by Bruce Reeves
Synopsis: While immodesty is rampant in today's culture, Bruce exhorts us to recognize the need for modest and proper attire.
It is impossible to change a life, family, or congregation that is permeated with immodesty by merely beginning with guidelines; such transformation must begin with God, Christ, and the gospel. Until God has become your treasure and the word of God is the most precious thing to you, there will be struggles with your attire. We must come to see that the gospel of Christ is what changes everything. Neither rebellion nor formalism is an acceptable approach to our sanctification and holiness when it comes to our clothing. We must preach and pray for submission to Christ, the rich indwelling of His truth, and a genuine concern for others.
Many pulpits today are silent regarding the holiness of discipleship, especially as it relates to issues surrounding modesty of dress. Yet, we must present biblical teaching on this and every issue confronting our spiritual lives. Primarily, this is due to the pressure of an ungodly culture, but we must press on in our pursuit of Christ. It is important for us to realize what we are missing out on when we fail to demonstrate modesty in our attitudes toward our clothing.
To miss out on modesty is to miss out on purity of heart. We pursue holiness and spiritual renewal through being "transformed by the renewing of our mind," rather than being "conformed to this world" (Rom. 12:1-2). The apostle warns of the danger of allowing worldly attitudes to shape our thinking and conduct (Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:23). Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8). Paul encourages us to recognize that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:14-20).
Modesty is rooted in godliness (1 Tim. 2:9). In this context, the term "modest" describes that which is respectable, honorable, well-arranged, and decent. This speaks, not only of our outward behavior but also of our inner spiritual character and life. It is worth noting that the "modesty" of this passage is a natural expression of a "claim to godliness" (1 Tim. 2:10). Your choices in clothing offer an opportunity for you to present a godly example or to denigrate your influence. Immodest dress can lead to other sins, such as sensuality and lascivious acts. Are there not parts of your body that are off limits?
Paul also uses the term "shamefacedness," referring to an attitude of reverence and respect for God within one's conscience. This indicates a sense of shame rooted in character that has been shaped by Christ. Have we lost the ability to blush (Jer. 8:12)? The term "sobriety" speaks of discerning judgment and self-control. Since modesty has several definitions, we draw ours from the biblical material—modesty is the inner self-government rooted in an understanding of one's self before God, which displays humility and purity, rather than self-glorification or self-advertisement.
There are some important questions we should ask if we will make good choices about how we dress. "Can I stand, walk, sit, kneel, and bend over, etc., in this attire without being naked by biblical standards?" "Does my clothing elicit sinful thoughts in others?" "What does my dress reveal about my character?" "What type of influence will my clothing have on those who are not Christians, or on those who are immature in the faith?"
Too often, Christians will attempt to argue that there are certain places where they can be casual about their dress, such as the gym, school functions, swimming pools, vacations, or weddings. Yet, principles of Scripture should lead us to serve God in all circumstances.
It is one thing to deal with general principles, but it is something else to make specific applications. There are multiple ways one can be immodest – such as clothing that is too short (revealing the thighs), too low off the shoulders (showing the chest and back dresses), too low in the front (showing cleavage), too sheer (revealing the underlying body), too short (such as mini-skirts, short dresses), or too tight (such as leggings that are often worn with short skirts), or too revealing (such as split dresses, backless dresses, sundresses, swimsuits, etc.).
One does not have to be completely nude to be considered naked by biblical standards. In Scripture, the phrase, "uncover nakedness," references sexual immorality (Lev. 18:6-7; 20:18). However, it also speaks of one being "scantily clothed" in the revealing of the thigh (Exod. 20:26; 28:40-43; Isa. 47:2-3; Nah. 3:5; John 21:7). While I am not saying that all of these passages serve as a rigid and authoritative dress code, I am saying that they reveal biblical principles regarding the concept of nakedness in the sight of God.
Cultural standards never serve as the proper foundation for followers of Christ. Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and throughout the New Testament was as counter-cultural in the first century as it is now. Immodesty was a staple behavior for those engaged in paganism and idolatry, but it was not acceptable behavior for Christians.
To miss out on modesty is to miss out on brotherly love. Immodesty prevents us from effectively sharing the gospel with unbelievers, it prevents us from modeling for our brethren the attitude Christ desires, and it serves as an obstacle to us leading our family in a godly way. Brotherly love makes every effort to avoid being a stumbling-block to others (Rom. 14:13; 1 Cor. 8:9-13). Jesus encourages us to strive to control our thoughts (Matt. 5:28). While I cannot control every thought in the mind of my fellow man, I can at least do my part to help him serve the Lord, rather than discourage him from the kingdom life.
The hyper-sexualized environment in which our young people live is challenging enough without believers presenting unnecessary temptations to them. Provocative clothing is meant to allure and entice others to sinful behavior (Prov. 5:3; 6:25; 7:10), but brotherly love leads us away from such conduct. Moreover, research has linked the sexualization of women with three of the most common health problems young women face: eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression.
To miss out on modesty is to miss out on the honor of marriage. There is a bond between nudity and sexuality which is to exist in marriage (Heb. 13:4; cf. Gen. 3:8, 21). To reveal one's body publicly is to betray the intimacy, holiness, and purity that is reserved for marriage. The intimacy of marriage is ordained by God and should be diligently protected by all, whether one is married or not (Matt. 19:4-6; Eph. 5:28-33; 1 Cor. 7:1-4).
To miss out on modesty is to miss out on an opportunity to lead our families in the ways of God. Husbands must take the initiative in the moral sphere of their family. All of the training of our children should not be on the shoulders of "mom," nor should she be the only one who is expected to set standards for them. It is crucial that "Dad" does not check out on his family when it comes to the spiritual directions of his children. Your family needs you to celebrate when they get it right, but they also need you to be willing to say "no." As parents, we must start early, take the lead, teach our children both by our words and conduct, strive to be consistent, and point toward Christ in all things.
Social media presents some unique challenges to our young people and their parents. There must be accountability and transparency regarding conduct via social media and in life in general. You cannot have a meaningful relationship with your children if you allow them to manipulate you into tolerating conduct that lies outside of biblical teaching. Being casual about modesty leads to being casual about God's truth in other areas.
Missing out on modesty is missing out on an opportunity to uphold the principles of Christ. It is beneficial for us all to see the opportunity before us when it comes to our attitude regarding modesty in our clothing and dress. It offers an opportunity to put God's word before our desire to fit in with the world around us (1 Pet. 1:13-18)! It is an occasion to glorify God in all we do (Col. 3:17). It is a situation in which we can demonstrate love for God, the purpose of God's grace, and love for others (1 John 4:19; John 14:15; 15:14; Rom. 13:10 Titus 2:11-14).
Author Bio: Bruce has been working with the Highway 65 church of Christ in Conway, AR for seventeen years. He and his wife, Rachel, have one child. The church website is hwy65churchofchrist.org. He can be reached at brochuck1@aol.com.
