Walking in the Spirit - Modesty

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Gal 5:25)

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Ro 13:10)

“I desire therefore that…women should adorn themselves…with modesty…” (1 Ti 2:8-9)

As Christians, we have received the great benefits of Jesus’ death on the cross. His blood paid for the forgiveness of our sins, and His resurrection demonstrated His power over sin (Ro 5-6). Christ gives us this same power over sin by His Holy Spirit, the Spirit who guides us to walk in love toward God and one another. When we walk in this Spirit of love, we fulfill God’s desire that He have a special and holy people on the earth who are called by His name (1 Pe 2:9).

In all areas of life, we should desire to walk in the Spirit of love and thus please our Lord. The Holy Spirit desires to transform every aspect of our lives so that Christ’s righteousness is expressed in all of our thoughts and actions (2 Co 7:1). In the area of dress, God’s Word calls us to modesty out of love for others – but what does this mean in practice?

First, we must recognize that sexual lust and immorality are some of the most serious and common sins which destroy men. I say men because although this sin affects both men and women, it is men who are most susceptible in this area, as reflected in the Bible’s treatment of the issue. Sexual immorality is frequently mentioned in the New Testament and is even singled out as a unique kind of sin because it defiles both the body and spirit (1 Co 6:18). Those who practice sexual immorality and do not repent will not enter the Kingdom of God (1 Co 6:9-10). Think of all the people you have heard about in your lifetime that have been destroyed by the sin of sexual immorality – many of them publicly.

In this spiritual battle where Satan is working to defile and destroy Christian men, the Christian woman is called to battle on behalf of the men by walking in the Spirit of love for God and for her brother. In this case, walking in the Spirit means that when a woman chooses her clothing she chooses it out of love for her Christian brothers, not wanting to cause them to be drawn into sin by lusting after her. She can make a strong statement about her love for God and her brothers by deliberately choosing to reject fashions designed to attract sexual desire and instead dress in a way that does not draw attention to her body. In doing this, she not only helps her brothers but also keeps herself from sin.

In making the practical decisions about what particular types of clothes to wear, it is good to ask yourself if anything in the clothing has been designed for the purpose of attracting sexual desire – which is a very common motivation in fashions. The world loves to exploit and degrade women by putting them on display as toys. I’m sure you can think of a few things right now in that category. Also, if you are not sure about a particular style, ask people in your life who you believe are spiritually mature and have good discernment – just make sure you pick people who will be honest with you and not shy away from telling you what their real reaction is to the clothing.

Remember, if you truly love God, then you will walk in love toward Him and your Christian brothers. Even if the world and many professing Christians don’t understand, Christ will give you great inner joy when you defeat Satan by walking in the Spirit with modesty. You will be one of the few in your generation who was willing to risk being different and being persecuted to express your love for Christ, and Christ abundantly rewards all those who are persecuted for His name’s sake (Matt 5:12). Meditate on these things and consider your future – out of love for God and your brothers will you walk in the Spirit with modesty?