Whenever a young man or woman begins to look for their first job, there’s a piece of advice that is nearly universally given. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” The idea is that you always want to convey to a potential employer that you take your work seriously and have ambitions beyond an entry-level position. You are committed to growing your skills and maximizing your potential.
What we wear says a lot about us. Humans are visual creatures. Scientists tell us that the human brain can process entire images that the eye sees for as little as 13 milliseconds. Within the blink of an eye, we can gain a ton of information about someone and make judgments about them. It should be no surprise then that we put a lot of time and thought into the things we wear. We want to make a good impression. So, we wear things that convey a certain message about ourselves or give the attention we desire. What message should a Christian be sending?
Christians must dress modestly. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul states, “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 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.”
So, Christians are to dress modestly, but what does that mean? Rather than focusing on specific garments or jewelry, Paul’s command focuses on dressing in a way that professes godliness (v. 10). Paul gives us three criteria for godly apparel: modesty, propriety, and moderation.
Each of the words used here have meanings that emphasize a different aspect of modesty. The word translated “modesty” specifically means “being appropriate for winning approval.” The emphasis here is clothes that demonstrates your Christian morals. “Propriety” means “the modesty of women; reverence or respect.” These are clothes that demonstrate reverence, and the word translated “moderation” means “the practice of prudence, good judgment, moderation, self-control.” This word emphasizes dressing in a wise way, especially according to the virtues of decency and chastity.
How does the way you dress hold up to Paul’s criteria for Christian modesty? Are people more or less likely to think well of you? Does what you wear demonstrate a reverent heart toward God or a flippant one? Does your choice of dress show godly wisdom toward decency in all settings? Let’s dress for the destination we want, not for the destination we have.