Does Modesty Matter?

Photo by: Serge Bertasius Photography, Free Digital Photos

I see the pictures on social media. I read the posts. I look at the pins.

It’s summer!

• Girls in strappy, skimpy tops that show just enough to inspire interest.
• Girls in shorts of every description, showing off long, tanned legs.
• Girls in short skirts playing golf—and bending over to pick up the balls.
• Girls in strapless bridesmaids dresses, brides in strapless gowns.
• Girls in leggings and skinny jeans, showing every curve of their bodies.
• Girls in bathing suits.
• Girls in short dresses, low dresses, sleeveless that shows more than just the arm . . . .

Times have changed.

Does modesty matter any more?

Should we care?

God cares.

Read 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.

Let’s look at the words used in these verses to see what they really mean.* 

• Adorn = put in order, make ready, prepare
• Modest = of good behavior, seemly, modest
• Shamefacedness = a sense of shame or honor, modesty, reverence, regard for others, respect
• Sobriety = soundness of mind, self-control

Okay, from the definitions, we get the ideas of getting ready (putting on clothes) in a way that suggests honor, modesty, respect for others, and self-control.

Let’s look at the rest of the passage. It says we’re not to go overboard with hairstyles, jewelry, or costly clothing. This probably implies we are moderate. This is in keeping with other passages about women’s clothing and demeanor.

Notice what comes next. It tells us whom Christian girls and women should copy, when it comes to how we dress. Do you see it? We’re to copy godly women!

Do you know a truly godly woman? I’m speaking of one who reads and studies her Bible, one who glows with the joy of the Lord, one who epitomizes all that is godly and good in a woman.

If you do, think of this woman and answer the following questions:

• What adjectives could you use to describe her clothing?
• How does she dress for sports?
• How does she dress at church?
• How does she dress for everyday activities?
• How does she fix her hair?
• What kinds of jewelry and accessories does she wear?

If you have several godly women in mind, what is common about the way they dress?

Do they show a lot of skin? Would they wear the items listed at the beginning of the post: strappy tops, shorts, short skirts, strapless gowns, tight leggings, short dresses, low tops?

No. A godly woman—one who truly wants to please God—dresses with taste, but she covers her body. She doesn’t put everything on display, not even in the summertime.

Our fashion models are these godly ladies. They please God. Dress matters to Him!

Why does it matter? Because God wants us to represent Him in our lives. God wants us to be walking witnesses for Him.

When a girl or woman is running around in skimpy clothing, anyone who sees her won’t exactly be thinking “godly.” It’s as simple as that.

Do you love God?

It’s important to be modest.

(See also Proverbs 31:22 and 1 Peter 3:3-6.)

* Definitions from Greek, Online Bible.