Modesty

                Modesty is clothing, attitude, and carriage that reflect chastity, decency, and good taste. Modesty takes into consideration appropriateness for an occasion, for work, or for recreation. A modest demeanor does not flaunt, emphasize, expose, or call attention to sexuality. Modesty preserves purity and Christ’s honor in mind and body (1 Thess. 4:3).

                It is the responsibility of the husband and father to encourage modesty in his wife and daughters. The Christian man is modest by mortifying wandering eyes, sensual attitudes, and worldly relationships. He teaches his sons to be modest by not gawking at immodesty and encouraging modest women for friendship and marriage – not the ones who pique sexual interest.

                Modesty requires us to draw our standards of decency and beauty from the Bible. Christ’s purity rejects pop culture’s clothing styles, mannerisms, music, and sensual interactions between men and women. Christian women are married to Jesus Christ and dress for their heavenly husband. They should not wear in public revealing, suggestive, or form-fitting clothing. For their earthly husbands, they should dress and carry themselves attractively, emphasizing their God-given femininity.

                We are not practicing brotherly love if our dress or demeanor arouses sexual interest or tempts a wandering eye. Women must show mercy to their more visually stimulated brothers in Christ’s church. Love takes precedence over style. If your shirt, shorts, or dress are likely to cause a brother to stumble, then do not wear them.

                People come in various shapes and sizes. What is appropriate attire for one individual may not be for another. Ask your mother, and submit to her. Ask older women. Modesty tests a daughter’s submission to her parents. If you really want to wear something, but your parents discourage it, defer to them. God’s word takes preference over our desires. He will honor you for honoring your parents.

                Modesty tests our piety and commitment to Jesus Christ. In our dress and relations, we must maintain the antithesis between light and darkness regardless of cultural standards. Even more, we must honor our Savior; we are married to him. He purchased our purity, our eyes, and our bodies with his blood (1 Cor. 6:20). To flaunt our bodies and to disregard modesty is to mock his cross and his love.

                Modesty draws distinctions between appropriate and inappropriate activities. Because of the need to be modest, believers should avoid mixed swimming where immodest bathing attire is involved, forms of dancing that invite intimacy and encourage desire, and male-female relationships before marriage that lack accountability and oversight.

                Parents must discuss modesty issues, and then provide acceptable guidelines for their children. Modesty should be a non-negotiable in your home. As modesty is not simply a private concern, older women should be consulted to provide clear encouragement to the younger women – and the younger women should listen. Styles change; principles of modesty do not. Submission is the heart of modesty.

                Let us also endeavor, especially when we come together for worship, to dress appropriately to meet with our Lord. A t-shirt and flip-flops are fine for a light work or walk around your house, but not for worship. Dress should reflect respect for the Lord. Some stores have signs that read, “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” We should be at least this respectful when the Lord meets with us! Dress is a reflection of whether or not you care where you are, what you are doing, and with whom. What we wear casually in our homes might not be appropriate in public, certainly not in worship.

                Modesty before the Lord means that we respect his holiness and are conscious that we come before his face. He has redeemed us, body and soul. All that we are should be dedicated to his praise. The body matters. How we dress matters. Can it become hypocritical or like a religious uniform? Sure, but this is unlikely if we are by faith celebrating our Lord’s presence in our midst and our brotherly love for one another.