Modesty

 “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

     Every day we make choices. The clothes we wear may not seem all that important in the grand scheme of life to anyone other than ourselves. Our clothes, however, speak volumes about us. Complete strangers may be able to surmise our gender, age, ethnicity, economic status, education, vocation, personality, and even character based upon what we wear. Employers, teachers, parents and peers will all take notice of our attire. The adornment of our bodies can either reinforce or change their ideas about each of us. The way we dress just may make the difference in obtaining a job, receiving an “A” on a school presentation, or making a good first impression and quickly earning the respect of our friends. Before we decide what we should wear tomorrow, let’s consider what God has to say on the subject of modesty.

      1 Samuel 16:7: “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Could a Christian use this verse to gloss over the subject of proper dress and modesty? Do not neglect the beginning of this verse. "As man sees" implies human beings do perceive others according to their physical appearances. We should therefore adorn ourselves outwardly to reflect our "inner man" to others. Anything else would be hypocritical. Also note that God was very concerned about the attire the High Priest would wear when appearing before Him (Exodus 28). Coming before God dressed inappropriately brought dire consequences (verse 43).

     Modesty is not only about the way we dress, but also the way we behave. 1 Peter 3:3-6:

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement."

     Peter instructs Christian ladies to adorn themselves with a meek and quiet spirit. A meek spirit in this context is a spirit of humility. Peter illustrates this attitude by describing godly women who in humility placed themselves under the authority of their husbands. The grace of humility is essential for submitting to authority and is a rare and precious adornment for a Christian lady.

     Legalism is generally cried out when this subject is approached. However, strict adherence to the law is not an undesirable quality. Law is an established rule that must be observed if society is to have any resemblance of a high quality of life. Even civil law is established by our all wise God and is beneficial not only for those who observe and respect the law but also for the disobedient (Romans 13:1-7). Just as surely as God required Israel to follow the ceremonial law in their worship, just that surely the moral law of God was given not only to Israel but to all mankind and His requirements have not been repealed. God does not haphazardly introduce His commands. Each command of God has its own divine purpose and morality and decency is a divine requirement.

     As we go through life, let us choose to dress for success. Modesty and proper dress play a large role in our physical and spiritual maturity. If we serve and follow Christ, we should dress in a manner that shows respect to Him and our brothers and sisters in the faith. Love and respect resound as Christian Living basics. Dressing appropriately therefore helps us keep the two great commandments of love for God and love for our fellow man.
Haron