I believe the Bible is our guideline for every aspect of life. I have always found the answer to every question in God’s Word, no matter how practical.
1 Timothy 2 9 guides us about what we should wear. This Scripture gives us three guidelines:
1. WE ARE TO ADORN OURSELVES MODESTLY.
This word means to act in an orderly manner and behave well. Did you know that this word is only used one other time in the Bible? This time it refers to men and is translated “good behavior.” A woman who dresses modestly understands what is right and doesn’t go beyond her conscience.
2. WE ARE TO ADORN OURSELVES WITH REVERENCE.
The word in the King James version is “shamefacedness.” No one uses this word today, so we better find out what it really means. The Greek word is “aidos” and means “downcast eyes, bashfulness, modesty, reverence.” Help! Does anyone have this attitude today?
One commentary says the word should be translated as “shamefastness.” In other words, we stand fast against bringing any shame or dishonor to our God, to our husband, to our womanly nature, or to the people of God. Once again, this word is used only one other time in the Bible where it relates to both men and women. It is found in Hebrews 5:9 where it tells us to “serve God acceptably with reverence (aidos) and godly fear.” This is meant to be the behavior of both men and women.
The context of 1 Timothy 2:9 is in the gathering together of the saints. We wear different clothing for different places. This is not talking about the beach or the bedroom. It is talking about meeting with the people of God. We don’t wear in church or when we meet with believers clothing we would wear in the bedroom. Some women don’t seem to understand this context.
Robert Spinney, professor at Patrick Henry College in Virginia says that many men ask the question: “Why can’t we have at least one haven from tight clothing, cleavage, bare shoulders, and short skirts? Why can’t people be sure to dress modestly when they attend church meetings? I expect to be tempted by scandalous clothing when I go to a college campus, but God’s people shouldn’t have to face that kind of temptation at church services. Can’t Christians be more considerate of others?”
3. WE ARE TO ADORN OURSELVES WITH SELF CONTROL
The King James Version uses another old word, sobriety. It is the Greek word “sophrosune” and means:
a) Soundness of mind, self-control, soberness.
b) Habitual self-government with its constant reign on all the passions and desires.
c) The well-balanced state of mind arising from habitual self-restraint.
d) Safe-and-sound mindedness.
e) Sensibleness and sound judgment.
A sound godly mind knows that cleavage and showing too much of the body is not appropriate clothing for public worship, or even outside the home.
Let’s walk in the fear of God, serving Him and the body of Christ with reverence. This is how we serve God ACCEPTABLY.
In His love,
Nancy Campbell
Painting: Morning Breeze by Vidan.