A Modest Heart

“Your adornment must not be merely external - braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a quiet and gentle spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

The world has distorted the meaning of “modesty” in our minds. Modesty is considered as “old fashioned” and “out of style”. I think many people would be rather astonished to find what the true meaning of modesty really is. Noah Webster defines “modesty” in his 1828 Dictionary as:
a) a lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one’s own worth and importance
b) moderation; decency
c) synonymous with chastity or purity of manners - modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor.

I find here more of an emphasis on a woman’s character of heart, rather than her outward adornment. Our minds have corrupted by the world from realizing the true and pure beauty of modesty, and has distracted us from it’s priceless worth. Women have, for centuries, been deceived on what true beauty is - it is not measured by how much skin you are able to show, but what lies under that skin: a modest heart that lives in humility, realizing what it was and what it is becoming.

The real problem with immodesty is not the clothes (or lack thereof) on our bodies, it is the condition of our hearts. Immodesty is a direct result of a prideful heart, and a “look at me” attitude.
When we view ourselves more highly than we ought (pride), we take our eyes off Christ and find enjoyment in distracting other people to take their eyes off Christ as well. We think our bodies are for us to do with as we please.

But this should not be!

We who are God’s children were bought with a price! And because we were bought, we belong. Not to ourselves, but to Jesus. We now live for Him, to bring Him glory, and to direct the eyes of others to rest on Him and not us. For when a woman focuses on glorifying God with her body, she considers carefully what she puts on that body, and her modest heart dictates her wardrobe and appearance.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:19-20 [emphasis added]

God finds the women with modest hearts precious and beautiful in His sight.
Won’t you be one of them?