True Modesty Begins Within
by Mrs. Traci Knoppe

1 Peter 3:3-5 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.”

Modesty: the quality or state of being modest; unassuming or humble behavior; lack of excesses or pretensions; moderation, decency, decorum - Merriam Webster

I have discussed modesty in previous articles, but I wanted to address a specific aspect in greater detail - modesty within our hearts. 1 Peter 3:3-5 clearly states that we should focus on “unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” , not on the latest fashion trends, expensive clothing, fancy hairstyles and jewelery.

When we are born-again, we become new creations in Christ. However, scripture also states that because we live in a sinful world, we will continue to struggle with our sinful nature. It is only through the Holy Spirit, and God’s grace, that we are able to strive to overcome those struggles. Let’s look at the following verse:

Galatians 5:13-14 “You, my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

So the behind everything we do, our motive should be love. What does that mean? It means we put others before ourselves. How does this apply to modesty specifically? Let’s look at a verse in Matthew:

Matthew 5:27 “You have heard that it was said ‘Do not commit adultery’. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

If we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, and a man just looking at a woman lustfully is committing adultery, then out of love for our brother, we should make sure we’re dressed modestly! It’s the heart action first (love), then the outward follow-through on that action (modest clothing) that God is wanting. If you wear modest clothing, without a heart of love, you are not conveying the message of Jesus to others. The same can be said for having a heart of love, but dressing like a prostitute, your heart message is lost due to the distracting nature of your clothing.

The following verses in Galatians dictate what is the sinful nature and in Galatians and then Philippians, as to what character qualities we should portray as Christians:

Galatians 5:18-26 “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkeness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step iwth the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

It is by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we are able to show the fruits of the Spirit and think of things worthy of Christians. Again, it is the inward action that dictates the outward action. If you do this, then your actions will be fitting of Christ and modest. Does what you wear fit the descriptions of the fruits of the Spirit and the things we are to think about listed in Philippians?

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Mrs. Traci Knoppe lives near St. Louis, Missouri with her husband Mark, six children, one son-in-law and four Shih Tzus. Aside from her life as wife and mother, she owns a web design company that she runs from her home. Traci also co-leads the Titus 2 Christian HomeKeeper ministry through which she mentors women and does public speaking. Traci has written numerous articles on the subject of parenting, homekeeping, marriage and the Christian faith. Traci and Mark also actively serve in their church.

 

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Written by Traci Knoppe ©: Aside from her roles as wife, mother of six, mother-in-law and grandmother, Traci also works at home as a business owner.

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