What comes to mind when you hear the word "modesty"?

For many people, it immediately brings to mind women's clothing. Some think of sermons encouraging women to cover up, while others believe clothing has little to do with modesty at all. As fashion has changed over the decades; from dresses and skirts being the norm to today's wide variety of styles; opinions about what modesty looks like have become increasingly divided, even among Christians.

But perhaps we've been asking the wrong question. Instead of asking, "How much skin can I show without crossing a line?" a better question is, "Does the way I dress reflect my desire to honor God and the value He has placed on me?"

Scripture consistently calls believers to pursue humility, self-control, and honoring God in every area of life; including the way we present ourselves. The Bible reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Because God treats us with dignity and calls us His own, our desire should be to treat ourselves with that same dignity.

Ultimately, modesty begins in the heart. It's not simply about following a dress code or checking off a list of rules. It's about having a heart that wants to honor God in every area of life. When our hearts are focused on Christ, our choices; including the way we dress; naturally become a reflection of that desire.

References

Biblica. (2011). Holy Bible, New International Version. Zondervan.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20, New International Version, 2011)

(1 Timothy 2:9–10, New International Version, 2011)

(1 Peter 3:3–4, New International Version, 2011)

(Romans 12:1–2, New International Version, 2011)