As Christians, modesty should define us all. The problem is we are living in a world that is becoming more and more immodest all the time, and the world can have a huge influence on us if we are not careful. So then, it should be our purpose to be modest in all aspects of our lives. One area where our modesty should stand out is in our dress. While the immodesty of the world can be seen in many different areas, it is never more obvious than in the way people dress today. But, as Christians, we should not conform to the world (Romans 12:2). I know there is pressure, especially for young Christians, to dress like everybody else, but we must not be ashamed to be different. Instead of conforming to the world, we must follow the standard set forth in the Word of God.

1 Timothy 2:9 (KJV)
⁹ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety… “

This passage applies, at least in principle, to men as well as women. We should all adorn ourselves in modest apparel. The word modest means, “Respectable, orderly, honorable, and virtuous” (Complete Biblical Library). That certainly does not describe the kind of dress that we see in society today, but it should describe us. The word shamefacedness means, “bashfulness, i.e. (towards men), or (towards God) awe or reverence (Strong). So, in a world in which wearing clothes that are almost pornographic is commonplace, we should demonstrate a degree of bashfulness when it comes to our attire. We should wear clothes that cover up as much as possible, not reveal as much as possible, and we should do so without shame.

Another definition of modesty is, “The quality of behaving in ways that do not attract attention” (Webster’s Dictionary). Ladies, when you show too much skin, you are drawing attention to yourself. Men, when you go outside shirtless, you are drawing attention to yourself. That is dressing immodestly. Pants hanging low are immodest. Orange hair with spikes on top is immodest. Too tight jeans are immodest. Low-cut blouses are immodest. Short shorts or too short skirts (shorts or skirts that expose the thighs) are immodest. And, I should point out that overdressing can be immodest as well. Wearing way too much makeup is immodest, and so is wearing too much jewelry.

1 Timothy 2:9 (HCSB)
⁹ Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel.

Paul is not condemning pretty hairstyles, jewelry, or nice clothes, in general, but was dealing with a practice of his day. Some women would braid their hair with all kinds of gaudy and expensive jewelry in a vain show of wealth and beauty. They would wear expensive clothing as a means of, not only drawing attention to themselves, but to outdo each other. That type of vanity and immodesty should be avoided as much as underdressing.

Do not ever be ashamed of dressing modestly. Yes, some might make fun of your style of dress. Modesty might not be the “cool” way to go. It might not even be the way you prefer to dress. But remember, we are Christians who answer to a higher power than the world, or even than ourselves. We will someday answer to God, and He is the one with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:13).

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.