Concerning Modesty

As I sit here at my desk wearing a warm sweatshirt and looking at the thermometer, it says that it is about 14 degrees outside.  Why, then, would I want to compose an article on the subject of modesty when it is absolutely freezing outside?[1] Simply because people are not emotionally invested in their summer wardrobe (or lack thereof) during the winter months and hopefully will be willing to consider what the Scriptures have to say concerning modesty and the attitudes that surround it.

Many articles on this topic seek to define specific lengths for pants, skirts, etc, but we will examine the attitudes that surround true modesty.  What does our clothing state about our godliness? Are we seeking to be close to God and to profess godliness (1 Timothy 2:10), or are we professing a rebellious attitude of “you can’t tell me what to wear” (2 Timothy 3:8-9)?

Generally speaking, people will not go to answer their door when they are in their underwear because that would be both inappropriate and embarrassing; in other words, it is embarrassing for the postal worker or the UPS man to see an individual in their underwear.  However, many, many people (including some Christians) flood the beach every year and parade around in less clothing than what they would typically consider their underclothing, but this is not embarrassing to them.  Why is that?

How often do you hear fellow Christians (or perhaps you have said it yourself) that are going on vacation during the summer say that they just cannot wait to wear their new swimsuit, or that they just purchased a new pair of shorts, etc? When questioned about the impropriety of such clothing, the response typically goes as follows: “I don’t FORCE anyone to look at my body!”  Or, perhaps, they say that since the Bible does not give a specific length for pants, shirts, or skirts that you cannot either.  True, the Bible does not state a specific length, nor does it specifically state that we are not to wear bikinis, swimsuits, shorts, or short skirts.  However, the Bible does address both propriety and moderation, both of which are meant to profess godliness.

Consider what 1 Timothy 2:8-10 teaches us concerning modesty: we are to be holy, which speaks to our character and our attitude concerning our obedience of God.  We also learn that there are two sides of immodesty: propriety and moderation.  Propriety is “conformity to established standards of good or proper behavior or manners” and the “appropriateness to the purpose or circumstances; suitability.”[2]  Moderation is “the quality of being moderate; restraint; avoidance of extremes or excesses; temperance.”[3]  While many people may argue that culture defines what is appropriate and that being at the beach dictates that a bikini is appropriate, note that both “propriety” and “moderation” are tied directly to another very specific term that is to guide the attitude behind our dress and behavior: godliness.  The passage does not say that we are to be guided by what is deemed appropriate by our current culture, but rather by “professing godliness,” which is timeless. 

So, 1 Timothy 2:8-10 is only addressing the ladies, correct? Actually, Paul ties both men and women together in this attitude of professing godliness by saying “…in like manner also” at the beginning of 2:9.  Men are to be as concerned about modesty as women are to be and we, through our (un)dress can portray an attitude not professing godliness.

What we wear on the outside is directly connected to what we are on the inside.  Often, people complain because they choose to dress or undress in a certain manner, then are labeled by others as being a certain type of person; this is because of the fact that who we are on the inside dictates how we act and how we dress.  Consider 1 Peter 3:1-6 where we are taught that adornment is not to be concentrated on the outward, but rather on the inward.  Our clothing should reflect the beauty of the incorruptible spirit that is within us.  We are taught through this passage that the attitude of modesty begins with a chaste spirit and that there are many godly women throughout the Bible that expressed this particular attitude.  What does this lead the Christian to do? Have the proper attitude and mindset (Philippians 4:8-9).  What is the point of all of this? To be precious in the sight of God, which shows respect to God, to our fellow Christians, and to ourselves.  By doing this, we keep ourselves pure and holy so that we can receive a greater reward than being able to wear inappropriate clothing. 

Unfortunately, many Christians today advocate the concept of a “grey area” in our service to God, especially concerning modesty.  The “grey area” is when someone tries to get as close to some imagined line of sin as possible without “falling in.”  How short can we wear our pants or skirts before crossing the line into immodesty? Is this the appropriate attitude for a Christian to have? How close can I get to Satan before he takes my soul? In order to create a “grey area,” we have to mix light and darkness together, which we are explicitly told in the Scriptures cannot happen with God (1 John 1:5).  How can we advocate a “grey area” in our obedience when there is no darkness in God? If we attempt to walk as close to some imaginary, self-proclaimed line of sin without going over it, then we have already crossed it with our attitude of rebellion.  Romans 8:5-6 tells us that there are two mindsets: one is concentrated on the spiritual while the other is concentrated on the carnal.  If our goal is to accentuate the importance of the most recent immodest clothing trends rather than professing godliness, then our mindset is obviously carnal rather than spiritual. 

How does our (un)dress impact our brethren? As state previously, many people argue that they don’t force anyone to look at their body by wearing inappropriate clothing, therefore the blame must fall solely upon the other person’s shoulders.  What do the Scripture say concerning this attitude? John 13:34 teaches us that we are to love one another as Christ has loved us and Hebrews 10:24 tells us that we are to consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.  How can we possibly fulfill either of these passages if we cause others to stumble spiritually because of the way we dress (Luke 17:1-2)? Our goal is to love one another and aid one another in reaching the mutual goal of Heaven.  How can we consciously do something that is carnal because it makes us “happy” when we know that harms the mindset of others?

Finally, what does our modesty/immodesty say about how we respect ourselves? As was written in 1 Peter 3, our attire reflects our inward character.  When we dress inappropriately and defend such, we disrespect not only God and our fellow Christians, we disrespect ourselves.  We are to keep ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27), be pure in both action and thought (2 Timothy 2:22), and have purified hearts (1 Peter 1:22).  After considering such passages, it is impossible to honestly advocate immodest apparel.

So, as we conclude, consider that in Proverbs 7 we learn that there is attire that is “appropriate” for a harlot and that it provokes thoughts and feelings in the opposite sex that are improper.  The world understands this concept and that clothing insinuates something about the wearer, but it seems that many Christians deny this fact.  If what we wear ought not have an impact on the opposite sex, then why is there “special clothing” utilized in the marriage relationship? We need to stop being both selfish and carnally minded, and concern ourselves with the care and well-being of our fellow Christians.  Set aside emotional arguments and honestly ask yourself if you are seeking to dress in a manner professing your godliness?

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[1] Please note that the Scriptures deal with moderation in connection to modesty as well, but that is beyond the scope of this particular article

[2] propriety. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/propriety (accessed: January 07, 2015).

[3] moderation. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/moderation (accessed: January 07, 2015).