True Beauty Part 3: Adorned in Modesty

1 Timothy 2:9-10- “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”

Here Paul is addressing that women in the church should not look exactly like the ungodly women in the world. Women in the church are to be different: a light to unbelievers. They should stand out not because of their revealing clothing, but because of their modest heart and dress. As women we are called to dress in a way that is not “distracting” to men in their pursuit to grow in godliness.

Here are some wise words from John MacArthur:

“How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? It is to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance.”

“Good works” are to be what’s most noticeable about a woman who professes godliness. Not our wardrobes, but our good works—an observable lifestyle of serving others. This I believe is the appropriate adornment for women who profess to be Christians. And it is an evidence of the transforming effect of the gospel. It may mean more time sacrificing on behalf of our families and local church.

All respectable apparel is the result of a godly heart, where modesty and self-control originate. Our wardrobes are a public statement of our personal and private motivation and convictions. If we have a desire to profess godliness, we should be concerned with cultivating the virtues of modesty and self-control. Our adorning should be: “the hidden person of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. (1 Peter 3:4)”

“Self-control is, in a word, restraint. Restraint for the purpose of purity; restraint for the purpose of exalting God and not ourselves. Together, these attitudes of modesty and self-control should be the hallmark of the godly woman’s dress. What is the intent of your heart in purchasing clothes to wear? Does a humble heart and a servant’s heart dictate your wardrobe and appearance? Is your shopping informed and governed by modesty and restraint? Or is your dress motivated by a desire for attention and approval from others? Does your style reflect a lack of self-control? There’s an inseparable link between your heart and your clothes. Your clothes say something about your attitude. If they don’t express a heart that is humble, that desires to please God, that longs to serve others, that’s modest, that exercises self-control, then change must begin in the heart.” –C.J. Mahaney

Let’s be one’s that are constantly evaluating our hearts and motives. Let me encourage you to find someone in your life to ask about your wardrobe. If you aren't married with a husband to ask or don’t have a dad or brother you feel would be helpful to you, then find a trustworthy lady in your Church that will give you an honest assessment of your wardrobe. If we truly want to change we will invite others to help us! Modesty is a statement of humility expressed in our wardrobes!

Today let’s ask:

1. What is most eye catching about me, my stylish clothes or my character?

2. Does my life reflect an observable lifestyle of serving others?

I pray you found this little series to be helpful and encouraging. That was my desire in doing these posts! Because we live in a fallen world and temptations arise daily, I am not an "expert" at anything I shared. Just like every other woman in the world, I need to check my heart motives daily.