“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety…”
— 1 Timothy 2:9 (NIV)

Let’s Be Real: Modesty Has Become Complicated

It’s 2025, and the conversation around modesty is more layered than ever. We live in a time of body positivity, self-expression, hyper-visual culture, and digital validation. Everyone is trying to be seen, liked, followed, and reposted. At the same time, the Bible hasn’t changed—and neither has God’s standard for holiness. So what does modesty actually mean in this modern world?

What Does the Word “Modesty” Really Mean?

The Greek word Paul used in 1 Timothy 2:9 is “kosmios”, meaning orderly, well-arranged, and decent. It wasn’t just about clothing—it reflected a posture of the heart that avoids drawing unnecessary attention. When Paul addressed modesty, he was speaking to a culture where some women flaunted wealth and sensuality in how they dressed, especially in places of worship. He was encouraging godliness over glamour.

Modesty in that time wasn’t anti-style. It was anti-showmanship. It was a quiet rebellion against using appearance to dominate attention or evoke lust.

Modesty Is Not Just for Women

Let’s get one thing straight: modesty is not a “women’s issue.” That’s a lazy, outdated take. Men are not exempt.

Modesty applies to how both genders dress, posture themselves, speak, and present their bodies.

• A man posting shirtless gym selfies with the caption “God is good” is just as tone-deaf as a woman in revealing clothing captioning it with a Bible verse.
• Tight joggers, sweatpants with nothing left to the imagination, low-cut tops, extra-short shorts—men can be immodest too.

Same Clothes, Different Impact: The Body Factor

This is where it gets tricky. A simple outfit on one person might come across differently on another, purely due to body shape. A woman with curves might wear a T-shirt and jeans, and it draws more attention than the same outfit on someone with a different frame. Likewise, a muscular man in a fitted tee may not realise that his look can become a distraction.

So what’s the solution?

We can’t police body types—but we can check the heart behind the outfit:

• Are you trying to stir attraction?
• Are you hoping for compliments, comments, or a few DMs?
• Are you seeking validation for your body rather than reflecting the Spirit within?

Let’s Talk About Lust—And Responsibility

We live in a fallen world where lust is real. Yes, everyone is ultimately responsible for their own thoughts and actions, but Scripture still calls us to be our brother’s (and sister’s) keeper.

“Do not cause anyone to stumble…” — Romans 14:21
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4

If you knowingly wear something that highlights your body in a way that provokes lust, you are not innocent. Christians are called to love—and love doesn’t feed temptation.

Modesty is a form of self-control and spiritual maturity, an expression of love that says, “I care about how my presence affects you.”

Modesty in the Age of Social Media

Let’s be honest: social media has messed with modesty.

• Likes and comments are the new currency.
• Validation is instant and addictive.
• People post things for attention under the mask of “confidence” or “self-love,” when it’s often rooted in insecurity or vanity.
• Some Christians push the envelope, just enough to look trendy, flirty, and edgy—without fully crossing a line. But if the heart’s intention is still seduction, it’s immodest—even if you’re technically covered.

There’s nothing wrong with taking care of yourself or looking good. But if your self-worth is built on how much skin you show or how many compliments you get… that’s not confidence, that’s craving.

The Holy Spirit Will Let You Know

Here’s the kicker: modesty isn’t just about rules, it’s about relationship.

If the Holy Spirit lives in you, you already know when what you’re wearing is pushing it.

He’ll check you in the mirror.

He’ll nudge your heart before you post that picture.

He’ll whisper, “Who is this for?”

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit…” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

True modesty is Spirit-led, not just externally policed. And if we’re being honest, deep down, we always know when our outfit is meant to attract attention over reverence.

True Beauty in Modesty

Here’s what modesty isn’t:

• Frumpy.
• Ashamed of your body.
• Outdated or irrelevant.

Here’s what modesty is:

• Confidence that doesn’t crave attention.
• Freedom from the pressure to perform or please.
• Reverence for your body and your brothers/sisters in Christ.
• A silent sermon of inner beauty and godly character.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman (or man) who fears the Lord is to be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30

Let’s Normalise Godly Modesty in 2025

It’s time to reclaim the beauty of modesty—not as a rulebook, but as a radical expression of faith, love, and identity. Whether you’re male or female, ripped or curvy, quiet or outgoing—you are called to reflect Christ, not distract from Him.

Modesty Isn’t About Clothes — It’s About the Condition of Your Soul

Let your style say,
“I know who I am.”
“I don’t need your approval.”
“I belong to God.”

Because in a world that flaunts everything for attention, covering up for Christ is one of the boldest things you can do.

If you would like to make contact with Pastor Richard or Mrs. Dokkaas Kwakye in relation to this article on any advisory or counselling needs, contact them on the following link. We also recommend the following book to learn more.