As immorality and immodesty gradually gets worse some are tempted to accept new definitions of “normal” as far as our attire and behaviour are concerned. “Modesty” has several meanings. It can mean humility, moderation or not calling attention to oneself. When referring to appearance, clothing and actions, modesty also means not being sexually suggestive, erotic or too revealing.
The apostles Paul and Peter both emphasized that women—especially “women professing godliness”—should dress “in modest apparel,” and that their primary concern should be to adorn themselves with good works and righteous character! (1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:1-6).
Christians of both sexes have a responsibility to be lights to the world! (Matthew 5:14) and how we choose to dress and present ourselves to others reflects what is in our hearts.
Although both men and women should strive to dress modestly, it is a particular issue for women in our ‘sex crazed’ world. Some females can be quite naive, not understanding the powerful effects they have on the opposite sex by the way they dress and act. Often what is advertised as the latest fashion and “cute” may be sexually suggestive to a man. This means females could be unintentionally tempting a brother or future brother in Christ to sin. As well as her attire a woman’s demeanor—the way she talks and walks and her body language must be modest and pleasing to God.
The power of feminine allure is illustrated in the story of King David and Bathsheba. The Bible holds David responsible for the sin of adultery (2 Samuel 11:1-4), but Bathsheba may have been partly to blame for not making sure her bathing was hidden from anyone’s view. Her exposure so ignited David’s lust that he jeopardized his reputation and reign.
Keep in mind that it’s wrong to do anything with the motive of looking seductive or that has a seductive effect on others. Examples of women using clothing, jewelry and makeup to be seductive are in 2 Kings 9:30; Ezekiel 23:40 and Hosea 2:13.
“Glorify God in your body and in your spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:20) by saving sex, seductiveness and sensuality for marriage, and by not putting your body on public exhibition.
