Modest Apparel

by David Bramhall

When we think of modest apparel, let us understand that this is not a matter of choice, but a command of God. God has revealed how we are to dress and if we are to be pleasing in his sight, we must do as he commands. In I Timothy 2:9, we are told that women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefastness and sobriety. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines modesty as “orderly, well-arranged, decent.” Vine goes on to add that it is not only the outward dress and demeanor which are important, but also the inward spirit and how we use it to conduct our lives. Shamefastness is “a sense of shame, modesty, is used regarding the demeanor of women in the church, 1 Tim. 2:9 … Shamefastness is that modesty which is ‘fast’ or rooted in the character” (Vine, IV:17). Sobriety is “soundness of mind … sound judgment …” (Vine, IV:44).

Today, the child of God must reject much of the clothing that is accepted by society. The world will think us strange for not going to the same extremes in the way the world will dress, but one who has died to sin and been raised in Christ will seek to please God and not man. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:3-4, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” The world accepts shorts, halter tops, swim suits, low cut blouses, see-through clothing, tight clothing, and other types of revealing apparel, but the child of God seeking to dress modestly and with shamefastness will not run with the world by wearing such clothing.

There is a great temptation to follow fashions and styles. This is not wrong if those styles or fashions are consistent with godliness. The Christian however, must not allow the world be his or her guide in the way they dress. In I John 2:15-17, we are told not to love the world or the things in it. We should blush at even the thought of dressing ungodly. When we get to the point that sin does not make us ashamed (shamefastness), that is when we will fall (cf. Jeremiah 6:15). Worldly things are temporary, but those who obey the will of God will abide forever. If we truly love the Lord, we will be obedient to his commandments (John 14:15). In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world and it is our responsibility to let our lights shine before others. We must study God’s Word diligently, but not stop there (II Timothy 2:15). Let us take what we learn and practice it. It is our duty as Christians to be an example to those around us (I Timothy 4:12). How will people in the world know we are Christians unless the proper example is set before them?

We must also be aware of what others see in us when choosing our dress. Our clothes do send a message. As Christians, we are to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). In II Peter 3:10-12, the apostle Peter writes about the coming of the Lord and what will take place (verse 10). In verse 11, Peter asks, “Since all these things are to be destroyed … what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” The words “holy conduct” mean to be “set apart,” that is to be set apart from the world. Those of the world do not believe these things will happen. Christians who believe this are to have their conduct to be HOLY, because they know that this will happen and we must be ready. The only way for us to be ready is to have our conduct “set apart.” If the Christian dresses in apparel that is of the world, that is the low cut blouse, halter top, the short shorts or the see through top, are they, the Christian, set apart? When walking down the street, through a shopping center or seated while dressed immodestly, what message is being sent? The message is that we are not any different. That is not being set apart, or holy in conduct. In I Corinthians 6:19-20, we are told that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we belong to God. We should use our bodies to glorify God and not to shame him. Not only does God want us to do those things that are pleasing to him, but also for our own good (Deuteronomy 6:24). I Peter 3:2-5 tells us that we are to be chaste, or pure, in our conduct. We are not to be overly concerned with outward beauty, for God looks at the inner spirit. God expects us to have a gentle and quiet spirit, not boisterous or loud.

As Christians, we must strive to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2). This will mean that we will give up wearing immodest clothes, which are popular in the eyes of the world. Considering the sacrifice God made on our behalf and the reward that God has for those who love him, this truly is a small sacrifice. Modest dress is a must for the child of God.