Webster on Modesty

1. Having or showing a moderate or humble opinion of one's own value, abilities, achievements, etc. unassuming.

2. Not forward; shy or reserved.

3. Behaving according to a standard of what is proper or decorous; decent, pure; now especially, not displaying one's body.

4. Showing or caused by moderation; not extreme.

5. quiet and humble in appearance, style, etc.

What is an Incarnational Missionary?

An incarnational missionary is essentially a missionary who “undertake(s) the difficult task of learning to know and identify with the culture.” (Hiebert 91) They endeavor to understand the culture and deal with the theological problems of the culture. Their role is primarily to present the gospel so that it is understood in a meaningful, relevant way to the people of the culture. Then they establish churches.

The study of cultural anthropology and cross-cultural communication are important. Studying cultural anthropology enables the missionary to better understand what he sees and hears and experiences in the new culture. It helps to act as a filter to help him learn and process the culture. Cross-cultural communication is helpful to allowing true communication of ideas and concepts to the culture. It sometimes requires the changing of words or phrases or ideas so that the meaning is understood properly. For instance, if a culture doesn't have sheep the phrase, “Lamb of God” might not be understood. So, in effort to maintain the concept, the missionary might change the expression to “Goat of God.”

So, essentially the study of anthropology aids the incarnational missionary in the learning of cultural relevance and cross-cultural communication enables truer communication between the peoples. Which is the aim of the incarnational missionary – to minister effectively to the people of a different culture than his own.

This is an essay answer to a question from a test earlier this year. I just ran across it today and thought that it would be beneficial to post because we are all, as Christians, in a way missionaries and dare I say we should be incarnational missionaries at different points in our interaction with the world, be it in this American culture or another culture.

A Life of Modesty

I've decided to take an active stance on modesty. It's not like I was really immodest before but I want to be consciously modest. While this refers to dress in part it is not the entirety of what I am pursuing. I'm talking about modest attitudes, actions, life. I want to actively pursue a modest life.

I believe this coincides with what the Apostle Peter was getting at in 1 Peter 3 (v.1-6 but specifically v. 4). I think, a gentle and quiet spirit stems from a heart of modesty. I think this also helps to answer the question of what biblical womanhood looks like.

So, great. I want to live modestly. What does that mean? Well, I've thought about it and here's what I have come up with thus far:

-> I will dress in such away as to bring attention to the Creator NOT the creation (myself)
-> I will speak graciously and with out exageration and useless or strong words (this includes swearing and words that aren't considered swearing but used in their place)
-> I will live within my means ( not just within but also guarding against unnecessary accumalation)
-> I will be "slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to anger"
-> I will be generous
-> I will be humble
-> I will avoid gluttony of any kind

I am quite sure there are more practical things that I should be pursuing but this is a start. If you think of other things let me know! I can NOT possibly do any of this on my own! This is going to be really hard and require tons of God's amazing grace and even the help of friends. If you see anything amis in me -- PLEASE point it out! Help me pursue modesty to it's fullest and so glorify my Maker and Bridegroom by becoming biblical woman.

Spurgeon

But, especially for Christ’s own sake, imitate his example.
Christian, lovest thou thy Saviour? Is his name precious to thee?
Is his cause dear to thee?
Wouldst thou see the kingdoms of the world become his?
Is it thy desire that he should be glorified?
Art thou longing that souls should be won to him?
If so, imitate Jesus; be an “epistle of Christ, known and read of all men.”