The Truth About Modesty

The truth about modesty is that it is a rare commodity indeed.  Of course there are some people who still bellieve in it.  But it is frightening indeed that most young people probably don't even know what the word means. And those who do know what it means probably don't care.  They may think it's an old-fashioned word that's not relevant today.  But that would be a lie.  So here's what the dictionary says that it means to be modest:

modest - 1. Having or displaying a moderate or unexaggerated regard for oneself or one's abilities, accomplishments, etc.; unassuming; humble.  2. Not showy, gaudy, or ostentatious: a modest meal.  3. Not excessive or extreme; moderate: a modest price.  4. Reserved, chaste, or pure in speech, manner, dress, etc.

modesty - 1. The state or quality of being modest.  2. Freedom from vanity or excessive pride.  3. Freedom from showiness or ostentation:  the modesty of his rooms.  4. Propriety or decorum in speech, manner, dress, etc.  5. Moderation.

All of these definitions have to do with humility, but I want to focus on being reserved, chaste, or pure in speech, manner, dress, etc.
Our society has tried to brainwash us and desensitize us to everything that is of God. We've been told through advertising, media, etc., that it's ok to be profane and/or vulgar in speech, as long as children don't hear it or do it. We've been shown partial (or full) nudity in sexually-charged movies, on tv, and in advertising and told it's funny - or cool - or natural - or real-life. We've been told that it's not realistic to expect young people to remain pure until they're married.  We've been told that it's up to each person to decide for themselves what to believe and how to live their lives.   But the problem with these things is that it leaves the person with no moral compass. And the results are very evident:  the natural pull of the world, like gravity, has put much of society in the gutter.

Young people who are not taught the importance of modesty wind up trying to copy or imitate what they see in movies, on tv, or at school, thinking that will make them happy.  But it only leads to a lack of respect - from others, for others, and for themselves.

Then people don't understand why they're so miserable. My heart is broken for people, female and male, young and old, who are caught up in society's lies of what will make them happy.

Some people think of God as the big "kill-joy" in the sky.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  All of God's commands and instructions are to give us a life full of peace and joy.  Consider what He says about modesty:

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -  rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:3-4

It's not saying you can't wear gold, fine apparel, etc.  It's saying that the attraction - adornment - of your life should not be focused on your outward looks, but rather on the hidden inward person: a gentle and quiet spirit.  The word "quiet", "hesuchios" in the original Greek, has nothing to do with speaking, but means:  "tranquillity arising from within, causing no disturbance to others, and is associated with 'meek', and is to characterize the spirit or disposition."

There you have it.  We can still have that nice outward adornment, but, as always, God is concerned about our hearts.  He wants all of us to have that trusting spirit within that is focused on what He thinks, not others, that is not frazzled with circumstances, but at peace.  That only comes from Him.  And He is delighted to give it to us.  In fact, when we trust Him as our Savior and Lord, He gives it automatically, unconditionally, and eternally.  That's not to say we can't grieve His Spirit with our sin.  But He will NEVER leave us or forsake us.  Wow!  Pretty awesome!