In a world that celebrates self-expression without limits, the call to modesty can sound outdated or unnecessary. Yet for the follower of Jesus, modesty isn’t about legalism or looking old-fashioned. It’s about reflecting the heart of the One we represent. The Apostle Paul urged believers to “adorn themselves in modest apparel… with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9–10), reminding us that true beauty begins within. Modesty still matters because it points our attention away from self and back toward the Savior.
When our outward appearance aligns with an inward devotion to God, our lives become a visible testimony of His transforming power.
In a culture obsessed with drawing attention, modesty declares that we already have the attention of Heaven, and that’s enough. As a follower of Christ and a member of the United Pentecostal Church International, I stand firmly with the UPCI’s teaching on modesty — a standard rooted in Scripture and apostolic holiness.”
Why Modesty Matters Across Cultures
Some say Paul’s teachings about modesty applied only to his own culture. But Paul was writing primarily to Gentiles, not Jews. Corinth, Ephesus, and other cities were filled with people whose cultural norms were very different from Paul’s own Jewish heritage.
When Paul instructed women to dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9-10) and men to live godly lives (1 Timothy 2:8), he was establishing a standard that transcends culture. Modesty and proper dress are for all Christians, everywhere.
“In like manner also, that the men should pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV
“In like manner also, that the women 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 Timothy 2:9-10 NKJV
Notice Paul’s language: modesty is propriety, moderation, and appropriateness. It’s not cultural, it’s biblical.
A Look at History
For most of American history, women wore skirts and dresses. Pants were considered men’s clothing. Before World War II, a woman wearing pants made a statement — often one of independence or social rebellion.
During WWII, women wore pants in factories for practicality. After the war, many returned to skirts, but the cultural shift had begun. Hollywood in the 1950s and 60s further normalized pants and casual styles, and second-wave feminism in the 1960s and 70s used clothing to challenge gender norms.
This history shows a pattern: clothing always communicates values. It is not neutral. For Christians, it should reflect God’s standards, not the world’s ideology.
Even during the Reformation and Great Awakening, Christian leaders echoed this same call to simplicity and holiness in appearance.
Christian Denominations and Standards of Dress
Historically, all Christian denominations maintained a standard of dress. For example, my grandmother recalls that Baptist women always wore dresses to church. Modesty was a visible expectation for both men and women. It was not about personal opinion; it was a communal reflection of biblical obedience and reverence.
John Wesley, the Methodist founder, said, “Let your dress be cheap, not costly; plain, not adorned; decent, not vain.”
(From his sermon “On Dress)
John Calvin, the Reformer, said, “We must always take care that our outward dress be not extravagant, but show modesty and moderation.”
(Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 19)
John Chrysostom, a 4th century preacher, said, “A modest woman is admired not because she is adorned, but because she adorns herself with modesty.”
Over time, these standards slowly loosened. Some Baptist & Nazarene denominations still teach modest dress today, while others have relaxed their expectations entirely. Similar patterns can be observed across Pentecostal, Methodist, and other evangelical communities. While many Christian traditions have varying standards, I fully embrace the UPCI’s commitment to modesty as an outward expression of inward holiness.
This gradual shift highlights a crucial point: culture should not dictate the church’s standards. When the church follows the world rather than leading it, important lines blur.
Today, some churches have secular-style music in worship, and leaders on the platform — pastors and worship leaders — wearing tight, ripped jeans or hats while ministering. At what point do we draw the line? The answer is clear: our standard is not the ever-changing world, but the unchanging Word of God.
The church has always been called to set itself apart, to influence culture rather than conform to it. Visible standards of dress, modesty, and behavior are part of that calling. When Christians live in a way that honors God, our families, and our communities, we communicate a truth the world cannot ignore.
Modesty for Men and Women
Modesty is for both genders. Men are called to present themselves with dignity, humility, and respect, avoiding extremes or clothing that draws unnecessary attention. Paul reminds men to lift holy hands without anger, indicating godliness is visible, not hidden (1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV).
For women, modesty communicates self-respect and devotion to God. Both men and women can reflect God’s beauty through clothing that is appropriate, dignified, and honorable. Modesty is attractive, not burdensome. It shows integrity and reverence.
Early Christian Witness
Even after the apostles, the church upheld modest dress:
- Clement of Alexandria (150–215 AD): “A woman should wear a simple dress, neither too little nor too much. Modesty is a token of a sound mind.” (Paedagogus 2.10)
- Hippolytus of Rome (170–235 AD): “A woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, for this is unseemly.” (Apostolic Tradition)
- Cyprian of Carthage (200–258 AD): “The ornament of a Christian woman is not of the body, but of the heart.” (Treatise II, On the Dress of Virgins)
These writings show that Christian standards for dress persisted even after the apostles, demonstrating continuity in obedience to God’s design despite cultural pressures.
Parents Modeling Modesty in Public
Parents have a powerful influence. Children observe what we wear in public, not just at home. By modeling modesty in everyday life, parents teach their children that dignity, respect, and alignment with God’s Word matter. This is a living example that speaks louder than words.
In public, children should see a clear difference between how Christians live and how the world lives. This visual example reinforces that following Christ affects every part of life, including appearance and behavior. It’s a living lesson that speaks louder than words.
The Beauty of Modesty
Modesty is not about restriction. It is a visible expression of faith, dignity, and respect. It is beautiful, for men and women alike. God delights when men and women honor the distinction He designed, reflecting His order and purpose in the way they dress.
Clothing should communicate character, respect, and intentionality. Dressing modestly does not mean looking frumpy or careless — it means dressing neatly, attractively, and respectfully. When we present ourselves well, we honor God, reflect His beauty, and provide a positive example for others to follow.
Modesty shows integrity and reverence, and it demonstrates that our lives — including our appearance — are aligned with God’s standards, not the world’s trends.
Putting Faith Into Action
Modesty isn’t just about what we wear; it’s about how we carry ourselves and the message our lives communicate. When we dress with humility and integrity, we remind ourselves—and others—that our identity is rooted in Christ, not culture.
- In your wardrobe: Choose clothing that honors your values without drawing unnecessary attention.
- In your speech: Speak with kindness and purity, reflecting a heart submitted to God.
- In your online presence: Let your posts, comments, and photos represent a spirit of modesty and grace.
- In your daily habits: Live with self-control, gratitude, and contentment—hallmarks of a modest heart.
When we live this way, we show the world that true beauty comes from a heart aligned with God’s will.
In Closing
Modesty has never been about rules; it has always been about relationship. When we understand who we belong to, our desire shifts from pleasing people to honoring God. Every choice we make in how we present ourselves becomes an act of worship that reflects His holiness. The world may chase trends that fade, but those who walk in godly modesty shine with a beauty that never fades away. Let us choose to live and dress in a way that testifies of our devotion to Jesus Christ, showing the world that holiness is still beautiful, and that modesty still matters.
Sources and Citations
U.S. National Archives, WWII women’s labor records
Holy Bible, NKJV
Clement of Alexandria, Paedagogus, Book 2, Chapter 10
Hippolytus of Rome, Apostolic Tradition, c. 215 AD
Cyprian of Carthage, Treatise II, On the Dress of Virgins, c. 250 AD
Gail Collins, America’s Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines (2003)
Linda Przybyszewski, The Lost Art of Dress (2014)
Apostolic Insights 
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