The Blessings of Modesty

By Marcia Jackson

In a culture of extremes, modesty can be a shining contrast of an abundant life. By definition, modesty is the freedom from excess or extreme, further described as purity, decency, and staying in bounds. Adhering to a standard of what is considered proper behavior brings many blessings that include God's favor, peace and security.

Freedom from excess can be applied to our everyday life - how we dress, eating habits, activities, working, sleeping, etc. Philippians 4:5 instructs us to "Let your moderation be known unto all men." We can exhibit "extreme" behavior when we overly display our body by a lack of appropriate clothing. Our body's natural balance or "homeostasis" (the maintenance of normal, internal stability), can be disrupted by too little sleep, lack of exercise, and improper dietary habits. Exposure to prolonged stress can compromise our immune system and increase our risk of disease and death. We need a balanced lifestyle to live in moderation or the "absence of extreme."

Boundaries insure our safety and security spiritually, physically, and emotionally. The Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:12-17 establish guidelines of protection. "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet ... anything that is thy neighbour's."

To maintain an orderly environment, we must follow standards of moral conduct in the workplace, the business arena, and in the home. We are instructed to obey the laws of government (I Peter 2:13) and to obey those that have rule over us (Hebrews 13:17).  

Decency refers to what is proper, respectable, fair and kind. Purity can be applied to chaste behavior, providing protection from out-of-wedlock pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and lasting emotional scars. Titus 2: 3-5 offers these guidelines: "be discreet, chaste, and keepers at home."

Balance, or moderation, results in unlimited blessings in every area of our lives. God has promised us peace, protection, and provision as we follow His instructions.