousal and I certainly don't stare (I'm usually trying my best to make sure they don't notice my erection). As I think do most guys. It's something I'm pretty sure women are aware of but it shouldn't limit what they want to wear.

[Anonymous]

Modesty, I believe, has to do with both motives and reverence. Is how I am dressing bringing glory to God, or to myself? Knowing that my appearance does communicate things to the watching world, am I communicating a spirit that cares about flaunting wealth or sexual appeal, or a spirit of humility that is not intent on drawing attention to myself?
You can’t control men and stop them from lusting, that’s something every man needs to deal with between himself and God. What you can control is your motives.

[Hithere4567]

I admit that I get aroused when I see a woman in a bikini. I don't stare but if I catch a glance I can not control it.

[strateguy632]

but that is apt to wear on a beach

[Anonymous]

Yes.