The Christian and Modesty

Even if the weather may be somewhat cold right now, it is always an appropriate time to discuss the issue of the Christian and modesty. We must constantly strive to remove the worldly influences from among us.

We are told by Paul in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Peter in 1 Peter 3:1-4:

Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness.

In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. And let not your adornment be merely external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

We can see in these verses the need for modesty, and to present ourselves as different from the standards of the world. Simply put, it is completely inappropriate for a Christian to be found on the beach wearing a bathing suit today. Adam and Eve were considered naked when they wore as much (Genesis 3:10)! Unfortunately, many today do not wish to see this, and by doing so sin while causing others to sin also.

God has very good reasons for requiring modesty of His children, especially those who are females. Men have a penchant for being very visual creatures, and are easily provoked to lust by the sight of a woman, which is sin (Matthew 5:28). This truth presents the answer for the oft-asked question, "exactly what is modest versus what is not?" Examine yourself: if you believe that someone could be provoked to lust by what you are wearing, do not wear it! Fathers, examine your daughters, and make sure that what they wear is appropriate; same goes with husbands and wives.

Skin is "in" these days. Unfortunately, everywhere we seem to look, that is all we see: on magazine covers, on TV, on the coasts of this country and in many other places, we are bombarded with images designed to invoke lust. This attitude has so permeated our society that many Christians attempt to justify or "get around" modesty in order to "fit in" with the world. We must not do this (Romans 12:2)! The use of shorts is contested, with some believing that no matter what, they should not be worn, and others being more tolerant of them. Regardless, shorts should always cover the knees-- even while seated! The same rule should apply to skirts, as this will minimize the chances of being found immodest.

Are these guidelines in the Scriptures? No; however, any right-thinking Christian, looking to His Word to determine what he or she should be doing (per Romans 14:23), and not what he should not do, will find that these will be of great assistance in conforming to the doctrine of godliness by being modest. The right-thinking Christian will remember that the issue behind modesty is the fight against sin, so that others will not be provoked to lust. By having this mentality, a good Christian will never be immodest, and will continue to remain a light of righteousness in a dark, sensual world (Matthew 5:14-16).

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

Interpreting the Scriptures

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing--if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control, (1 Timothy 2:11-15 ESV).

1. What are the instructions that Paul gives to Timothy?
2. What is the reasoning that Paul uses to justify the instructions?
3. Through what specific thing will a woman be saved according to the text?
4. What other conditions are necessary for the woman to be saved?
5. Do you think that we, as Christians today, should accept all of these instructions and follow them? Why or why not?

(Further discussion of these matters may be found here.)

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies!

Our location:

386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

Our assemblies:

Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm

Our Bible studies:

Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am
Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm

For More Information

If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org.

Please click here to return to the 2006 archive of Good News for Norwalk, or click here to return to the main page of Good News for Norwalk. Thanks!