By Miss Ginelle V. - 2010 Essay Contest Runner Up
What is modesty? According to the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary, modesty is, among other things, “propriety in dress, speech or conduct.” Nowadays when we discuss modesty, it is usually in relation to what one wears. In fact, the only time we discuss modesty at all is in relation to how immodest our society has become. Does anyone even really know what modesty looks like anymore? How can we possibly know true modesty in our ever changing world?
The only way we can truly know the right standard of modesty is by looking at the place where the standard never changes: God’s word. There are a few verses that show exactly what God thinks of modesty and of those who are immodest. For example, Proverbs 11:22 says, “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discression.” As unflattering as this verse is, it presents an undeniable truth: no matter how beautiful a woman is, she loses the respect of those around her when she dresses herself immodestly. Another verse that supports the wearing of modest apparel is 1 Timothy 2:9-10, which says, “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.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 says almost the same thing: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” God is very clear on the subject: modesty is very important and any woman that professes Christ is to be known as a modest woman.
Why should we, as women, be modest? Does it really matter? Well, the first and foremost reason we should be modest is that God has commanded us to. There are other reasons to be modest, though. Men are created differently than women are. A man’s reaction will be completely different than that of a woman when seeing a shirt that crawls up the back or pants that are slightly too low. Also if the young man entertains his thoughts, he will be lusting and therefore sinning. God holds accountable those that cause others to sin. We can also cause girls around us to sin too. We are constantly being watched by those younger than us. We are their role models and what we wear is what they will want to wear. Matthew 5:19 says that if we sin and teach others to sin, we will be the least in heaven. Finally, the clothes we wear are a testimony to non-Christians. As Christians, we are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16). If we dress like the rest of the world, how will they know we are different than them? As girls, we have a great deal of responsibility concerning the clothing we wear.
Some may say, “Well, modesty is good but the condition of my heart is much more important.” Of course it is! John Stott says, “The church should be a veritable beauty parlour, because it encourages its women members to adorn themselves with good deeds. Women need to remember that if nature has made them plain, grace can make them beautiful, and if nature has made them beautiful, good deeds can add to their beauty.” But the clothes you wear reflects the condition of your heart. Matthew Henry says, “Women who profess the Christian religion should be modest, sober, silent, and submissive. They must be very modest in their apparel, (you may read the vanity of a person’s mind in the gaiety and gaudiness of his habit), because they have better ornaments with which they should adorn themselves.” What you wear also affects your testimony. Matthew Henry, commenting on 1 Peter 3:3-4, says, “Religious people should take care that all their external behaviour be answerable to their profession. The outward adorning of the body is very often sensual and excessive. The attire of a harlot can never become a chaste Christian matron.” Always remember that what is in your heart is reflected by your actions.
In conclusion, I believe that modesty is a vital part of being a Christian woman. It is one of the most evident parts of your testimony. Most importantly, however, you are obeying God and submitting one more part of your life to Him.
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