“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10
MODEST=having or showing a moderate or humble opinion of one’s own value, abilities, achievements, etc., unassuming, not forward; rather shy and reserved. Behaving according to a standard of what is proper or decorous; decent; pure; now, especially not displaying one’s body.
The scripture emphasizes: “that women adorn themselves with modest apparel.” This is everyone’s responsibility, not church dogma. It is God’s ageless standard, God’s command to and for all women, not just those who attend Faith Baptist Church. Thus God will judge all women for and to His standard for women.
This is to be one’s own personal conviction and faith: “with shamefacedness and sobriety.” This means that the person themselves would be embarrassed to be seen any other way. It is not a matter of doing it for church, or parents, or preacher, but for one’s own heart, self-respect, and conscience. It is a matter of following God because of being reconciled with God. It is a matter of trusting in God’s wisdom in all things. It is also a matter of recognizing human nature for what it is, knowing immodest dress will open the door for lust and improper conduct. Modesty is a safeguard for good morals, like a lock on a door discourages and inhibits crime.
Too many times, the church is resented for teaching modesty, because of having been represented as a teaching of that particular church, rather than as everyone’s responsibility to God and their fellow man. The same Bible that teaches modesty also teaches honesty. But seldom will you find people resenting a church for teaching honesty. WHY? Because honesty is presented as being everyone’s responsibility, rather than as a teaching peculiar to some strict church. Just as honesty is not to be considered some church’s dogma, neither should modesty be. Immodesty should be looked upon, frowned upon, and dealt with the same as dishonesty or any other transgression.
If we lose our sense of responsibility to God and God’s Word, then the salt has lost its savor. To be comfortable and indifferent towards what the Bible teaches to be wrong, is to grieve and quench the Holy Spirit. To have no reproof for that which is contrary to the Bible, is to have no valid testimony as a believer of its precepts. “He that is not with me is against me.” Matthew 12:30 “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:128 “Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come unto me.” Exodus 32:26
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4:17-18
Paul’s witness to Felix was to reason with him of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, (Acts 24:25). John the Baptist lost his head for having reproved Herod for having his brother Philip’s wife, (Matthew 14). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” 2 Corinthians 5:10-11a
SHARING
