What Does it Mean to Be Modest?
By Ema Evans
What does it mean to be modest? Webster defines modesty as “observing properties of dress and behavior: Decent.” “Modest: applies especially to deportment and dress as outward sings of inward chastity or purity.” So as you can see what we wear on the outside reflects who we are on the inside.
We have seen how Webster defines it, now let’s see how God defines it.
1 Timothy 2: 9,10 says, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” and 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “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 God of greater price.” These passages reveal that a woman’s spirit is more valuable to the Lord than her outward appearance. Proverbs 31:25-26 says, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” We should be focusing and working on the inside beauty of the heart that God wants us to have. Proverbs 31:30 says, “favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Yes, it’s fun to look pretty, but it’s not important. God sees the heart. The devil wants to distract us with vain thoughts and constantly tempts us to dress more like the world but Romans 12:2 says, “and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” We need to ask ourselves who are we seeking to please? The world, self, or the God who created us and sent His only Son to die for us?
We need to also consider how the clothing that we wear affects the men around us. It is very true that guys are concerned with physical attraction to a girl. Any girl can attract a guy’s attention when she is wearing immodest clothing. a truly beautiful girl, however, is one who is beautiful inside and out- and she shows this by wearing modest clothing. We do not want to become a stumbling block to our brothers in Christ. Several surveys have revealed that many Christian men wish girls would respect them enough to dress more tastefully and modestly. And we should! We should be doing everything we can to help them on their Christian walk. We most certainly do not want to be guilty of dressing just immodest enough to push someone over the edge. Rather we should “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
In answering the question “What does it mean to be modest?” I believe it means putting what God wants above what we want. It also means submitting ourselves completely to God and becoming what He wants us to be.