One More Thing On Modesty
Jesus, surprisingly to me, has much to say about modesty as it relates to clothing. The related passages in the sacred scripts have no fashionable measurements or mention of corporations. Instead, it seems, the life after Christ eventually arrives at a wardrobe of another’s choosing.
Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.
Jesus to Peter according to John’s Gospel account, Chapter 21:18
The Apostle John mentions this was to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Today the masses are dressed at the behest of civil codes and instagram post. As careers became religions, our coverings became displays of our sacrificed life. To what deity do your threads glory?
Until next week,
-Steven
PS. If you have yet to read my piece last week on Modesty & Men, here it is. I’m also creating more videos about writing like this over on my channel. Make sure you’re subscribed over there as well. Thank you for being here.
KJV has it as: "and someone else will gird you and carry you where you would not." This suggests being dressed for burial after death, which actually makes your point in a different way. Jesus says this after he has risen from the dead, speaking to Peter; first he asks, "Do you love me?" Peter says yes, and Jesus says : "Follow me." Three times Jesus asks and Peter answers. Then Jesus says what you quote above, which sounds like: "Just as you can freely choose what you wear, freely choose to follow me, because when you die, the time of choosing in this life will be over. Your freedom to love and choose in this life is sacred; don't use it to hide or show off." And then, Peter pipes up with the question, "What about that guy who betrayed you?" Jesus says, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow me."
What I love about this chapter is how Jesus ups the ante when Peter compares himself to others: even in the moment of affirming his love for Jesus three times, he's asking about the consequences for the man who betrayed Jesus. Jesus states that his own will is guiding that man to remain until Jesus comes to him, saying implicitly, "You follow me freely. And if that guy doesn't, and even if he betrays me, I will come to him. What is that to you? Can you follow me even as I love this man who betrayed me?" Maybe this is real modesty, to attend to our own loves, and somehow root for others who haven't yet found love. Thank you so much, Steven, for this discussion. I should be editing my own work right now, but I find yours so inviting and nourishing!