How do I know what is modest enough?
Romans 14:12-13Each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
The Bible does not outline precise rules for what we should wear. Modesty is a matter of discernment, and what comes across as very modest in one culture might be considered the opposite in another culture. We should avoid condemning other believers over things that are not clear-cut. However, each of us has a responsibility to consider how our actions, including how we dress, could affect others around us. We may not be responsible for the sins of others, but we can help reduce the power of their temptations.
James 1:10-11Those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
1 Timothy 6:17-19Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
The world often measures success by net worth, and many people find their confidence in what they own. As Christians, our confidence is in Christ, not our finances. Wealth—and the status that comes with it—is temporary. Recognizing that, is the first step toward financial modesty.
Matthew 6:1-2“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.”
It is possible to be generous without being modest, but most often, modesty and generosity go hand in hand. Someone who gives to impress others will only give enough to accomplish that goal. Someone who gives to serve others will go beyond that. A person who is both generous and modest will give to causes that genuinely bless peoples’ lives—not necessarily the causes that make the biggest public splash. If you would give the same amount even if no one knew what you had done, then that’s a good sign you are living with financial modesty.
John 3:28-30“You yourselves know how plainly I [John the Baptist] told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ . . . Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
John the Baptist is a powerful example of modesty. He was bold and confident, caring more about sharing his message than about what others thought about him. He gathered disciples to teach, yet was quick to send them away to follow a greater teacher—Jesus. John cared more about his mission than his status. When we find ourselves fully engaged in serving others, rather than worrying about how we appear to them, we are reflecting that same modesty.
