As a believer in Christ when you look around the church or see other believers wearing certain clothing, do you wonder if modesty is still relevant? I know that I do.
The next time that you attend an event, or scroll through social media look at your fellow sisters in Christ. Don’t look at them judgmentally but observe their choice of clothing.
What do you think the Bible has to say about modesty? For a moment pause and think about it.
Today, the word on the street is anything males can do, females can do, and even better.
However, where should we draw the line?
What does modesty even mean?
What is Modesty?
Modesty according to Dictionary.com gives three definitions:
- the quality of being modest; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
- regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
- simplicity; moderation.
The second definition is the one that we will be referring to in this article. So, based on the definition, do you believe that modesty is a thing of the past, or is it still relevant today?
When I think of modesty, I can recall a verse that I’ve heard mentioned time and time again. You have most likely heard it as well.
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”
1 Tim.2:9-10 (ESV)
Our focal point on modesty will revolve around this particular verse because we are not just going to talk about the choice of clothing that we wear but also about our personality.
What does a godly woman look like? How does a woman that is a believer in Christ carry herself? Can we list some verses in the bible that pertain to modesty?
First, I want to mention that I believe the bible speaks to everything in relation to mankind (women and men), and thus whether a topic can be found directly or indirectly God has something to say on it.
The modest woman (in reference to dress/apparel)
Remember our verse is 1 Tim.2:9-10. The letter of Timothy was written by Paul in a time very different from the customs that we have now.
However, as a woman of God, you should be respectable (in appearance) at all times. Have you seen the latest fashion trends and runway shows? Is everything that the world sees as good, good for you?
Something that you can keep in mind is this, you are on earth only to please God. I’m not going to tell you what clothes to buy or how to dress.
Let’s say you’re sitting in the front of the church or you dropped something and have to bend to pick it up.
If in either of these scenarios, something that you wore did a poor job of covering your body so much so that a young man or woman did a double look then you shouldn’t be wearing it.
I know what you’re thinking… why did she mention young women?
If you think about it a little you will realize that all of us struggle with sin. Our sin could be in the form of lust for the opposite sex or the same sex.
There could be female friends/ sisters around you that are doing their best with God’s help to overcome the temptation of being attracted to other females.
And of course, there are males that really don’t need the added stimuli after living in this culture of instant technology.
As women in Christ, we should dress modestly with our brothers and sisters in mind. How we dress should bring glory and honor to Jesus not the opposite of that.
The modest woman (in reference to personality)
The woman that you are on the inside is very important. How you think, talk, feel, and react are all intertwined with your personality.
When Jesus saved you, you were made new, the old was washed away and the Holy Spirit now resides within. One way that we show the world true modesty is that our outer appearance matches our inner self.
If you were to rate your personality on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest, what rate would you receive?
There are some women who are very gorgeous on the outside but as soon as they start speaking the others turned off. They are nagging, brawlers, gossips, or complainers.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Gal.5:22-23 (KJV)
As soon as we became believers the Holy Spirit gave us nine gifts.
Related Post: Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit.
These gifts are within us and it is our duty as believing women to exercise them. The word self-control is also used in our key text today, 1 Tim.2:9-10. Self-control is a very critical part of being modest.
Be decent in the way that you speak and behave as becometh a woman. If this is hard for you to do think of Jesus and his humility. Being humble is a big part of self-control. It is the very essence of humility.
What if Jesus had chosen to rebel against God the father and the plans they made well before the earth was created? No, he humbled himself and took on humanity, and succumbed to death.
“But all things should be done decently and in order”
1 Corinthians. 14:40(ESV)
Common Sense
Your common sense is God-given. It is, however, not all. When you use your common sense, wisdom from God and you combine it with your world view (which should be Christian) you have everything you need to make good judgment.
The Bible doesn’t tell you not to wear revealing clothing or shorts dresses or tight pants.
It isn’t descriptive like you may want it to be but there are verses that you can use to bring to light exactly how God feels when we don’t use modesty in our behavior speech or dress.
There are verses that show exactly what God wants from us as it relates to modesty.
When I list these verses below use your God-conscious common sense to fill in the blanks and decide for yourself how you will make use of what you have learned here today.
“For we are his workmanship,”
Ephesians. 2: 10a
Another translation uses the word, handiwork in place of workmanship but it bears the idea that we have been crafted by God and as such we are responsible for how we display the wonderful creation that he has made.
“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
1 Peter.3:4:
It is the person you are on the inside that counts. The person you are inside will be reflected on the outside. If you value your body (God’s temple) then it will be reflected in the way that you dress and care for your body. But never lose sight of the integrity, the gentle and quiet spirit that is beautiful in God’s sight.
“But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”
1 Corinthians. 8:9
We have freedom in Christ, even Paul knew that he could do anything he wanted but not everything is permissible or right.
However, if we use our freedom to justify dressing immodestly or being wanton and loud, how are we any different from unbelieving women around us?
Let’s be different and be separated from the world by dressing, acting, and talking like children of the light.
Reflection
Do you need to change something in your life in regards to modesty? Now is the time to do so. God wants you to be fully devoted to him in every aspect of your life.
If the way you dress, speak, or act doesn’t give God glory you can bow your head right where you are and talk to God.
If you are reading this post and want to have a relationship with Jesus, read how you can change that here.
Let me know what you think about modesty?
Is there anything you would have added? Let me know in the comments.
Thank you for stopping by,
I love you with the love of Christ. Join me as I seek to love everyone God’s way.
Keneesha 🙂
