But before my trip to the mall, something far more important must take place. I must first evaluate my heart. My dad says it this way, “Any biblical discussion of modesty begins by addressing the heart, not the hemline.” So what is this heart we’re supposed to have? 1 Timothy 2:9-10 makes it clear.  It says that “Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control.”  These two qualities are to inform the way that I dress. Let’s check out these definitions.

Modesty: “Propriety: The avoidance of clothing and adornment that is extravagant, showy, and sexually enticing.”

Self Control: “Restraint, moderation for the purpose of purity.”

Maybe modesty is a word you don’t really want to think about. Perhaps you’ve had a vague idea that it means “ugly” or “out of style.”  It may not have occurred to you that God has something to say about the clothes you wear. 

As do all Scriptural commands, this command to modesty and self-control has broader implications than merely externals, what we wear.  It goes right to the heart of WHY we wear what we wear.  Our clothes, whether we realize it or not, say something.  They give us away.  They reveal the heart behind the clothes we wear. A modest heart comes before modest dress. 

So what do your clothes say about your heart? What would we discover if we met your closet before we met you?  Do your clothes reveal a heart of modesty and self-control?   

Modesty – What It’s Not

Nicole: Thanks everyone, for sticking with us on this very important topic of modesty. In a world where modesty is anything but popular, your eagerness to please God by your dress testifies to His work of grace in your heart.

Please know that this series isn’t about imposing some kind of girltalk clothing standard. It’s about applying God’s standard and wisdom to the area of our dress. Ultimately, as Janelle said, it’s about our hearts; for, a modest heart comes before modest dress.

You see, immodest dress is more than simply wearing skimpy clothing. Often, it’s an expression of pride, the opposite of humility. Simply put, immodest clothes are pride on display. In his book Humility: True Greatness , my dad explains that “The proud person seeks to glorify himself and not God, thereby attempting in effect to deprive God of something only He is worthy to receive.”