MODESTY

In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in MODEST apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing – 1 Timothy 2:9

MODESTY is often used with reference to women’s dress, and has been almost exclusively attached to this, but it means much more. Paul used the word kosmios to describe the respectable or modest manner in which a woman should present herself (1Tim.2:9-10). Kosmios is related to the word cosmos which connotes orderliness and propriety: “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behaviour, hospitable, able to teach” (1Tim.3:2). Here, among the qualities required to be overseers is modesty, translated “of good behaviour” or “respectable.” Clearly, modesty is not just a woman’s issue; it is a human issue. This virtue is deeper and weightier than the superficiality of dressing. It applies to both men and women. Men have every bit of opportunity to be modest or immodest as do women. The Bible’s definition of modesty focuses on the heart and motives. To live modestly is to display what is orderly and proper.

Modesty is the offspring of Humility – the proper evaluation of self, with sober judgment (Rom.12:3). Modesty is behavior that flows out of remembering your true place of service: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil.2:3-4). Modesty does not vainly boast about self, but boasts in God: “…He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (2Cor.10:17). Our manner and appearance should be so empty of self that others don’t have to make an effort to forget what we wore, or our particular hairstyle, or what stuff we possess. Modesty in dress is a subset of the true modesty that needs to be addressed. Both Paul and Peter instructed women to not be excessive in their dress so that no adornment outshines the beauty and act of modesty: doing good (1Tim.2:10). Modesty, in essence, is to put on Christ: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts” (Rom.13:14).

Modesty relates to Identity: it reveals where you’ve placed your identity. The immodest person tries to arrogantly declare his social status, value or identity with flamboyant attire. Are you going about boasting in yourself? We live in an identity-addicted society in which people strive to put their tastes and acquisitions on display so that everyone knows who they are. They’re told to accentuate their assets, stand up for and express themselves. Social media is the modern ‘megaphone’ that announces people’s identity and helps them to covertly brag about their beliefs, body, culture, experiences, family, fantasies, insecurities, relationships, possessions, politics, and sexuality. Some are even modestly immodest. How? By dressing “immodestly” in subtle ways to attract accolades, approval, and attention to their “modesty”! Conversely, real Christians prefer to fade into the background, serving the needs of others, asking Jesus to take center stage. We can be freed to have a truly modest life, and cause the world to wonder why we’re not fighting for social status and incidental preferences.

We are called to make Christ our Identity. It’s easy to see your immodesty when you contrast it with the witness of the Lord. There was no fuss over His physical appearance (Isa.53:2). He laid down his life for those less important than Him (Jh.10:11). He expressed only what the Father instructed (Jh.12:49). Yet, He was and is God! Our Lord and Master Jesus is the Model of Modesty. He did not manifest as the flashy military leader the Jews expected. The whole world was made by and through Him, yet He made Himself of no reputation (Phil. 2:5-8). The fullness of His modesty was displayed as He was lifted up, raw and naked, on the Cross. His testimony is a challenge to our faith: Does your life proclaim Him? Are you always determined to be noticed; or Are you willing to let your presence here on earth only serve to draw attention to Him? You can be so liberated from human approval and applause that the world begins to wonder as they see Christ in YOU!