Lessons in Modesty (From My Heart)

This is my favorite dictionary. Published just before the turn of the century, it reflects a time when America esteemed God and tried to follow His ways.

The Original Webster's Unabridged Dictionary defines modesty as,

"That lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one's own worth and importance. This temper, when natural, springs in some measure from timidity, and in young and inexperienced persons, is allied to bashfulness and diffidence. In persons who have seen the world, and lost their natural timidity, modesty springs no less from principle than from feeling, and is manifested by retiring, unobtrusive manners, assuming less to itself than others are willing to yield, and conceding to others all due honor and respect, or even more than they expect or require.

2. Modesty, as an act or series of acts, consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption, audacity, or impudence. Thus we say, the petitioner urged his claims with modesty; the speaker addressed the audience with modesty.

3. Moderation; decency.

4. In females, modesty has the like character as is males; but the word is used also as synomymous with chastity, or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy, fortified by education and principle. Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor."

My dictionary is a wise friend, a dear treasure.

Modesty is not old-fashioned. It is not an antiquity to be pushed into a corner and forgotten forever. It is a character trait to be striven for and attained. It is pleasing to God when we possess humility enough to refrain from pulling attention to ourselves in the manner we dress; and even more pleasing, to avoid outfits that might tempt another to sin. We must put off pride and selfishness, and put on humility and love.

We could all just cover up and be done with it. No one would know what our true hearts hold. But God would know. (He's good like that, you know; being omniscient.)

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the revewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." ~Romans 12:1-2

"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 gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. ~1 Peter 3:3-4

Modesty is noble and admirable. It is respectful and dignified. It is not desperate and alluring, nor lusty. Modesty is inward adornment applied and assisted by the Holy Spirit resulting in an outward glow of obedience.