Modesty is a Biblical principle that applies to virtually every aspect of the Christian life. It is grounded in a Christian’s genuine humility which results from correctly evaluating his position before a holy God and his own sinfulness. Modesty is the internal attitude and external presentation of cross-centered humility.
The Greek word kosmios is translated “modest” in 1 Timothy 2:9, and also appears in 1 Timothy 3:2, where it is translated “good behavior.” The meaning of the word describes that which is orderly, decorous, and of good behavior. Two other important words accompany “modest” in 1 Timothy 2:9. The first, “shamefacedness” carries the meaning of awe, reverence, and respectfulness. The second, “sobriety” denotes sober mindedness. The perspective of modesty that emerges from these three words is an attitude and behavior that are orderly and appropriate and exhibit reverence and self-control. These qualities do not operate in isolation. They are grounded in the truth of the gospel and the believer’s gospel identity.
Prior to conversion everyone is lost in sin and under the control of Satan. The only hope is to be saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of the work of Jesus Christ, believers experience forgiveness of sins and the new birth. As a result of being redeemed by the blood of Christ, believers are no longer their own and as temples of the Holy Ghost they are to glorify God in their body and spirit which are God’s.
The compelling conclusion of this realization is to humbly acknowledge the unspeakable gift of salvation through the grace of God and to live accordingly (1 Corinthians 4:7). When a person genuinely appreciates their condition before the absolute holiness of God and their own sinfulness, the only appropriate response is deep contrition and humility. The reality of salvation constitutes the standard for the orderliness, decorum, reverence, and self-control that characterize Christian modesty.
Modesty means our attitudes and behavior will be self-effacing and free from self-promotion and ostentatious display. It is the mature realization that every facet of the believer’s life is meant to express and exalt the Lord Jesus Christ.
Modesty in all of life has powerful implications. Before a holy God, modesty is the response of humility in the light of the cross that results in a life of faithful obedience to the will of God. In relation to oneself, modesty speaks to the personal purity and integrity that comes from a Christ-exalting mindset and manner of life. Christian modesty also acknowledges that believers live in community and are called to live in consideration of the spiritual welfare of others. Before the unbelieving world modesty expresses that salvation is all about God. Therefore, life is lived in the realization that He must be consistently testified to by how one thinks, lives, and presents themselves.
While modesty applies to all of life, it is perhaps most often thought of in terms of personal appearance. We have already seen that modesty is much more that a single aspect of life, but reflecting on personal appearance will illustrate the comprehensive implications of Christian modesty.
Modern culture prioritizes self-promotion in the popular ethos. This is as true of clothing as any other aspect of culture. Self-promotion, visual appeal, and the increasing acceptance of nakedness characterize modern fashion – especially for women. This mindset objectifies women and creates a standard of acceptance based on carnal lust.
In the face of this cultural malady the Bible is clear that women, especially Christian women, are to adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, and are to avoid superficial adornments such as broided hair, gold, pearls, and costly array. Instead, godly women are to adorn themselves with good works (see 1 Timothy 2:9-10). That is, women are to adorn themselves in a manner that is reverently suitable to the reality of their Christian identity. The relevance of this passage to modesty in all of life is clear: the passage is meant to be obeyed as God’s directive to women professing godliness. The prohibition against nakedness began in the garden of Eden when God covered the nakedness of Adam and Eve after the fall. The transcendent point for today is that what God says should be covered in a sinful world, is not meant to be uncovered in any culture.
In personal terms immodesty sends a message that what a person sees in the presentation is the best, or most attractive feature of the person presenting themselves. If the best a woman (or man) has to offer is their fleshly appearance, it indicates there is nothing deeper involved with that person. God is clear that this is the wrong approach. The Apostle Peter teaches Christian women that external adornment is neither valuable nor acceptable before God. Instead, it is “… the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price.” (1 Peter 3:1-4). Immodesty is not only disobedience to God, but it effectively compromises a person’s purity and integrity.
Believers live in community, and immodesty within the community of believers stimulates temptations of lust or envy in others that is not a blessing to them. It is unfortunate that Godly men are moved by such carnal enticements, but the reality of a fallen world is that we all contend with the flesh and must be mindful to guard against lust. Modesty requires that the life choices Christians make are calculated to bless, not damage fellow believers.
The unbelieving world needs to hear and see the clear testimony of Jesus Christ. That message is obscured when God’s people present themselves in a manner more consistent with the ungodly culture and not in the reverent self-control of Christian modesty. Modesty of heart and behavior that clearly expresses the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His gracious offer of salvation provides the consistent testimony appropriate for God’s people and necessary for the redemption of lost souls.