THE SEARCH FOR BIBLICAL AND CULTURALLY ACCEPTABLE MODESTY

The clash between modern modesty standards for women and biblical modesty often arises from differences in interpretation, cultural context, and societal norms.

 In many cases, modern modesty focuses on aspects like avoiding overly revealing clothing or dressing in a way that doesn’t draw undue attention to one’s body.

This can vary greatly depending on cultural and personal beliefs therefore giving one a sense of freedom to pick and choose what is suitable for their confidence levels.

 I often hear this saying among women which is used in many scenarios “my body my choice” forgetting that the bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 19-20 “Do you know that your bodies are temples 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.”  so, no sis His body, your submission to His will. 

On the other hand, biblical modesty is often associated with passages from religious texts that advise modesty in dress and behaviour, but interpretations can vary widely.

 Some interpret these passages more strictly, advocating for specific dress codes, while others view modesty as a broader concept that encompasses humility, integrity, and respect for oneself and others.

Where do I feel cultural/modern modesty gets it wrong in terms of fashion choices?

1. Revealing Clothing: Many modern fashion trends emphasize revealing clothing, such as low-cut tops, short skirts, or tight-fitting attire, which may contradict the biblical principle of modesty which I too fell victim to these trends at one point.

The Bible often encourages modesty in dress, advocating for clothing that covers the body modestly and avoids drawing undue attention to oneself but rather to be a representation of the body of Christ that is pure and of sound dressing

that won’t draw others from Christ when they meet you with thoughts and intentions.

• Sexualization: Some modern fashion trends sexualize women’s bodies, objectifying them for the purpose of attracting attention or promoting certain ideals of beauty and yet scripture reminds us in Proverbs 31 vs30 reminds us that “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”.

 This can conflict with biblical principles that value individuals for their inner qualities rather than their outward appearance.

 With some feminist calling this empowering but if we look at this from the eye of Christ it only sends a wrong message to society especially men as they are visual human beings and some body parts should only be reserved for the eye of a husband.

• Immodesty in Advertising: Fashion advertising often features images that portray women in provocative or suggestive poses, which may go against biblical teachings on modesty and respect for oneself and others.

These images can contribute to a culture that prioritizes physical appearance over inner character.

• Materialism and Vanity: The pursuit of fashion trends can sometimes lead to materialism and vanity, which are cautioned against in biblical teachings as given in Hebrew 13 vs 5 NIV which says “Keep your Lives free from the Love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.”

 When individuals place excessive importance on outward appearances or possessions, they may neglect more meaningful aspects of life

 such as spiritual growth and compassion for others as their heart may turn more to people pleasing rather than how God sees them and aiming to please Him instead.

• Peer Pressure: Romans 12vs2 clearly states in the NIV that “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Peer pressure to conform to certain fashion trends or standards of beauty can lead individuals to compromise their values or beliefs about modesty.

 In a culture where image and appearance are highly valued, it can be challenging to maintain a commitment to modesty as defined by biblical principles

And that’s why it is very vital as a believer to look up scripture first before proceeding with anything as it serves as a manual guide to a Christ like lifestyle.

And how does the biblical modesty get it wrong?

1Timothy 2 vs 9-10 NIV “I also want the woman to dress modesty, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or peals or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

The misuse of 1 Timothy 2:9-10 regarding modesty within the Christian community is a topic of contention and debate.

Some argue that these verses have been misinterpreted or selectively emphasized to impose rigid standards of dress and behavior

Particularly on women, while neglecting the broader context and message of the passage.

A famous quote I once read that stuck with me over the years, “a relationship with God should be personal but not private.

Personal in the sense that you should be able seek understanding and reason regarding certain aspects of your life from Him which may only be applicable to you

in some cases, but not private in the sense that the love of God and transformation that he has done in our lives should never be kept private and sharing our testimonies

 Not only helps grow his kingdom with new believers but also overpowers the plans of the enemy, Revelation 12 vs 11 “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony

The bible doesn’t not specify on which clothing is right or wrong for the believer and that’s when wisdom to discern comes in which can only be achieved by having a personal relationship with God.

Selective Application: There is often inconsistency in how these verses are applied within different Christian communities. While there may be strict adherence to rules about women’s attire

Other aspects of the passage, such as the call for good works and godliness, may receive less emphasis.

 I think lets all agree that yes private areas should not be revealed or be the focus point of attention with our clothing choices

but then we should also learn to agree as a Christian community that dress code should be based on the relationship one has with God and the conviction

they receive from God over certain clothing choices. It is very common for a lot of Christians to preach or advice from a place of conviction and not what the word of God truly states and therefore in some cases even twisting scripture to fit their explanation.”

 So, example, I have some clothing choices that I feel convicted by the Holy Spirit when I wear them based on my past experiences with them and the heart and mind posture

 I had when I chose to wear them back in the day not that they are stimulating to the sexual eye in any way no

While I’m thankful for how the Lord has delivered me from my obsession with them it will be very unchristian for me to begin to advice my fellow Christ woman not to wear them based on a personal conviction/ instruction I received from God.   

1. Legalism: Some interpretations of these verses focus excessively on outward appearances and specific rules about clothing and adornment.

 This legalistic approach can lead to judgmental attitudes and a preoccupation with external appearances rather than genuine spiritual growth and character development.

I see this in a lot of Christian Churches where the focus tends to more on the woman’s outward appearance than her inward appearance.

 Yes, it’s correct to a certain degree to preach modesty in Churches but if it preached from a place of standards that only certain appearances are accepted in the kingdom of God then that defeats the entire purpose of modesty.

 Another famous quote in the Christian community “Give God your heart and He will change your habits”

a serious question we need to ask ourselves as believers is that what good is it for a person particularly a woman in this case to dress correctly according to Christian standards but still have their heart long for a worldly lifestyle.

Overall, while modern fashion trends may clash with biblical principles on modesty, individuals can strive to find a balance that Honors both their personal convictions and cultural norms.

 This may involve making conscious choices about clothing and appearance that reflect one’s values and beliefs, even in the face of societal pressure.

 And rather than having the desire to correct a woman’s fashion choices with the dos and don’ts of Christian fashion rather focus on helping them have a personal relationship with God and trust me their convictions of lifestyle and clothing choices will follow.