Bible Thoughts June 13, 1999
"In like manner that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with
shamefastness and sobriety...(which becometh women professing
godliness) through good works"(I Timothy 2:9-10).
The word modest means "orderly, well-arranged, decent" (Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Vol. 3, p. 78). Not much is heard about modesty in our modern world. There are many who seem to be in a race to see how much clothing can be taken off in public or how disgusting one can dress. Apparently, the early saints were confronted with immodesty. Paul encouraged women who were Christians to properly adorn themselves.
The principle of modesty applies not only to women, but to men as well. When men wear garb that reveals their underwear(who wants to see it?), dress like women, and go out in public clothed to attract the stares of others by indecent dress and mannerisms--often with filthy language on their shirts, modesty has taken a back seat in such lives.
Orderly, well-arranged, decent in the definition of modest gives one an understanding of how it was applied in the days of the apostle. Incidentally, the same word is used in the qualifications of an elder in I Timothy 3:2(signifying "good behavior"). In one's life, not just in dress, but in everything having to do with the life of a Christian, the principle of being "well-ordered" certainly applies.
Consider the clothing that is worn by a Christian. Is it decent? does it reflect the character of a child of God? would I walk with Paul(or Christ) wearing the clothing that I wear from day to day? If one knew that Christ would be present, would the same clothing worn when working in the garden and mowing the grass be appropriate? Consider that in the light of what one wears to services, for the Lord is present(Matthew 18:20). The Christian does not have to dress as a fashion model(too many fashions of the day tend to immodesty), but it is wise to take thought of one's appearance before the Lord.
When Joseph was to appear before Pharaoh, he took time to prepare himself with giving appropriate consideration to his physical appearance. No, he is not an example from the New Testament, but there could well be a lesson for us as humans and the consideration one gives to his/her dress when assembling with the saints.(Note: There are occasions when a disciple is caught in a situation that does not permit him or her to dress as the person would under normal circumstances. If one is just getting off a "messy" job and does not have time to go home and change, be at services. There is nothing "immodest" about such a circumstance.)
As stated, the word from which modest is translated in the opening passage of this article is also the word from which orderly is translated in the qualifications of an elder. Modesty is not confined to dress. Modesty covers behavior, language, attitude, speech, example; in fact, the life of a Christian should be one of modest conduct in all areas and under all circumstances. Such is governed by the word of God and not the ideals or standards of men.
Shamefastness is "a sense of shame." Such an attitude seems to be lost in our age. Perhaps it is easy for Christians to be influenced and infected. One can become so caught up in the society, that what was abhorred is now accepted. An educated and active conscience will never let "a sense of shame" disappear from one's thinking.
Sobriety is also mentioned in I Timothy 2:9. The word indicates a "soundness of mind"(Vine). Soundness has to do with health. Hence, modesty includes a sound mind. So long as one is thinking as a Christian, he will act as a Christian. When one's thinking is decided by the standards and views of the world, modesty will take a back seat. Paul demonstrated this quality in his life, his conduct, his appearance before civil authorities, during imprisonment, and in many other situations. Paul was a modest person; that modesty did not keep him from contending earnestly for the faith. Even modest people should be aggressive when it comes to doing what is right. Never confuse modesty with timidity; they are not the same.
The life, character, and behavior of a Christian reflects the spirit of Christ. The "well-ordered" life is a modest life in which one follows Jesus Christ daily.