Modesty :: A Matter of the Heart

Often times, I have wondered :: what exactly is true modesty?? What are my guidelines?? And what goes into having a truly modest appearance??

I find that true modesty is not found in a man made set of rules, regulations or guidelines, but springs forth in a heart living for Christ. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says~ “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.”

In the absence of biblical convictions, most people find them selves going the way of culture. This is true even in the realm of modesty. Most young woman these days think that beauty is found in the most revealing outfit, or the latest fashion—the way of culture. But the bible says that true beauty is found in a gentle, quiet, or in other words; a modest spirit.

Modesty is like a tree, rooted in purity, branching forth in many aspects of our lives. A few of these branches include the way we dress and the way we act.

Our Dress represents our heart. If we dress ourselves in immodest clothes, we are displaying an impure heart. But if we dress in modest apparel then we reveal a virtuous heart.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says~ “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body...”

Honor God with your body! We need to glorify God in every thing we do, including the way we dress. Dressing modestly not only represents Christ, but :: you, your family, your parents and your Christian community.

The way we act also represents Christ. Once I was grocery shopping with my Mother. We were on the ice cream isle, picking out some family favorites. A little ways from us was a young girl yelling at her Grandmother in a very disrespectful voice, demanding that she get the ice cream she wanted. As I watched, I made an assumption right there, from her speech and clothes that she was not a Christian.

On another occasion, I and my sister were patiently waiting while my mom was getting her hair done. We were talking, and laughing, and having a pleasant little conversation. Soon, it was time to go. When at the desk to pay, the young woman working there complimented Mother saying “What well behaved children you have!”

What we learn from these two examples is that we are being watched and labeled, even though we may not know it. I labeled that young girl ‘Unchristian’ just by observing her conduct. The woman at the salon labeled my sister and I ‘Well behaved’ just by encountering our actions in a brief amount of time.

We need to set a Christ-like example for others by behaving and dressing in a modest and discreet fashion. Remember, we are royalty! We are the princess’ in Gods kingdom, and we are representing Him. We need to let him shine forth, take over our lives and transform us ::

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, 

are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, 

which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

~ 2 Corinthians  3:18 ~