The topic of modesty appears to be taboo in the church. Several biblical topics are lightly or barely taught from the pulpit. Flashback to our parents and grandparents' time you'd hear preachers talking about the importance of modesty; maybe it wasn't taught with grace and truth, however, many knew what was appropriate to wear to service.
You will find many Muslim fashion results if you look up modesty on Google or social media. But what is biblical modesty? How important is modesty in the word of God? If we sought God's heart for modesty, we'd find a plethora of Old Testament and New Testament scriptures teaching this godly virtue and command.
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Modesty in the Bible
What is the main scripture in the Bible for modesty?
1 Timothy 2:9, "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;
First, let's define modesty. Modesty in Greek is aidos, it means to be ashamed, shamefaced, and reverence. This definition looks offputting. Why would modesty mean to be ashamed? Many women feel shame when they are taught about modesty, so how can this be what God wants?
God doesn't want us to feel ashamed in a negative way. He is not teaching us to be ashamed of how we were made or ashamed of being beautiful. What He is teaching us is to be cautious in how we dress. Choose your outfits with bashfulness, being careful not to show intimate and private parts.
God is saying that we should feel ashamed of showing too much. True believers exercise godly restraint in all things. After all, self-control and humility are the fruit of the spirit.
Modesty carries reverence which means deep respect for someone or something, high esteem, and worship. Believers should dress modestly because we fear God and we worship Him. Worship isn't a genre of music, it's a lifestyle of holy devotion to our God, including how we dress.
Modesty Starts in the Heart
If you look at the Oxford Dictionary definitions, you will find that modesty also means humility. It means to do things in moderation, to be unassuming, and limited. If you truly want to be modest, start with repenting for pride. Anyone can change their outfits but only Jesus can deliver you from pride and selfishness.
We become religious when we do things on the outside to prove our devotion to God but remember that God is always looking at your heart first. (1 Samuel 16:7) You will become more modest physically when you become more humble and submitted to the Lord.
Why is Modesty a Lost Virtue?
I believe modesty is an unappreciated moral standard for many reasons. Regardless of these issues with modesty, I believe disobedience is the underlying issue. Yes, you may have been hurt in some way by the church, but this doesn't change the fact that God desires men and women to practice modesty.
He cares about what turned you off to His word concerning modesty, but more important than who did it, is how you respond. He wants your obedience and He wants you to get a new revelation of this lost virtue and why it's in the Bible in the first place.
Hopefully, this has helped, you can also download our FREE Modesty Playbook with more biblical truth, reasons to dress modestly, and a visual blueprint.
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