Modesty

What is modesty?  In today's culture you're considered modest if you don't show off everything to everyone.  But what really is modesty according to the Scriptures?  Does the Bible say anything about 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,  but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works."
1 Timothy 2:9-10

The Lord specifically notes that the women are to be dressed in "modest apparel...which is proper for women professing godliness...".  We're to look different from the rest of the world.  When people meet you what do they see first?  Your outside; your clothing, your make-up, your lipstick, etc.  Shouldn't our outside portray the inside?  If we're modest, humble servants of Christ wouldn't that show up in the way we dress?

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
1 Peter 3:3-4 

Not only do I believe modesty is important to God but also to our brothers in Christ.  I think far too often sisters in Christ unintentionally cause their brothers to stumble by their lack of modesty.  Our bodies are to be used for the glory of God [Romans 12:1] not for the admiration and lust of men.  We need to be so careful, my sisters, in what we wear and how we wear it!

Websters 1828 dictionary defines modesty as: "moderation; decency; Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor."

Modesty not only honors God and our brothers but also ourselves.  Men will be blessed by your attempt to assist them in their desire for mental purity.  We will be blessed by their honorable treatment of us.  And God will be blessed and honored by your desire to follow His way in regards to modesty.

See below for some resources that have helped me in my search for modesty:

The Holy Bible- research modesty/clothing/purity and see what the Lord shows you!
The Modesty Survey - This site has helped my sisters and I really understand what men think and why!
Beautiful Girlhood - This book taught me that true beauty is on the inside not the out!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah