Where has Biblical Modesty gone???

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Apr 12, 2019
243
105
43
#1
Hey Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ :)

I wanted discuss the importance of biblical modesty specifically for women but it also can apply for men, it seems that many churches have decided to abandon this principle of Godly Modesty in the name of "grace", but this is nothing more than a distortion of what grace means, a distortion of God's Gospel and Will according to the bible. God's intention is that through Grace we are made Holy as it says in 1 Peter 1:15 But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.

All your conduct includes the way you dress, as this is according to loving God and neighbor, love does no wrong to your neighbor which includes not dressing in a way that promotes sin, not being a stumbling block, that's not loving at all, dressing immodestly is a sin against God and neighbor that must be repented off.

Anyway, what do you think about modesty? do you see the importance of biblical modesty and are you seeking to fight for it in your church?

This issue is bigger than many people would think and there is much misconceptions about it.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,176
3,700
113
#2
Hey Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ :)

I wanted discuss the importance of biblical modesty specifically for women but it also can apply for men, it seems that many churches have decided to abandon this principle of Godly Modesty in the name of "grace", but this is nothing more than a distortion of what grace means, a distortion of God's Gospel and Will according to the bible. God's intention is that through Grace we are made Holy as it says in 1 Peter 1:15 But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.

All your conduct includes the way you dress, as this is according to loving God and neighbor, love does no wrong to your neighbor which includes not dressing in a way that promotes sin, not being a stumbling block, that's not loving at all, dressing immodestly is a sin against God and neighbor that must be repented off.

Anyway, what do you think about modesty? do you see the importance of biblical modesty and are you seeking to fight for it in your church?

This issue is bigger than many people would think and there is much misconceptions about it.
It’s called conforming to this world. Instead of the Church influencing the world, the world has made its’ way into a lot of churches.
 
Oct 25, 2018
2,377
1,198
113
#3
Hey Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ :)

I wanted discuss the importance of biblical modesty specifically for women but it also can apply for men, it seems that many churches have decided to abandon this principle of Godly Modesty in the name of "grace", but this is nothing more than a distortion of what grace means, a distortion of God's Gospel and Will according to the bible. God's intention is that through Grace we are made Holy as it says in 1 Peter 1:15 But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.

All your conduct includes the way you dress, as this is according to loving God and neighbor, love does no wrong to your neighbor which includes not dressing in a way that promotes sin, not being a stumbling block, that's not loving at all, dressing immodestly is a sin against God and neighbor that must be repented off.

Anyway, what do you think about modesty? do you see the importance of biblical modesty and are you seeking to fight for it in your church?

This issue is bigger than many people would think and there is much misconceptions about it.
Modesty means different to different ppl. Decency to some means women are to wear dresses to church and men to wear dress pants and a dress shirt.

To me, decency is wearing that which doesn’t bring attention to oneself.
 
Oct 30, 2019
50
48
18
#4
Modesty means different to different ppl. Decency to some means women are to wear dresses to church and men to wear dress pants and a dress shirt.

To me, decency is wearing that which doesn’t bring attention to oneself.
Agree, it depends what is meant by modesty. I wouldn't expect women to cover their hair or wear dresses to the ground. I would wear long trousers (pants) not shorts.

I would rather someone was in church in the 'wrong' clothes than not at all but better in decent clothes. Here in the Philippines there are a lot of poor people and people live in shorts and T-shirt. Would you refuse them entry because they can't afford decent clothes?
 
Oct 25, 2018
2,377
1,198
113
#5
Agree, it depends what is meant by modesty. I wouldn't expect women to cover their hair or wear dresses to the ground. I would wear long trousers (pants) not shorts.

I would rather someone was in church in the 'wrong' clothes than not at all but better in decent clothes. Here in the Philippines there are a lot of poor people and people live in shorts and T-shirt. Would you refuse them entry because they can't afford decent clothes?
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”[1 Sam. 16:7]

Personally, seeing ppl in church in shorts doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, it wouldn’t bother to hear a minister preach in shorts.

We’ve gotten hung up the exterior of mankind when the interior is the problem.
 
Apr 12, 2019
243
105
43
#6
Modesty means different to different ppl. Decency to some means women are to wear dresses to church and men to wear dress pants and a dress shirt.

To me, decency is wearing that which doesn’t bring attention to oneself.
I think a good definition that fits the overall theme of modesty biblicaly would be this:
"The avoidance of clothing and adornment which might be both showy and aswell as sexually enticing"
 
Apr 12, 2019
243
105
43
#7
A principal from God's word when understanding the outside and inside is in Matthew which says:
Matthew 23:26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

This is a common verse that is often distorted and often used against issues of modesty etc.. etc.. for example you hear christians saying things like the inside is most important thing, we dont have to worry about outside things so much... they use this verse and twist its meaning.

Jesus here is NOT destroying "the outside things" with this verse, indeed he is actually establishing the outside things, through the inside. He is telling the Pharisees, that the INSIDE establishes the OUTSIDE, the problem with the pharisees was that they didn't understand righteousness, that righteousness is an inside to outside reality.

The application for Christians with this verse is this: When dealing with outward conduct the internal reality must be established for that outward conduct.

So what is the inside reality that the outside reality in this case for modesty must be founded upon? THAT is the question :)
 
Oct 25, 2018
2,377
1,198
113
#8
A principal from God's word when understanding the outside and inside is in Matthew which says:
Matthew 23:26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

This is a common verse that is often distorted and often used against issues of modesty etc.. etc.. for example you hear christians saying things like the inside is most important thing, we dont have to worry about outside things so much... they use this verse and twist its meaning.

Jesus here is NOT destroying "the outside things" with this verse, indeed he is actually establishing the outside things, through the inside. He is telling the Pharisees, that the INSIDE establishes the OUTSIDE, the problem with the pharisees was that they didn't understand righteousness, that righteousness is an inside to outside reality.

The application for Christians with this verse is this: When dealing with outward conduct the internal reality must be established for that outward conduct.

So what is the inside reality that the outside reality in this case for modesty must be founded upon? THAT is the question :)
Well, the outside is a reflection of the inside.
 
Apr 12, 2019
243
105
43
#9
Agree, it depends what is meant by modesty. I wouldn't expect women to cover their hair or wear dresses to the ground. I would wear long trousers (pants) not shorts.

I would rather someone was in church in the 'wrong' clothes than not at all but better in decent clothes. Here in the Philippines there are a lot of poor people and people live in shorts and T-shirt. Would you refuse them entry because they can't afford decent clothes?
Well i think there is a wrong dilemma here, people have to get saved first, then the church is established and the gospel is manifest in people lives in that church which means Christians naturally will be starting to wear proper clothing because of love (when i say proper clothing im not talking about expensive clothing, but clothing that covers). So no denying someone entry into a church is always wrong. The person coming into the church should notice a difference between between the world and the church at first sight. Since it is a congregation of saints aka sanctified vessels internally and externally.

If the entire church is dressed in a lewd way like the world around them, its nothing but sin.
 
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,974
113
#10
well,
my code of dressing is very simple = would Jesus want me to 'show-off my breasts-butt-ie, body in any way'
that would provoke or make another to have feelings that would not effect them in a non-Bibical Way???
nother words, I'd have to ask my self 'why' I was wearing what I was wearing and WHY?? ='motive"
I'm beyond grateful that these questions have been answered and I'm totally at peace in my mind =
I simply don't CARE what others think, and I am now especially AWARE of what my Heavenly Father
requires of me in order to be in His Will...
 

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
1,321
113
33
Arizona
#11
Sadly so many people seem to focus on feeling confident about themselves to make up for the feelings of ill confidence in the past.
 
Oct 30, 2019
50
48
18
#12
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”[1 Sam. 16:7]

Personally, seeing ppl in church in shorts doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, it wouldn’t bother to hear a minister preach in shorts.

We’ve gotten hung up the exterior of mankind when the interior is the problem.
Yes you are right. I guess for me it is about giving it a bit of thought as a matter of respect to God. But I doubt He cares so it is really about me!

I live my life in just a pair of shorts so putting on a T-shirt is dressing up for me now :)
 
Apr 12, 2019
243
105
43
#14
Immodesty is usually in the eye of the beholder.
Hey Ghoti2, hope your doing well :)
That's an interesting catch phrase, something that i have often seen people use to dress themselves according to there own definition of what is modest and what is immodest. Ive seen people say stuff like this and then wear shorts shorts to church (sensual and sinful clothing) etc etc.. My mum even thinks that this can be modest.... (wearing short shorts, a popular clothing style today)

But what if the eye of the beholder is God? If God commands his church to dress modestly then obviously there is a biblical guideline or a standard from the word of God itself, that helps us see what type of clothing would be appropriate and not appropriate, aka what clothing fits into the modest box and what clothing fits into the immodest box.

