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The Other Side of Modesty
The Other Side of Modesty
A couple weeks ago, Adam preached on modesty. Modesty is ultimately an issue of the heart, but it can manifest itself in both underdressing and overdressing. Since Adam primarily spoke about underdressing, let’s discuss the other side of modesty: overdressing. Overdressing doesn’t mean wearing multiple layers because we’re cold. It means dressing fancy to impress. All the verses on modesty are about overdressing. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Your adornment must not be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart…”. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, “Likewise I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works…”.
The word “modestly” in 1 Timothy means “with a sense of shame or bashfulness.” It doesn’t mean we’re ashamed of ourselves, but that we understand how undignified it is to parade ourselves and put ourselves on display. When a person is immodest, they dress to draw the eye. They want everyone to look at them, to be the center of attention, maybe even the center of envy. In Roman times, women used elaborate hairstyles, fancy clothing, and long flowing braids as status symbols. They valued honor and status more than anything and clothing was a means of self-elevation.
To be fair, overdressing is a problem for men too. For example, I absolutely love suit vests! They look amazing and we should bring them back (along with fedoras please). One time I wore a suit vest to worship, but felt so uncomfortable I had to take it off. Why? Because no one else had a suit vest, so I stuck out like a sore thumb! I wasn’t trying to, but it felt like I was showing off. I genuinely felt immodest. I couldn’t help feeling like I was parading my suit vest awesomeness before my brethren, so it had to go.
Ladies can parade themselves too if not careful. There’s a difference between putting makeup on and doing it up big like on your wedding day isn’t there? Brides are supposed to be overdressed. But if you came to worship with a long flowing white gown and professionally styled hair and makeup that would be way over the top. All eyes would be on you, instead of on the Lord! All eyes would be on your looks, instead of on your heart. Likewise, there’s a difference between wearing jewelry that accentuates your beauty and wearing more ornaments than a Christmas tree (see Isaiah 3:18-24).
What we wear matters, for men and women. Overdressing is a reflection of the heart. It shows twisted priorities, a lack of bashfulness, and a need for attention and admiration. What God really wants is our heart. Instead of overdressing to over-impress, “Let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” (1 Pet. 3:4).
