Biblical Modesty

Biblical modesty is both inward and outward.

Inward as we humble ourselves before the Lord, being continually changed into Christ’s likeness. Outward being a reflection of the inward heart posture, dressing modestly to honor God with our bodies and to honor others.

Modesty is clearly important to God in His Word, so it should be important to us as we are following Him.

Let’s look at some Bible verses concerning modesty:

“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 Timothy 2:9-10 ESV

While I am always continuing to learn from Scripture, we can understand what the Lord is telling us because His Word is true and never-changing. We will look at this verse in context and compare our conclusion to the rest of the Bible.

During this time period, braided hair and fancy jewelry was worn by women in upper-class Roman society. The Apostle Paul is calling women to dress in a way that honors God, showing their character. For women at that time, it would be not drawing attention to themselves and their bodies with their riches.

He says to dress with modesty and self-control. While today we have different fashion trends, we are still called to dress respectably, modestly, and with self-control. Not drawing attention to the body, but to godly character.

Though modern society claims modesty to be oppressive, I would argue that dressing exactly like the world and how popular culture tells us to is not what we are called to as Christians.

Let’s look at a few more passages of Scripture:

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 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 3:3-4 ESV

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 NIV

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

We were bought at a price. As Christians, we should seek to honor the Lord in all we do, including how we dress and treat our bodies. Though trends will come and go, we can choose honor and obey God in the here and now.

A lot of popular fashion trends today are very revealing and immodest. I don’t claim to know everyone’s heart or stance before God, but it is upsetting for me to see other women wearing these provocative outfits when they are worth so much more than that. Your worth is not defined by how sexy you look or how much skin you’re showing.

The heart may supposedly be in the right place with some of these clothing trends, but our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 21:2).

The Bible is clear about our worth in Christ and how we should live.

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:26-27 NIV

Modesty is not covering ourselves in shame. It’s honoring and obeying the Lord. Going back to the verses we looked at, we know that our inward beauty should shine and be reflected in how we dress. Let Jesus shine through you!

As followers of Christ, we are all (men and women) called to be humble and serve others, including how we act and clothe ourselves. That is a hard pill to swallow in today’s world.

My intention is not to shame anyone, but to go back to the Bible and remind you of who God has created you to be and His commands.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the ultimate price for us. He lived a perfect life, died to save you from your sin, rose on the third day, and wants a relationship with you. The God of the universe wants a relationship with you!

Why should we live in a way that is less than giving our everything to Him?

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 3:23-24 ESV

Everyone’s modesty journey will look different, and we won’t be perfect, but there are Biblical standards that we should always go back to. We can choose to seek God and listen to Him and His Word, or listen to the world.

A final word:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV

We are called to look different than the world. When Jesus saves and changes you, it’s from the inside out. You are beautiful and created intentionally by God, who loves you more than you could know.

God’s ways are good. When everyone tells you to dress for yourself, your empowerment, and to act seductively, we can choose to stand on God’s unshakeable truth.

I hope this blog on modesty has encouraged you and that you’re inspired to dive deeper into Scripture!