Modest dressing
In today’s world, dressing has been a serious matter, especially where it concerns women. The words “modest” and “decent” are often used interchangeably to describe how they dress. And we often assume they mean the same thing. But from a deeper spiritual or Christian viewpoint, they are not the same. The difference lies in the heart, the purpose, and the message they convey to the world.
What is Modest Dressing?
Modest dressing goes beyond just covering the body. It reflects humility, reverence, and a desire to honor God. Modesty is not about fashion trends or fitting in. It’s about pointing others to Christ, not to oneself.
A modestly dressed person does not seek to attract attention to their body. Instead, they aim to showcase a spirit of purity and godliness. The Apostle Paul said, “…women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control” (1 Timothy 2:9). This principle applies to men as well.
Modest wear starts with the heart. It’s a choice to glorify God through every action, including how one presents themselves.
What is Decent Dressing?
Decent dressing, on the other hand, is more about cultural standards. It simply means putting on what is acceptable according to societal norms. A person can be decently dressed but not modest in God’s eyes.
For example, wearing a formal suit or a stylish dress might be considered decent. Yet, if it emphasizes physical appearance over spiritual values, it lacks the essence of modesty. Decent clothes is always tainted by the flesh. This means it is often corrupted by what each individual likes. It is designed to satisfy the desires of each person according to what the person feels will make him or her tick.
Decency often focuses on the external. Modesty focuses on the internal.
The Spiritual Difference – the vile motives hidden under the veil of looking good
The spiritual difference between modest and decent dressing is intent. Decent attire aims to look acceptable to people. Modest dressing aims to please God.
Decent dressing often reflect pride, selfish gratifications, vanity, promiscuity, carelessness, a desire for pleasure, or a passion to impress others. Modest dressing rejects these motives. It seeks to uphold the quiet beauty of a heart surrendered to Christ. It seeks to place a dividing line between worldliness and fleshly desires on one side, then godliness and piety on the other side.
Jesus taught that what comes from the heart matters most (Matthew 15:18-20). If the heart is pure, the outward appearance will align with God’s standards.
Why Does It Matter?
In a world that is obsessed with self-expression and changing images, dressing modestly is a powerful testimony. It shows that we value God’s opinion above society’s trends. At no point did it say we should look shabby and repugnant to sight. It instead insists we should dress in a way to look different in a godly sense, clean, presentable, and wholly to impress God. That should be our main goal. Of course, we impress God if what we wear does not trigger the negative emotions decent clothes can stir in people.
So, modest dressing protects others from temptation. It helps keep our brothers and sisters in Christ from stumbling (Romans 14:13). It also reminds us to find our worth in Christ, not in outward beauty.
The modestly dressed tries to decrease the growing influence sensuality on the earth. Now you can understand why the devil will use every means possible to make it look outdated, dirty, unacceptable, useless and out touch with the real world.
A Call to Reflect
As Christians, we must ask ourselves: Why do we dress the way we do? Do our choices honor God or seek approval from ourselves and or the world?
Let us strive to dress in a way that glorifies God. Let our clothing reflect a heart that treasures Him above all. Modest dressing is not just about fabric. It is about faith, humility, and love for the One who calls us to be holy.
Choose modesty. Choose to honor God.
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