We have to be careful here because we don't want to be all uptight about this, we want people to freely dress in a way that is pleasing to God, yet the bible does have a guideline for this through the OT and NT that we can put together, that helps us get on the right track.

if your really interested, let me know ill bring out the verses, but im lazy you can google it yourself. But i will if people insist.
 

Ghoti2

Well-known member
Nov 8, 2019
469
283
63
#15
Hey Ghoti2, hope your doing well :)
That's an interesting catch phrase, something that i have often seen people use to dress themselves according to there own definition of what is modest and what is immodest. Ive seen people say stuff like this and then wear shorts shorts to church (sensual and sinful clothing) etc etc.. My mum even thinks that this can be modest.... (wearing short shorts, a popular clothing style today)

But what if the eye of the beholder is God? If God commands his church to dress modestly then obviously there is a biblical guideline or a standard from the word of God itself, that helps us see what type of clothing would be appropriate and not appropriate, aka what clothing fits into the modest box and what clothing fits into the immodest box.

We have to be careful here because we don't want to be all uptight about this, we want people to freely dress in a way that is pleasing to God, yet the bible does have a guideline for this through the OT and NT that we can put together, that helps us get on the right track.

if your really interested, let me know ill bring out the verses, but im lazy you can google it yourself. But i will if people insist.
:rolleyes: As we keep telling our offending clients...… "Sorry, your reaction is not the girl's fault."
 
Apr 12, 2019
243
105
43
#16
:rolleyes: As we keep telling our offending clients...… "Sorry, your reaction is not the girl's fault."
Sorry i dont understand your statement brother, im a bit confused sometimes? if you could explain more clearly?
 

Ghoti2

Well-known member
Nov 8, 2019
469
283
63
#17
Sorry i dont understand your statement brother, im a bit confused sometimes? if you could explain more clearly?
I worked with the courts a lot, and the girl's attire was often an excuse we heard in sexual assault cases.
 
Apr 12, 2019
243
105
43
#18
Ok, so i think what your saying is, that men are responsible for there sexual sin? well im in agreement with you there brother, amen.

But Christian Modesty is about sin avoidance (mainly the heart, since sexual immorality is a heart sin not just an act), for example God doesn't tempt people to sin, why would he want his Godly Women to be tempting people to sin? i mean think about it, even if a christian women is walking around in the world, if she is dressed in a lewd way she can be promoting and tempting people to sin that are not even christians as she is dressed in a way that promotes the sinful flesh.

If God doesn't tempt people to sin then obviously its wrong for Christians to aswell (through how they dress), so your right about men being at fault, but your also wrong if you think how a women dresses can not be sinful, because its a sin to tempt to sin.

Love does no wrong to its neighbor.
 

Ghoti2

Well-known member
Nov 8, 2019
469
283
63
#19
I attend a fairly "progressive" church, and about a quarter of the people wear shorts. Due to my background, I instinctively notice male reactions. It is interesting that even pretty short shorts hardly ever phase many of the men. And the younger men look even less than some of the older ones.... THAT was a bit of a surprise to me.
 

CherieR

Senior Member
May 6, 2017
2,271
1,430
113
#20
Hey Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ :)

I wanted discuss the importance of biblical modesty specifically for women but it also can apply for men, it seems that many churches have decided to abandon this principle of Godly Modesty in the name of "grace", but this is nothing more than a distortion of what grace means, a distortion of God's Gospel and Will according to the bible. God's intention is that through Grace we are made Holy as it says in 1 Peter 1:15 But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.

All your conduct includes the way you dress, as this is according to loving God and neighbor, love does no wrong to your neighbor which includes not dressing in a way that promotes sin, not being a stumbling block, that's not loving at all, dressing immodestly is a sin against God and neighbor that must be repented off.

Anyway, what do you think about modesty? do you see the importance of biblical modesty and are you seeking to fight for it in your church?

This issue is bigger than many people would think and there is much misconceptions about it.
Modesty is good for both men and women. Pushing for legalistic dress codes is not good. Some women may feel comfortable in a v neck or scoop neck shirt. Others may not. Different people perceive modest dress differently. It is best not to push one's own preferences of modesty as the rule to go by.