Modesty Misunderstood
The idea of modesty has been almost exclusively attached to women’s dress, narrowing the definition to mean “showing less skin and trying to prevent arousal in those looking on.” This is due to the trend of women wearing revealing clothing, specifically showing cleavage at the gym, at the beach, and in public places. But this applies to men as well, with showing off their muscles, and dressing by worldly standards. So, what does it mean to dress modest in our world today?
The Biblical Directive
The biblical directive to “dress modestly” is rooted in 1 Timothy 2:9, a passage within a letter from the apostle Paul to Timothy, who was guiding the church in Ephesus (famous in its day for the nearby Temple of Artemis). The word translated “modest” (1 Tim. 2:9) means “decent and orderly” and is related to the Greek word from which we get the English word “cosmetic.” Our clothing should be decent, orderly, and in good taste. Also In this letter, Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer for all people and the desire for peaceful and godly lives (1 Timothy 2:1). He underscores God’s desire for all to be saved and highlights Jesus’ role as a mediator between humanity and God (1 Timothy 2:4-6).
Paul then provides specific instructions for both men and women in worship, urging men to pray without anger or dispute and women to dress modestly, prioritizing inner character over outward adornment (1 Timothy 2:8-10). This applies to church gatherings, but so much more as representatives and ambassadors of Jesus Christ to the world around us.
Similarly, 1 Peter 3:1–4 offers guidance for wives, emphasizing the power of their conduct in influencing their husbands. Peter advises against placing undue focus on outward beauty, stressing instead the value of inner virtue (1 Peter 3:1-4). He also instructs husbands to honor and understand their wives, recognizing them as equals in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:7).
A Reverence for God
Central to the concept of dressing modest is a reverence for God, with believers striving to glorify Him rather than seeking attention or status through appearance. This principle applies to both men and women, who are called to honor God in all aspects of life (Matthew 5:14–16). We are fearfully and wonderfully made, not to be ashamed of who we are in Christ.
Yet, we exist to honor God, with our physical bodies and our behavior. The Bible tells us that we are not own, for we were bought with a price, and now belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Romans 14:8). As believers, we should be mindful of how our choices impact others’ spiritual growth and avoid actions that may lead others into sin (1 Corinthians 10:23–33).
Modesty and Identity
Titus 2:4-8 encourages the older women to train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. In the same way, it encourages the older men to train the younger men to live pure and wisely. So when someone is not dressing modestly, the duty is for the older women to talk with the younger ladies, and for the older men to talk with the younger guys about modesty.
Modesty begins at the core of who we are before God, regardless of gender. We stand as sinners before our Lord, clothed not merely in fabric, but in His grace and mercy. Our attire, then, serves a purpose beyond covering our fallen state; it becomes a reflection of our reverence for God, a mirror of our self-perception, and an expression of respect for those in our midst (Proverbs 31:30; Matthew 6:19–21). Modesty, in essence, is to put on Christ (Romans 13:14).
Examining Dress Codes
History often dictates to women: “No skirts above the knees, conceal your shoulders and legs,” and to men: “You must wear a suit and tie, or at least dress pants.” The blame is put on women for wearing too little, and then the blame on men for looking with lust at girls. But as we seek to cultivate modesty and authenticity, let us reevaluate these perceptions.
The standard of a dress code has changed throughout history. Consider the Victorian era, where stringent dress codes, especially for women, served as visual representations of prevailing moral and social values. Similarly, in periods of economic prosperity like the post-World War II era, formal attire emerged as a hallmark of success and status. Suits and ties for men, and business attire for women, became expectations, symbolizing professionalism.
In the early days of Calvary Chapel when the hippies were getting saved, some arrived in attire that, would not consider appropriate today. Yet instead of harsh rebuke, they received gentle, loving instruction. Sharon Fischer (author of the book “I Remember… The Birth of Calvary Chapel”), an original Calvary Chapel attendee, said: “Pastor Chuck Smith’s wife Kay asked me to organize a fashion show. She said, ‘Let’s make this a grand event and show these young ladies how to dress modestly.’” Rather than a list of clothing to avoid, the demonstration presented the hippies a positive model to aspire to.
A Higher Standard
As we navigate the complexities of modern times, it is crucial to examine the prevailing dress codes of our day. While corporate work environments and big milestone events like weddings often enforce specific attire to uphold a certain image or conform to norms, events outside of these seem to have no limits to the modern person. In a world where swimsuits, media, and cultural norms often veer towards immodesty, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard.
Our allegiance is not to conform to worldly trends, but to emulate the example set by Jesus Himself. Yet, embracing modesty demands more than simply conforming to a set of rules or measurements. The real question is not about how short or how low (though we may have to answer those along the way to be truly helpful); it’s about identity. Glamour can be partially applied on the outside, but godliness must come from within. And this presents us mature Christians an opportunity for discipleship.
Dressing with Virtue
World says skin is in, but God says modesty is in, and always. Are we looking to have our identity in Christ precede us in everything we do? As Christians, we want to avoid clothing that is excessively revealing or provocative based upon 1 Timothy 2:9-10, which encourage modesty and propriety in attire. This is to avoid clothing that is overly revealing or draws unnecessary attention to oneself.
Yet, dressing modestly isn’t merely about covering up; it is about adorning ourselves with the virtues cherished by our Lord. It’s about showcasing inner character, demonstrating reverence for God, and extending consideration to those around us. We can strive for attire that not only reflects professionalism but also honors individual expression and dignity as followers of Jesus Christ.
Clothing Choices and Identity
Think about our clothing choices like the cover of a book. Just as a book cover gives us a glimpse into what the story might hold, our clothes reflect what we believe and who we are. When Paul wrote to Timothy, he did not forbid the use of nice clothing or ornaments, but urged balance and propriety, with the emphasis on modesty and holy character. True beauty is something that goes beyond the mere outward appearance of a person and is when a Christian fears God and dresses and lives a chaste and pure life.
Our clothing choices should mirror our respect for ourselves, our respect for those around us, and ultimately our reverence for God, and the Biblical values we hold dear. As followers of Jesus Christ, we shave the freedom to wear what is comfortable, so long as it is modest apparel and God-honoring. And may we desire to showcase the Holy Spirit in our lives and the spiritual fruit He produces.
Conclusion
So, let us dress not just with style, but with a deeper understanding of our faith, our identity, and the impact we have on others as we bring honor and glory to God. All of us will abruptly find ourselves in contact with immodesty. Rather than judging people, we can pray for them. And by the clothes we choose to wear (or not wear), we tell a story about who we are in Christ. Let us, embrace modesty not as a constraint, but as a joyful expression of our devotion to the One who clothes us in His righteousness.
