Why Modesty - Part 2

From Gina - Yesterday, I said we would look at what the Bible says about modesty. Jane Martin agreed to share a guest post on the topic today.

Jane is married to Steve and mother to four children. Jane has sewed since she was six years old and recently began selling modest dresses on ebay and etsy.

 

What is modesty?

Many women will have differing opinions on what it means to be modest. Is it a certain style of dress? Length of skirt? Color of fabric?

The dictionary defines modesty as “Not thinking too highly of one's self; humble; not calling attention to one's body; decency of actions or thoughts.”

Modesty is a heart condition, worn first on the inside and expressed on the outside. It is not a particular style of clothing. The plainest dress can be worn immodestly.

Our world is no longer typified by decency, humility, and refusal to call attention to one's body. God created us for His glory, not our own. Can we dress in a way that glorifies Him? What does the Bible say about modesty?

Genesis 3:7,21 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. … 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

 

Immediately after Adam and Eve sinned, before there were any other people in the world, God gave them clothing. And not just loin cloths, these garments were described as “coats.”

1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

According to these instructions to the Christian church, a woman should dress with “shamefacedness and sobriety.” These words imply reverence toward God, bashfulness toward men, and self-control.

1 Peter 3:2-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

A Christian woman's true beauty is her character. Some of the most beautiful women that I have ever met have been neatly and modestly clothed. Their inward spirit shone with purity and humility that was reflected in their outward appearance.

Prov 31:21-22. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

By the example of the Proverbs 31 lady, we assume God does not expect us to dress in burlap sacks or drab colors. A balance can be found in lovely but modest clothing.

We will look at some more Scriptures that address our clothing in the next post.

In the meantime—How is the Lord leading you in modesty, both in character and dress? 

Also read: Why Modesty - Part 1