“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” 1 Timothy 2:9.
The word “modest” in this verse has the thought of not bringing attention to ourselves. Scripture was written for obedient hearts. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence” (1 Cor. 10:31-32).
When we go to buy a new article of clothing, do we seek His mind? Will it be for His glory or for mine? Will it reveal rather than conceal the body He has given me? Will I give offence in wearing it? Scripture teaches us that if we truly love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we will try our hardest to not offend them.
An older brother at a conference spoke to a woman about her apparel and she said, “But Oh! brother, you don’t know how hot I am today!” He replied, “God gave us our clothes not to keep us warm or cool, but to cover our nakedness.” In Matthew 5:28 the Lord Jesus said, “I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Perhaps it seems that we shouldn’t have to worry about that because it’s a man’s problem if he has sin in his heart, not ours; but the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:13, “If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth.” God wants us to clothe ourselves in a way that would not make it more difficult for our brother to think pure thoughts. May God keep us from dressing in a way that would cause another to sin!