In American culture it seems as if “modesty” has become an unknown word. According to Webster being modest is, “having or showing a sense of what is proper,” and modesty itself is defined as “decency in behavior, dress, etc.” In looking at these definitions it is no wonder why there is confusion. We live in a time where nothing is absolute, or nothing is definitely right or wrong. Therefore, who is to say what is proper and what is not? While working with teens I would hear one answer again and again, and usually went like this, “But everyone else is…” Are we to let the crowd be the judge of what is proper? Certainly not! The crowd has never been the example to follow (Matt. 7:13). In all things we must let God be our guide.

How can we know what things are proper? Paul said we are to “test all things” (1 Thess 5:21). To test something you must have the right standard. Paul gave the Philippians a standard by which to live. It says, whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy—“meditate on these things” (4:8-9). Christians are to be examples to the world. We are to let Christ shine through us, but this can only be done if we let God be part of our decisions.

So Christians must exhibit modest behavior in all areas of life, but as we enter the summer season, let me challenge you to especially remember to be modest in what you choose to wear.

All too often we let the season determine our dress. We justify immodest clothing with words like “style” and “fashion”, when really the words that fit are “revealing” and “shameful.” The Lord desires His children to be modest in their appearance no matter what the weather. Long ago Paul instructed Timothy to encourage godly women to “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Tim 2:9-11). Paul instructed Timothy in this way, because Christians are to draw attention to Christ and not themselves. In this  case we learn that excess is to be avoided, but the Christian should also shun the opposite, which is wearing too little.

I believe the key phrase of Paul's message is where he makes reference to that “which is proper for women professing godliness.” Of course, this doesn't only apply to women! All Christian, men and women alike, must strive for godliness (2 Peter 1:6-7). Therefore, as we dress for whatever occasion, let us seek God’s advice on what to wear.  We are ambassadors for Christ and He is counting on us to set the right example.

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

Captured during the Korean War, General William Dean endured torture, mistreatment, and extreme hardship. At one point in his imprisonment, thinking his end was near; he put his words to paper. A part of his letter was a message to his son. He wrote, “Tell Bill the word is integrity.”

God has also written to His children and much of that message has to do with integrity. 

• “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Proverbs 11:3, c.f. Proverbs 10:9).
• “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1, c.f. Proverbs 28:6).
• “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you” (Titus 2:7-8).

Time and again God told His people “The righteous man walks in his integrity” (Proverbs 20:7), yet many failed to heed His Word. The Bible even speaks of religious leaders compromising their integrity and easing their consciences with the lie that “the end justifies the means”.

The highest governing body in Israel was the Sanhedrin, yet Matthew tells how they “sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death” (Matthew 26:59). The men who sat as judges over Israel were to those of the utmost character, yet they easily cast aside the eighth commandment when it suit them (“You shall not bear false witness”, Exodus 20:16). Jesus warned His disciples, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). It is no surprise then to see the Sanhedrin treating Christians the same way it treated Jesus. In Acts 6 they “set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law” (6:13).  It is no surprise that Jesus said of this people, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8).

After the Civil War it is said that Robert E. Lee was approached by a state lottery for the use of his name. They agreed to pay him very generously for his cooperation, but he replied, “Gentlemen, my name is all I have left, and it is not for sale.” Christians wear the name of Christ and it is precious. We must never compromise who we are. The church needs those who “hold fast to integrity” (Job 2:3, c.f. Job 2:9,4:6, 27:5, 31:6). Jesus made a statement, which not only speaks of salvation, but also implies integrity. He said, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

 - Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)