Actress Meagan Good has spoken out again about the topic of modesty, her faith and Christians calling each other out.
Last month, while speaking at an event on love and abstinence with her husband pastor DeVon Franklin, Good was the on the receiving end of a comment from an audience member who criticised her style choices and suggested she cover up in future to ensure her words and actions aligned. A video clip of the incident was uploaded onto the internet and an online debate ensued. Many of Good's fans came to her defence but others, including Christians, expressed agreement with the view voiced by the woman in the audience.
The topic is making headlines almost a month on from the event as Good has discussed it in a new interview with Essence magazine. In her defence, Good said: "What is considered modest or appropriate differs depending on any given culture and context". This sentiment is one that will strike a chord with a huge amount of people. What we'd wear to the beach isn't the same attire that we'd find suitable for our office job. For women working in the entertainment industry the battle to maintain a level of modesty that they're comfortable with can be difficult. There is so much pressure from executives and management to reveal more to honour the age old argument that sex sells. On the other hand, as in this case, backgrounds and lifestyle choices can influence the way we approach modesty. Good told Essence magazine: "I did not grow up with what some may consider to be a more traditional perspective and mindset".
She went on to support her opinion that modesty is subjective by referring to 1 Peter 3:3-5, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight...". These verses are commonly used to support the idea that Christian wives should be modest but Good explained to the magazine: "When it talks about modesty in the Bible, it also refers to men, and a lot of it is referring to material things about what you do in terms of big earrings and pearls and things like that, not making another person feel bad because you might have more than they do."
Good expressed regret that the incident had detracted away from the positive message that she and her husband were working to share. We read in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."
Good insists her voice and celebrity platform are being used to honour God and share a constructive message but those who regard her style of dress as immodest are not likely to be convinced by her latest comments.
