If we do not treat and uphold our bodies with respect, we are no longer treating Christ with respect. As children of God, we must remember that we are created in His image and likeness, and we hold a strong force of beauty and love within us. We are able to offer more than our bodies and abilities allow us to reveal.

Leah Darrow, a former model turned Catholic speaker, defines modesty as “fashions (that) are an authentic expression of true beauty.” Times are always changing, whether we like it or not. Even if we’re all caught up with the latest fashion trends, there’s always something new being introduced.

Think back to this past summer and recall all of the latest fashion trends, from crop tops, high-waisted shorts, bandeaus, cut-up jeans, bodycon dresses and sleeveless shirts. You may think all of these outfits look cute, but they reveal way too much of our skin and our bodies.

We are led to believe that if we can rock the latest fashion trends, society will deem us acceptable and beautiful. We are led to believe that showing off a little skin is not in any shape or form harming or degrading; rather it resembles a sign of confidence and appeal.

Darrow explains that “the world offers us their version: a manufactured type of beauty based solely on consumerism, lust pretending to be love and achieving greatness.” Fashion is constantly changing, but the idea of modesty and God’s love is never changing.

We all get caught up with the latest fashion trends and desire to be just like the models. I am one of those people. But we must remember that although we fail from time to time, it is good to remember the teachings of modesty, respect and our dignity. We must hold true to all of these teachings and morals rather than push them aside and conform to society’s idea of beauty.

Christ calls us to go above and beyond the standards of society and invites us to live a life made for more. Not only are we called to protect the dignity of our souls, but we are also called to protect our brothers and sisters in Christ by leading them away from sin and temptation and closer to Christ.

It is to have respect for ourselves and our bodies, because we are the dwelling place of the Lord. If we do not treat and uphold our bodies with respect, we are no longer treating Christ with respect. As children of God, we must remember that we are created in His image and likeness, and we hold a strong force of beauty and love within us. We are able to offer more than our bodies and abilities allow us to reveal.

We have more to offer this world than just our physical appearance. The Lord has blessed us with talents and abilities that help us proclaim His glory through our actions and deeds. He calls us to know our worth and that in His eyes we are made for more than the world leads us to believe. We must be affirmed of our beauty on the inside and allow it to radiate outwards so that others can be inspired, not by what we wear, but rather how we live our lives glorifying Christ daily.

Each day when we wake up we can choose to dress as if we were to see Christ that day. In that mindset we are ready to look presentable and appropriate. We can also choose to shop cautiously. It may sound lame, but maybe it isn’t such a bad idea to ask our parents or elders what they truly feel about our outfits and if they approve. Approval from those that love and care about us is a sure sign that we desire to be better.

Let us make conscious efforts in protecting ourselves and others by making practical choices towards modesty.

(Contreras, 20, is a third-year creative communications student at the University of Winnipeg.)